Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 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 Curtis L. Duck, 43.

According to information presented to the court, Duck conspired with a co-defendant to possess with intent to distribute and distribute approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine.

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 Duck.

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

Bruce Johnson, 61, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Johnson on bond.

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 that led to the prosecution of Johnson.

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 – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, oxycodone, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

George Norkus, 68, of Pittsburgh, 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 Norkus was a pharmacist at all times relevant to the charged offense. From on or about Oct. 1, 2015, to on or about Feb. 16, 2016, Norkus knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. In addition, Norkus, unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally omitted material information from reports, records, and other documents required to be made, kept, or filed under Title 21 of the United States Code.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dec. 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 24 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or any or all of the above. 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of George Norkus.

PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, together with the University of Pittsburgh Physicians, UPMC Community Medicine, Inc., and Tri-State Neurosurgical Associates-UPMC, Inc. (“UPMC”) have agreed to pay the United States $2,520,429 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The settlement resolves several of the allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The settled claims contended that UPMC violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to the Medicare program. Specifically, the Complaint alleged that certain neurosurgeons employed by UPMC submitted claims for assisting with or supervising surgical procedures performed by other surgeons, residents, fellows, or physician assistants, when those neurosurgeons did not participate in the relevant surgeries to the degree required. The settlement also resolves allegations that a particular neurosurgeon, when performing multi-level spinal surgeries, submitted claims to the Medicare program for levels of spinal decompression not actually performed. Several claims asserted by the whistleblowers in their Complaint are not resolved by this settlement. The whistleblowers will continue to independently pursue those claims.

“Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting federal health care programs from fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “By pursuing false claims act cases like this, we send a clear message that health care providers must follow the rules when they deal with federal health care programs, and that this Office will hold accountable those who do not.”

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and David Lew handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

This case is captioned United States ex rel. J. William Bookwalter, III, M.D., et al. v. UPMC, et al., Civ. No. 12-145 (WDPA). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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

The one-count indictment named Darnell Payne, 30, and Daniel Jones, 29, as defendants.

According to the indictment, from in and around January 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around July 2016, Payne and Jones conspired with one another and others both known and unknown to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, 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 Katherine A. King is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Baldwin Borough Police Department, the Duquesne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Scott Township Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department, along with assistance from the Borough of McKees Rocks Police Department, the Borough of Ambridge Police Department, the Borough of Sewickley Police Department, the Crescent Township Police Department, the City of Aliquippa Police Department, the Borough of New Brighton Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. 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 citizen of Jamaica, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Gervan Hall, 33, of Jamaica, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 23, 2016, Hall was found in Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pa., after having unlawfully re-entered the United States following removal on May 27, 2004.

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

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

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 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 – Federal charges were filed this afternoon in connection with the intentional destruction of a security gate at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Division headquarters, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The criminal complaint charges Thomas Ross, 48, with Damaging Government Property and Causing Damage to Buildings or Property within the Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States.

According to the complaint, on July 26, 2016, an officer with the traffic division of the Pittsburgh Police observed a very large dump truck vehicle driving on Carson Street in the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. According to the officer the dump truck vehicle was driving erratically and unsafely, and, in fact, drove past the officer, who was sitting at a red light, at a high rate of speed before proceeding to run through several more red lights. The dump truck vehicle proceeded to Sidney Street into the parking lot of a Giant Eagle GetGo gas station, before being stopped by the officer. Upon approaching the dump truck vehicle, the traffic officer encountered an individual later identified as Thomas Ross, who was the driver of the vehicle. The officer ordered Ross out of the vehicle, but Ross refused to get out. On the third command, Ross stated to the officer that he had a bomb and that he had to see the FBI (which was across the street at that point). At that point, Ross put the dump truck vehicle into gear, and proceeded to the front gate of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, located at 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., at a high rate of speed. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is the property of the United States government and exists within the Special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The front entrance gate of the FBI Pittsburgh has a guard booth which at the time was occupied by a security officer as well as several security barriers. Ross proceeded to ram the through the security barriers at a high rate of speed, causing the dump truck vehicle to go airborne while causing extensive damage to the vehicle. Upon hitting the ground, the dump truck vehicle struck a nearby light post in the interior parking lot of the FBI Pittsburgh, causing that light post to fall. The FBI estimates that the damage caused by Ross will exceed $1,000.

A date and time for the defendant to appear in federal court in Pittsburgh has not been set.

The penalties for violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361 - Damaging Government Property or Contracts – are tied to the extent of the property damage. If the damage exceeds $1000, the defendant is subject to a fine of up to $250,000, 10 years imprisonment, or both. The penalties for violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1363 - Causing Damage to Buildings or Property within the Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States - differ where human life is endangered or a dwelling is damaged or destroyed. When neither a dwelling nor a human life is endangered, the defendant is subject to a fine of up to $250,000, five years imprisonment, or both; otherwise the defendant may be punished by a fine of up to $250,000, 20 years imprisonment, 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.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that he is guilty of an offense.

Assistant United States Attorney Jimmy Kitchen is prosecuting this case. Special agents of the FBI and investigators from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the complaint against this defendant.

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of malicious destruction of property by fire and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Andrea Forsythe, 27, of Oakdale, Pa. pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Forsythe set fire to a residential structure located in Sturgeon, Pa., which structure was a rental home where she had been residing, so that she could obtain money from the insurance company which provided coverage on that structure. The wire fraud charge states Forsythe engaged in a scheme to defraud Nationwide Insurance company in connection with the claim she made for the fire loss on or about June 20, 2014.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2016. 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.

Forsythe will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – Marquese Underwood, 21 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin while under court supervision for a prior offense, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence. Underwood was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the prison term.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – A Lawrence County resident has been sentenced in federal court to five 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 Melvin Dorsey-Pace, 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 Melvin Dorsey-Pace conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine which was transported from Buffalo, NY, to the New Castle area for further distribution.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was 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 Dorsey-Pace.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, more recently a resident of Tucker, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months (12 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Randee Gilliam, 50, of Tucker, Georgia.

According to information presented to the court, the investigation, which began in the fall of 2011 and concluded in mid-March 2012, involved Title III wiretaps on cell phones utilized by Lamont Wright, John Saban, and Dorian Gilliam.

The investigation revealed that Randee Gilliam obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from a source of supply in Tucson, Arizona, on a regular basis. Randee Gilliam then supplied those kilograms of cocaine to John Saban, a resident of Pittsburgh, on a weekly basis. Randee Gilliam arranged for the kilograms of cocaine to be transported from Tucson, Arizona, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were divided up into numerous parcels, hidden inside computer monitors or leather binders, and shipped via UPS or FedEX to several different shipping facilities in the Pittsburgh area. The parcels were then picked up in Pittsburgh by John Saban and his associates.

Saban would then supply nearly all of that cocaine to Lamont Wright, the primary distributor for the organization. Wright, in turn, supplied quantities of this cocaine to countless individuals to include Eric Campbell, Genaro Coleman, and Frederick Ellis.

The drug proceeds collected by Saban from Wright were concealed in protein powder containers and provided to Dorian Gilliam or, on numerous occasions, to Myrene Gilliam. Dorian and Myrene Gilliam then hid the containers in their luggage and flew via commercial airline to Randee Gilliam in Las Vegas to deliver the money. The money was then used by Randee Gilliam to purchase additional quantities of cocaine from the sources of supply in Tucson.

On March 10, 2012, in the midst of the investigation, federal agents, with the assistance of the Monroeville Police, seized $150,000 in drug trafficking proceeds from Randee Gilliam. The cash was seized shortly after it had been provided to Mr. Gilliam by John Saban as payment for multiple kilograms of cocaine that had been supplied to Saban in the days prior.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Randee Gilliam and his co-conspirators referenced herein. Also assisting in the investigation were the United States Marshals Service, the Penn Hills Police, the Monroeville Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the McKees Rocks Police.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Steven R. Lawniczak, 48, of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lawniczak, on March 4, 2014 and December 2, 2014, unlawfully possessed in computer graphics files, photographs and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2016. 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.

Lawniczak remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two Western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on June 21 and unsealed yesterday, named Jamie J. McNamara, 32, of Washington, Pa., and Michael F. Schoedel, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to the indictment, from on or about March 1, 2014 to March 17, 2014, McNamara and Schoedel falsely represented that they had tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslist. They would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but McNamara and Schoedel did not provide any tickets.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of a federal firearm violation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Donte Lamont Hall, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 8, 2016, Hall, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Allegheny County Adult Probation Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hall.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution, receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Robert Bernal, Jr., age 26, of Turtle Creek, Pa. as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Dec. 3, 2015, Bernal, Jr. distributed an image containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the production of which involved the use of a minor, who had not yet attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that from Feb. 5, 2015 to March 25, 2015, Bernal, Jr. knowingly received visual depictions, namely, videos in computer graphics, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on April 13, 2016, Bernal Jr. knowingly possessed and knowingly accessed with intent to view images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, a mandatory assessment of $10,300, a term of supervised release of life, or any or all of the above. 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, Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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 - Seven individuals, including four residents of Western Pennsylvania, two from Texas, and one from Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The defendants listed below pleaded guilty late last month before United States District Judge Arthur Schwab: Jeffrey Turner, age 35, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; April Racan, age 37, of of McKeesport, Pennsylvania; Joseph Borrelli, age 49, of Glassport, Pennsylvania; Daniel Cosme, age 35, of San Benito, Texas; Hugo Balboa, age 48, of Brownsville, Texas; Brian Kettering, age 29, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania; and
William Coulson, age 50, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania but now of St. Augustine, Florida.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the court was advised that between 2011 and 2015, a cocaine source of supply in Brownsville, Texas mailed dozens of packages of cocaine to Jeffrey Turner and April Racan in Elizabeth and McKeesport, in Allegheny County. Approximately eight kilograms (about 18 pounds) of cocaine were sent in this fashion.

Turner and Racan then sold the cocaine to Brian Kettering and others. Although drug proceeds in the form of cash were generally sent back to the source of supply in Texas, during a six-month period of time in 2012, postal money orders were purchased by Kettering and William Coulson, at the direction of Turner and Racan. The money orders totaled at least $116,700 and were sent by Turner and Racan from Pittsburgh back to Texas to a Dairy Queen managed by Daniel Cosme. Cosme turned the money orders over to the source of supply, who used Hugo Balboa to launder the money orders by depositing them into various bank accounts.

Joseph Borrelli, at that time Postmaster in West Newton, Pa., aided the drug conspiracy by providing addresses for vacant homes where the cocaine packages could be sent. When they arrived at the post office, the packages would be diverted to Turner and Racan.

Turner, Racan, Borrelli and Kettering were convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Turner, Racan, Cosme, Balboa, Kettering and Coulson were convicted of money laundering conspiracy.

Dante Lozano, the eighth individual charged in the indictment, is in custody and in the process of being returned to the Western District of Pennsylvania to face drug and money laundering conspiracy charges.

Judge Schwab scheduled the following dates for sentencing: October 19, 2016 – Racan and Kettering; October 20, 2016 – Cosme; October 26, 2016 – Balboa; October 27, 2016 – Turner; and
November 2, 2016 – Coulson and Borrelli.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of years and up to life in prison, a fine of $ or both on the drug conspiracy count, and a sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both on the money laundering conspiracy count.

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 is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The in Pittsburgh and the Drug Enforcement Administration in Brownsville, Texas, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

The two-count indictment named Mark Anthony Gnacinski, Jr., 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Gnacinski unlawfully possessed a 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon.

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 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 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 resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of health care fraud and false statements relating to health care matters, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The twenty-seven-count indictment named David Edward Palo, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from January 2008 to June 2014, Palo falsely billed numerous tooth extractions as surgical extractions, causing fraudulent bills totaling in excess of approximately $232,674 to be submitted to various health insurance companies.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 140 years in prison, a fine of $6,750,000, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of health care fraud and false statements relating to health care matters, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The twenty-one-count indictment named John Frederick Lehrian, 69, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from January 2008 to June 2014, Lehrian falsely billed numerous tooth extractions as surgical extractions, causing fraudulent bills totaling in excess of approximately $90,734 to be submitted to various health insurance companies.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 110 years in prison, a fine of $5,250,000, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Otemeo Dupree Williams, 32 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 1, 2015, Erie Police officers responded to Marty’s Tavern and caught Williams unlawfully in possession of a loaded Browning Hi-Power .9mm pistol. The serial number and manufacturers stamping on the firearm had been obliterated and the firearm had been reported stolen from a residence in September 2014. Williams’ prior criminal record prohibited him for possession of firearms.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams.

Erie, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 1 month in jail on his conviction of escape after conviction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jonathan Rodriguez Melendez, 26. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Melendez is currently serving.

According to the information presented to the court, on or about October 10, 2015, Melendez escaped from the Federal Prison Camp at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution while he was serving a term of imprisonment imposed by the Western District of New York upon his conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Melendez.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of failure to register under SORNA, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Warren Emery Gannoe, 57.

According to information presented to the court, Gannoe knowingly failed to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and used a Social Security number belonging to another person on an employment application.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshal’s Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gannoe.

Erie, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 10 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Dontrace Marcus Blaine, 29. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Blaine is currently serving.

According to the information presented to the court, on or about July 1, 2015, Blaine was in possession of contraband, namely a weapon.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blaine.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years in jail and ordered to pay $485,800 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Douglas A. Grooms, 45.

According to information presented to the court, from June 2008 to September 2013, while employed as the general manager of Community Chevrolet in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Grooms embezzled money from the dealership by writing dealership checks to a fictitious marketing company which he set up solely for the purpose of receiving the checks, resulting in a loss of $485,800 to Community Chevrolet.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grooms.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 77 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, on charges of bank robbery. Calvin Douglas Smith was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,266.00, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Calvin Douglas Smith, age 44, formerly of New Castle, Pennsylvania.

The court was advised that on Nov. 5, 2014, Smith robbed Huntington Bank located at 101 E. Washington St., New Castle, PA, and on Dec. 2, 2014, Smith robbed First Commonwealth Bank located at 27 E. Washington St., New Castle, PA. The banks are both insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Castle City Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 151 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime 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 Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Andrew Patterson, age 46, formerly of Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that from on or about June 15, 2014, to on or about June 16, 2014, Patterson 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 government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the Monroeville Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Patterson.

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 – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Derrick Middlebrook, 27, of Clairton, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about April 21, 2016, Middlebrook, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Springfield Armory, Model XD-40, .40 caliber pistol, with an extended capacity magazine, and .40 caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm and/or ammunition.

Additionally, on or about April 21, 2016, Middlebrook possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

At the time that Middlebrook committed these crimes, he was on federal supervised release for a prior federal drug-trafficking conviction (10-cr-235).

Following Middlebrook’s guilty plea, Judge McVerry sentenced him to 84 months imprisonment (70 months for the criminal offenses and 14 months for the supervised release violation), followed by 36 months supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshals Service and the U.S. Probation Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Middlebrook.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Summerhill, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to three years’ probation and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000 on her conviction of theft of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kelly Gruss, 37, of Summerhill, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on September 22, 2014, Gruss stole $10, and on September 25, 2014, she stole $20 from greeting cards sent via U.S. mail.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gruss.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 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 Keith Beck, 24, of Pittsburgh, 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, Keith Beck 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 Beck.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of El Salvador pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of re-entry of an illegal alien, and was sentenced thereon to four months in prison and was ordered to be placed in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson accepted the guilty plea to the indictment and imposed the sentence on Walter F. Melgar, 41, of Blair County, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 29, 2015, Melgar, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Dec. 9, 1996, was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this Country without receiving permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to do so.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Melgar.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $1,590,605, on his conviction of income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on James C. Faith.

According to information presented to the court, Faith filed an individual income tax return for the calendar year 2009, whereby he failed to report $1,785,036 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $632,237 in income tax owed to the United States.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation for the successful prosecution of Faith.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael G. Williams, 48, of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, 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.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the 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.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Cranberry Twp, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of tax violations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 17-count indictment, returned on Oct. 14, 2014 and unsealed on June 24, 2016, named Valeriy Vahil as the sole defendant. Vahil is a fugitive.

According to the 17-count indictment presented to the court, Vahil, between April 2009 and October 2012, failed to collect and pay over to the IRS quarterly federal income tax and F.I.C.A. (Social Security) taxes for wages of employees of his company, Absolut Service Company, a contract labor company operated out of his Cranberry Twp. residence. Vahil also filed a false quarterly Employer’s Federal tax return and assisted his return preparer in filing a false quarterly Employer’s Federal tax return.

Anyone with information regarding Vahil’s whereabouts is asked to call IRS-CI Special Agent Kevin Petrulak at 412-404-9555.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 81 years in prison, a fine of $4,250,000 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 Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor-Office of Attorney General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of embezzlement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Catherine M. Linton, 58, of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January of 1998 to in and around May of 2015, Linton, as former manager of Trailblazer Federal Credit Union, embezzled the sum of approximately $478,000 from the credit union.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 25, 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Linton’s release on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - Two Pittsburgh residents and a Michigan man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named William Richardson, 55, and Nicole Miller, 29, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Kavon Dawkins, 23, of Clinton Township, Michigan.

According to indictment, between March and May of 2016, Richardson, Miller and Dawkins conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute quantities of oxycodone and oxymorphone, also known as ‘Opana,’ schedule II controlled substances, in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, 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 defendants.

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

This prosecution is the result of a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the New Castle Police Department and the Allegheny County Police Department.

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

PITTSBURGH – Kia Jones, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction and for conspiring to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine in Western Pennsylvania, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jones, age 37, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Judge Conti also sentenced Jones to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

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 – Chaz Lloyd, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and at least 100 grams of heroin in Western Pennsylvania, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lloyd, 30, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Judge Conti also sentenced Lloyd to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. In support of the conviction and sentence of Lloyd, the Court was informed that Lloyd was involved in the distribution of multiple ounces to kilogram quantities of cocaine and brick quantities of heroin.

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 resident of Duquesne, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count superseding indictment named Carloto Neal, Jr., age 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, on or about March 17, 2015, Neal possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Street Task Force 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.

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 two-count indictment named Stanley James Patterson a/k/a Robert Cook, 63, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Patterson possessed firearms and/or ammunition on or about Dec. 16, 2015, after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one robbery conviction and two burglary convictions. The indictment further charges that on Dec. 16, 2015, Patterson possessed body armor despite his status as a convicted violent felon.

Defendants who have three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses face a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. 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 conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case with valuable assistance from the Allegheny County Police Department, the Carnegie Police Department and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal. 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 resident of Baden, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and tax fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Keith Kristek, age 57, of Baden, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of filing a false income tax return before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from approximately January 2007 through February 2015, Keith Kristek, who was the elected Constable for Baden Borough, devised and executed a scheme to steal approximately $1,060,678.11 in tax payments from Baden Borough and the Ambridge Area School District. Additionally, Kristek failed to report his receipt of the stolen funds and filed false income tax returns with the IRS for tax years of 2011 through 2014.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 23 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Keith Kristek.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count superseding indictment named William Thompson, 33, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on Aug. 7, 2015, law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Thompson, who was driving a Porsche Cayenne without a valid license. Thompson refused to stop and fled from officers. A high-speed chase with speeds of more than 100 miles per hour ensued. Thompson eventually crashed and abandoned his vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered in excess of one kilogram of heroin packaged for re-sale.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Everett, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gene F. Bussard, 41, of Everett, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Nov. 7, 2013, Bussard, who had been convicted in 2003 in Allegany County, Md., of theft, unlawfully possessed 19 firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Theft is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 20, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

According to Mr. Hickton, Bussard 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.

PITTSBURGH – LeeVaughn Walls, formerly of Bulger, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and at least 100 grams of heroin in Western Pennsylvania, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Walls, age 37, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Judge Conti also sentenced Walls to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. In support of the conviction and sentence of Walls, the Court was informed that Walls was involved in the distribution of kilogram quantities of cocaine and 10- to 50-brick quantities of heroin.

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 reality television performer pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of concealing assets from the bankruptcy court and one count of failing to report an international currency transaction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Abigale Lee Miller, 50, formerly Penn Hills, Pa, and presently living in Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that in 2010, Miller filed a petition in bankruptcy seeking to reorganize debts from the operation of the Abby Lee Miller Dance Studio. The court was advised that during the bankruptcy case, Miller failed to disclose to the bankruptcy court revenue she earned from the sale of merchandise and ticket sales at Master Class dance sessions she hosted in cities in the United States in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, Miller failed to report to customs officials that she transported in excess of $10,000 in foreign currency from Australia into the United States in the summer of 2014, totaling approximately $120,000.

“Today’s guilty plea exemplifies the results that are achieved when law enforcement works collaboratively towards a common goal. IRS-Criminal Investigation, along with our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security-Investigations strive to protect the American public from those who attempt to circumvent the laws of our country and abuse the Bankruptcy process”, said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Akeia Conner.

“Television celebrities are held in high regard by their fan base for the fictional roles they play,” said Gregory C. Nevano, acting special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “But the crimes exposed as a result of this joint investigation were far from fictional and send a very real message about the consequences that await those seeking to defraud the government.”

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 11, 2016. 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Trustee, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Abigale Lee Miller.

PITTSBURGH – Following a plea of guilty, a citizen of Mexico was sentenced in federal court to time-served on his conviction of Re-Entry into the United States after Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Miguel Ramirez-Ramos, 38.

According to information presented to the court, Ramirez-Ramos was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 28, 2010 and Dec. 18, 2012. Ramirez-Ramos was found to be illegally present in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on March 1, 2016.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ramirez-Ramos.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Lamont Wright aka Whitey, aka Mont, 42, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the investigation, which began in the fall of 2011 and concluded in mid-March 2012, involved Title III wiretaps on cell phones utilized by Lamont Wright, John Saban, and Dorian Gilliam.

The investigation revealed that Randee Gilliam, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from a source of supply in Tucson, Arizona, on a regular basis. Randee Gilliam then supplied those kilograms of cocaine to John Saban, a resident of Pittsburgh, on a weekly basis. Randee Gilliam arranged for the kilograms of cocaine to be transported from Tucson, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were divided up into numerous parcels, hidden inside computer monitors or leather binders, and shipped via UPS or FedEX to several different shipping facilities in the Pittsburgh area. The parcels were then picked up in Pittsburgh by John Saban and his associates.

Saban would then supply nearly all of that cocaine to Lamont Wright, the primary distributor for the organization. Wright, in turn, supplied quantities of this cocaine to countless individuals to include Eric Campbell, Genaro Coleman, and Frederick Ellis.

The drug proceeds collected by Saban from Wright were concealed in protein powder containers and provided to Dorian Gilliam or, on numerous occasions, to Myrene Gilliam. Dorian and Myrene Gilliam then hid the containers in their luggage and flew via commercial airline to Randee Gilliam in Las Vegas to deliver the money. The money was then used by Randee Gilliam to purchase additional quantities of cocaine from the sources of supply in Tucson.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lamont Wright. Also assisting in the investigation were the United States Marshals Service, the Penn Hills Police, the Monroeville Police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the McKees Rocks Police.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of selling and offering for sale drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to sell and offer for sale drug paraphernalia, and trademark counterfeiting, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Akhil Mishra, 72, of Glenshaw, Pa., (Indiana Twp.) pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti advised the Court that the Mishra family has been selling drug paraphernalia for more than twenty years, mainly through two stores -- Giggles, located in downtown Pittsburgh, and Rock America, located in the North Hills. Akhil Mishra was federally convicted of selling drug paraphernalia in both 1992 and 2000, and he owned and operated the Giggles store, along with his wife. Both Giggles and Rock America, however, carried much of the same merchandise, including various types of drug paraphernalia. In February 2013, agents executed search warrants at the Mishra family businesses (Giggles and Rock America), and at the homes of both Akhil Mishra and his son, Mayank Mishra, and found evidence of drug paraphernalia, including products used to dilute heroin, glassine stamp bags for packaging heroin, various marijuana-related paraphernalia, and more than $900,000 in cash.

Based on the foregoing, Mayank Mishra was arrested and granted bond. Subsequent to his release, agents received information that Mayank Mishra was continuing to sell heroin cutting agents and glassine bags for packaging. Agents then utilized a confidential informant to purchase cutting agents and glassine bags, and the confidential informant successfully recorded the transaction. The confidential informant explicitly asked for “cut” and “bags”, and Mayank Mishra provided a material typically used to dilute heroin and the glassine stamp bags typically used to store heroin. Based on that information, agents obtained another set of search warrants for Mayank Mishra’s business and home. Once again, agents seized additional heroin cutting agents, glassine bags, marijuana paraphernalia, and cash ($86,000). Mayank Mishra was arrested a second time, and he was detained pending trial. Akhil Mishra was present in the courtroom when the evidence against his son was discussed, as well as the illegality of the drug paraphernalia.

The arrest of his son did not stop Akhil Mishra from continuing to sell cut and stamp bags to heroin dealers. The agents received information that Akhil Mishra was continuing to sell that merchandise, and a confidential informant was able to make a controlled purchase from his store in June 2014. That evidence led to the execution of a third set of search warrants at various locations associated with the Mishra family and their businesses in July 2014. Once again, the agents found cut, stamp bags, and marijuana-related paraphernalia.

Separate and apart from the drug paraphernalia investigation, investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police received information that Akhil Mishra was selling counterfeit Major League Baseball Hats. In December 2014, an investigator entered Giggles and observed counterfeit Pittsburgh Pirates winter hats and baseball hats. On Feb. 25, 2015, the same investigator purchased an unlicensed counterfeit Pittsburgh Pirates winter hat. The following day, Pennsylvania State Police investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at Giggles, resulting in the seizure of the following counterfeit merchandise: 137 Pittsburgh Steelers winter hats; seven Pittsburgh Steelers headbands; 79 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball hats; 23 various National Football League winter hats; 14 National Basketball Association winter hats; seven Philadelphia Eagles hats; two Miami Dolphins hats; one Baltimore Ravens hat, one Chicago Bears hat; five Denver Broncos hats; six Seattle Seahawks hats; one Green Bay Packers hat; eight Chicago Bulls hats; and six Los Angeles Lakers hats.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Aug. 25, 2016, at 2:15 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of nine years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Akhil Mishra.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

William B. Rusnock, 35, of Glassport, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

According to the information presented to the court, Rusnock made fraudulent purchases of sporting event tickets on StubHub! without paying for them, defrauding StubHub!, PayPal and Huntington Bank by using a deceptive scheme. The fraud totaled approximately $44,000.

Judge Diamond scheduled the sentencing for Oct. 18, 2016 at 10 a.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 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 United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A Butler County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of embezzlement related to health care, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Elizabeth A. Rotto, 46, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rotto embezzled funds in the amount of $150,000 that belonged to Askesis Development Group, a subsidiary of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2016 at 10 a.m. 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 continued Rotto on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Chinese national has been sentenced in federal court to one year probation with immediate deportation on his conviction of conspiracy in relation to a scheme involving the fraudulent taking of college entrance exams, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Yudong Zhang.

According to information presented to the court, Yudong Zhang acted as a facilitator for two Chinese nationals, who were associates of his, to have the SAT and TOEFL examinations taken on their behalf by others. Using counterfeit passports that contained identifying information of Zhang’s associates and the impostors’ photographs, Zhang’s associates earned scores on three college entrance examinations which were then used by Zhang’s assoicates to earn admission to Virginia Tech University. Zhang’s associates were also able to obtain F-1 Visas to enter the United States as students on the basis of that fraudulent admission.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that her sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense in that it allowed people who otherwise would not have been eligible to enter the U.S. to enter and also brought unfairness to the American education system.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of State for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zhang.