Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced today an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $900 million in false billings. Twenty-three state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is suspending payment to a number of providers using its suspension authority provided in the Affordable Care Act. This coordinated takedown is the largest in history, both in terms of the number of defendants charged and loss amount.

“As this takedown should make clear, health care fraud is not an abstract violation or benign offense – It is a serious crime,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “The wrongdoers that we pursue in these operations seek to use public funds for private enrichment. They target real people – many of them in need of significant medical care. They promise effective cures and therapies, but they provide none. Above all, they abuse basic bonds of trust – between doctor and patient; between pharmacist and doctor; between taxpayer and government – and pervert them to their own ends. The Department of Justice is determined to continue working to ensure that the American people know that their health care system works for them – and them alone.”

“Protecting citizens from health care fraud schemes that can devastate lives, undermine the integrity of our health care system and drive up costs for all consumers is a worthy priority for our office,” said David J. Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “By working cooperatively with the FBI, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, our office is making good on its promise to crack down on health care fraud wherever we find it.”

Following is a list of recent health care fraud prosecutions handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Only the first case is included in the nationwide sweep statistics.

June 21, 2016: An information was unsealed charging Elizabeth A. Rotto, 46, of Cranberry Township, Pa., with embezzlement related to health care. The information alleges that Rotto embezzled funds in excess of $100 that belonged to Askesis Development Group, a subsidiary of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A plea hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, June 23, at 2 p.m. before U.S. District Judge David Cercone.
AUSA Robert Cessar; Federal Bureau of Investigation

June 13, 2016: An indictment was unsealed charging Daniel Garner, a dentist who practices in Pittsburgh, Pa., with distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice, and omitting material information from required reports, records and other documents. According to the seven-count indictment, from Feb. 13, 2014 through June 11, 2015, Garner distributed Oxycodone on six occasions, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice. The indictment further alleges that on Jan. 14, 2016, Garner omitted material information from an application for a Drug Enforcement Agency registration number.
AUSA Cindy K. Chung; Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration

June 2, 2016: Mary Ann Stewart, former chief operations officer of Horizons Hospice, LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. Horizons Hospice LLC, located in Monroeville, provided end-of-life hospice care to eligible patients. A significant number of patients were eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Stewart admitted orchestrating a scheme whereby she caused her staff to place non-qualifying patients into hospice care that were not appropriate, and then recertified the patients for continued hospice care. JudgeMcVerry scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2016.
AUSAs Robert S. Cessar and Nelson P. Cohen; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; Health & Human Services - Office of the Inspector General

May 31, 2016: Kari Richards of Latrobe pleaded guilty to charges of healthcare fraud and obtaining prescription drugs through fraud. Richards, while addicted to prescription pain killers, caused Highmark to pay more than $600,000 in connection with claims in which she sought treatment over a 16-month period from more than 100 hospitals in 11 states on more than 300 occasions. Through this behavior, Richards obtained approximately 190 prescriptions for pain medications, including prescriptions for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone. As part of the scheme, Richards falsely represented the circumstances of injuries, which were mainly shoulder dislocations. She also misrepresented the medications that she received and her medical history. Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2016.
AUSA Brendan T. Conway; Federal Bureau of Investigation

May 17, 2016: Samirkumar J. Shah was indicted on health care fraud charges. The indictment alleges that Shah knowingly and willfully executed and attempted to execute a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, such as, Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark, UPMC and Gateway, in connection with the delivery of and payment for health care benefits, items and services.
AUSA Nelson P. Cohen; Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations and since its inception in March 2007 has charged over 2,900 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $8.9 billion.

Including today’s enforcement actions, nearly 1,200 individuals have been charged in national takedown operations, which have involved more than $3.4 billion in fraudulent billings. Today’s announcement marks the second time that districts outside of Strike Force locations participated in a national takedown, and they accounted for 82 defendants charged in this takedown.

The cases announced today are being prosecuted and investigated by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide - including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania - along with Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas, Central District of California, Eastern District of Louisiana, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of Illinois and the Middle District of Florida; and agents from the FBI, HHS-OIG, Drug Enforcement Administration, DCIS and state Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

A complaint, indictment or information is merely a charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ray Wickliffe Howland, 56, of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about June 25, 2015, Howland used facilities and means of interstate and foreign commerce, specifically a computer, an iPad, the Internet and the telephone, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond scheduled the sentencing for Oct. 19, 2016, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $750,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Howland.

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

PITTSBURGH –A former Armstrong County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

April Kovach, age 40, formerly of Yatesboro, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Oct. 8, 2014, Kovach, a then-highway contract route driver for the U.S. Postal Service in Kittanning, did abstract and remove two $20 Federal Reserve notes that had been the contents of a greeting card envelope addressed to an individual in Cranberry Township.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kovach.

PITTSBURGH -- A citizen of Jamaica pleaded guilty to Illegal Re-Entry in the United States after Deportation and was sentenced in federal court to twelve months on his conviction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Dwayne Lawrence Facey, a/k/a Dwayne Brown; Kimarley Williams; Damien Weatherspoon; Dameon Weatherspoon; Euvin Hunter; Roy Facey; “Euvin,” 40, formerly of Jamaica.

According to information presented to the court, Dwayne Facey, an alien who was removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 22, 2000, and again on September 21, 2006, was found on August 5, 2015, by law enforcement authorities in Pittsburgh, PA.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dwayne Facey.

PITTSBURGH – On June 15, 2016, after deliberating for approximately two hours, a federal grand jury of eight men and four women found Christopher Welshans guilty of Distribution and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Christopher Welshans, age 39, of Atlasburg, PA, was tried before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose in Pittsburgh, PA.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Shanicka L. Kennedy, who prosecuted the case, on or about February 11, 2014, Christopher Welshans distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. In addition, on or about March 21, 2014, Christopher Welshans knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

United States District Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 24, 2016 at 10 am. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 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.

The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Christopher Welshans.

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

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

The two-count indictment named John P. Hoffman, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Hoffman distributed 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations 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 – Three Pittsburgh residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and attempt to commit robbery and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on June 14, named Anthony Bailey, age 37; Raymond Denson, age 36; and David Lipinski, age 35; all of Pittsburgh.

According to the indictment presented to the Court, the defendants conspired and attempted to rob an individual of pharmaceutical products on April 27, 2016, and brandished a firearm while doing so. The indictment also alleges that the defendants, each of whom is a convicted felon, possessed firearms despite being prohibited by law from doing so.

The law provides for a minimum sentence for each defendant of not less than seven years and a maximum of 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 offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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. Assistant United States Attorney Conor Lamb is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Northern Regional 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 Monroeville resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice, and omitting material information from required reports, records and other documents, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count indictment, returned on June 7 and unsealed on Monday, named Daniel Garner, 44, a dentist who practices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from Feb. 13, 2014 through June 11, 2015, Garner distributed Oxycodone on six occasions, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice. The indictment further alleges that on Jan. 14, 2016, Garner omitted material information from an application for a Drug Enforcement Agency registration number.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence on all counts of incarceration of up to 124 years, a fine of $6,250,000, a term of supervised release of three years, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniel Garner.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ probation with four months to be served in community confinement and six months’ home detention 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 Lavon Hudgins, 45, 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, Lavon Hudgins 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 Hudgins.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michael Lyons, 40.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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, Michael Lyons 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 goals of sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Anthony Donald, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA (Penn Hills).

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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, Anthony Donald 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 goals of sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Deontay Kendricks of Pittsburgh, Pa., was sentenced to 120 months in prison for distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kendricks, 27, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow the federal prison sentence. Kendricks agreed to the sentence that was imposed as part of his plea agreement.

On Feb. 18, 2015, Kendricks was caught in possession of 10 bricks of heroin and four pistols, some of which were loaded and one of which had an obliterated serial number. He possessed the bricks with the intent to distribute them and he possessed the pistols to further his drug trafficking. His possession of the bricks and the pistols was part of a course of conduct that he continued even after Feb. 18, 2015, that involved over 100 grams of heroin.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Girard, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the Clean Water Act by tampering with required monitoring methods and submitting false statements, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Mark Ventresca, 52, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2008 to December 2012, Ventresca engaged in violations of the Clean Water Act and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit by providing false information on the Discharge Monitoring Reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. According to information provided to the Court, Ventresca, who was a certified wastewater operator licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was employed by the Lake City Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant as the operator of the Plant until he gave up his wastewater operating license on March 25, 2014 and resigned as the Plant operator. The Lake City Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant (the Plant) is located at 1150 Maple Avenue, Lake City, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Plant operated pursuant to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, effective December 1, 2009 through November 30, 2014. Subject to specific discharge limitations, the permit allowed direct wastewater discharge into the Elk Creek, a water of the United States, which flows 2.08 miles into Lake Erie, an interstate waterway and a navigable-in-fact water of the United States. The Presque Isle State Park and swimming beaches are approximately six miles downstream from the Plant’s outfall. The Erie County Health Department conducted inspections of the Plant in August 2012 and January 2013 and found discrepancies between the water sampling test results which were reported by Ventresca and the actual sample test results obtained from a contracted laboratory. The matter was referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for further inquiry, and a criminal investigation referral was made to the EPA.

According to information presented in court, the Plant permit set discharge limits for pollutants, including, for example, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Fecal Coliform, Total Phosphorus, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Total Residual Chlorine (TRC). During the timeframe between December 2008 and December 2012, Ventresca engaged in violations of the Lake City Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES permit, in part, by 1) failing to treat the wastewater by not adding adequate amounts of chemical reagents to disinfect the pollutants; 2) failing to properly test for pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and/or Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) by taking a daily grab sample as required under the permit; 3) falsifying sampling results for pH, DO and TRC when no daily samples were collected; 4) falsifying analytical laboratory results for the weekly 24-hour composite sample for phosphorus; 5) failing to use a required sampling method by substituting an 8-hour composite sampler for the required 24-hour composite sampler to collect phosphorus samples; 6) falsifying analytical laboratory results for the weekly grab sample for fecal coliform; 7) falsifying weekly 24-hour composite sample for Total Suspended Solids (TSS); and, 8) discharging pollutants into waters of the United States in violation of numerical permit limits. To cover up his failure to properly operate and maintain the Plant in accordance with the permit, Ventresca routinely submitted false sampling results in monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The NPDES permit required submission of monthly DMRs which were supposed to contain sampling results representative of the monthly discharges. The criminal charge to which Ventresca pleaded guilty specifically identified examples of Ventresca’s false statements concerning the testing results for Fecal Coliform and Phosphorus. Based upon the violations of the Lake City Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES permit, PADEP issued a Consent Order and Agreement (CO&A) to Ventresca. On March 25, 2014, Ventresca signed his CO&A and surrendered his wastewater operator’s license. At the same time, he resigned as the Plant operator.

“Our office has taken an aggressive approach on environmental enforcement because it is the right thing to do for people and future generations,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “We are making effective enforcement of the federal Clean Air and Clean Water acts an important priority of our work.”

“Government regulators rely on accurate data to ensure water quality is maintained and this case underscores the serious nature of falsified sampling and laboratory data reports.” said Jennifer Lynn, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Pennsylvania. “The failure to follow the requirements of the Clean Water Act jeopardizes public health and could have resulted in the otherwise undetected pollution of recreational waterways near this wastewater discharge facility.”

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2016 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $10,000, 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 released Ventresca on bond.

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

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division; the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Northwest Regional Office; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Erie County, Pennsylvania Health Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ventresca.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release on her 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 Sammar Aimee Melchor, 34.

According to information presented to the court, from June 2013 through February 2015, Melchor engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between five and fifteen kilograms of cocaine which she obtained from other co-conspirators. The court was also advised that on or about October 28, 2014, Melchor distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 6 ounces of cocaine. The court was advised that the cocaine was distributed in Erie as part of a large network transporting cocaine from Mexico into Texas, and from Texas to Erie, Pennsylvania concealed in hidden compartments in vehicles.

Judge Cercone also ordered the forfeiture of two cellular telephones and a 2004 Toyota Matrix vehicle that were utilized by the defendant in the commission of the offense.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Homeland Security Investigations; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Pennsylvania State Police; U.S. Border Patrol; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Melchor.

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

The one-count indictment named Ronald Heggs, 25, and Amelia J. Costa, 22, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, in April, 2015, Heggs and Costa produced counterfeit credit cards which they used to purchase gift cards at K-Mart stores in Western Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a total sentence of five 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Heggs and Costa.

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

PITTSBURGH – An individual found by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Illegal Reentry After Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Benjamin Juarez-Luna, 36, a citizen of Mexico.

According to the indictment, Juarez-Luna, an alien, who was previously removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 18, 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.

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.

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

Homeland Security Investigations 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 Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of production, distribution, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 41-count indictment named Eric James Stull, age 48, of Clarksville, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from May 8, 2006 to Dec. 26, 2015, Stull produced 41 video and image files of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that on or about July 21, 2015, Stull knowingly distributed a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to an undercover Pennsylvania State Police Corporal. The indictment further alleges that on or about April 29, 2016, Stull possessed 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 life imprisonment for the production of child pornography counts, a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for possession of child pornography, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $10,250,000. 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 Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Greene County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

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

The one-count indictment named David Hammond, age 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on April 25, 2016, David Hammond, 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 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. 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.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has 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 Jordan Brown, 25, of Braddock, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on March 3, 2016, Jordan Brown possessed with intent to distribute and distributed a quantity of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 Barbara K. Doolittle 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 El Salvador, 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 Jorge Hernandez-Flores, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Hernandez-Flores, having previously been deported from the United States pursuant to law on Nov. 11, 2009, was present in the Western District of Pennsylvania on May 11, 2016, without having applied for and received permission from the Attorney General of the United States, or her successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for re-application for admission into the United States.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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.

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

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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 former resident of Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years supervised release, on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the prison sentence on Earl F. Forsythe, 53, of Valencia, Pennsylvania. In addition, Judge McVerry ordered Forsythe to pay $2,500 in restitution to two minor victims.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on Sept. 6, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Forsythe’s residence for the seizure of computers and electronic equipment, following an undercover investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police which revealed that Forsythe had been trading images of child pornography over an on-line chat network. The contents of Forsythe’s computers revealed his possession of hundreds of videos and photographs depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Forsythe.

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 local resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Brittanie Dickerson, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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, Brittanie Dickerson 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.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 of the defendant.

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

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

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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brittanie Dickerson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kelvin Whittle, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

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

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court revoked the defendant’s bond.

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

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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kelvin Whittle.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of interference with commerce by extortion and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count superseding indictment named Pamela A. Vivirito, 46, of Valencia, PA as the sole defendant.

According to the second superseding indictment Vivirito extorted property from persons known to the grand jury. The indictment further alleges that Vivirito operated a not-for-profit charity called Equine Angels Rescue, Inc. (EAR) which solicited contributions to rescue and rehabilitate horses. Purportedly, Vivirito fraudulently solicited donations and used them for personal expenses.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 140 years in prison, a fine of $1.75 million or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH -- A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and copyright infringement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael K. See, 34, of Beaver Falls, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2010, to in and around January 22, 2015, See purchased and imported copyright infringing DVDs of television shows and movies. See then sold these copyright infringing DVDs on eBay.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of See.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 72 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 Devonte White, 23, 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, Devonte White 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 achieve the goals of sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

William Blair, 35, of Pittsburgh Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

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

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 of the defendant.

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

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

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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of William Blair.

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

Mary Ann Stewart, 48, of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

“Protecting citizens from health care fraud schemes that can devastate lives, undermine the integrity of our health care system, and drive up costs for all consumers is a worthy priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton.

“This was a case where millions of dollars were paid out due to fraudulent billings,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane said. “We are pleased that the defendant is accepting responsibility for her actions and acknowledging the personal benefits that she received through this fraud.”

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Stewart was the chief operations officer for Horizons Hospice LLC, which provided end-of-life hospice care to eligible patients. A significant number of patients were eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Stewart admitted orchestrating a scheme whereby she caused her staff to place non-qualifying patients into hospice care that were not appropriate, and then recertified the patients for continued hospice care.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Section of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution ofMary Ann Stewart.

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Guatemala has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of illegal re-entry after deportation and failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States Senior District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Edward Jacinto Garcia, 30, of Guatemala.

According to information presented to the Court on July 6, 2015, Jacinto Garcia, an alien who, on Oct. 6, 2011, had been deported and removed from the United States, and having reentered the United States without permission, was found in Butler County, Pennsylvania, after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Butler Township Police Department. Jacinto Garcia had been deported following conviction in the State of Nebraska of sexual assault of a minor, 1st degree, and serving a period of imprisonment. By reason of this sex offense, Jacinto Garcia was required to register as a sex offender under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Jacinto Garcia had failed, as required, to register in the State of Pennsylvania, the state in which he was employed during the period June 2015 through July 6, 2015.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jacinto Garcia.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 310 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime supervised release, on charges of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on David Kinteay Carson, age 39, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. During the sentencing, Judge Cohill remarked “having served as judge here for some years, the facts are amongst the most horrific before me.”

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 26, 2014, Carson produced visual depictions of his sexual exploitation of two 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 and the Uniontown City Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carson.

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 inmate of SCI Somerset, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court on a charge of making threats against the President, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Julio Segura, Jr., 22, pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while housed at SCI Somerset, Segura mailed a letter to the White House threatening President Obama.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Julio Segura, Jr.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Brandon Moorefield, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Moorefield was convicted after a jury trial in November, 2015. According to information presented during trial, on Nov. 13, 2014, Wilkinsburg police officers on patrol near Swissvale Avenue observed the defendant, Brandon Moorefield, who was previously convicted of felony drug and gun offenses, carrying what appeared to be a firearm with an extended clip protruding from beneath his clothing. The officers approached Moorefield, who then fled with the firearm in hand and briefly hid near a building located on Stoner Way. Moorefield was arrested minutes later, and when the officers returned to the area on Stoner Way where Moorefield had been seen hiding, officers discovered a loaded Sturm, Ruger and Co. model P-95, 9 mm firearm with an extended clip. The clip was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and one round was chambered.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wilkinsburg Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brandon Moorefield.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 41 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy and making counterfeit currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on William Perry Bagley, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around May 2013 to June 20, 2013, Bagley made counterfeit currency and Bagley had others pass counterfeit currency on his behalf.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bagley.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay $249,664.80 in restitution on her conviction of issuing forged checks, theft of government money and access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Deborah A. Mattie, 48, of Glassport, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Mattie defrauded the Finney Funeral Home.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of health care fraud and obtaining prescription drugs through fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kari Richards, 29, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Richards, while addicted to prescription pain killers, caused Highmark to pay more than $600,000 in connection with claims in which she sought treatment over a 16-month period from more than 100 hospitals in 11 states on more than 300 occasions. Through this behavior, Richards obtained approximately 190 prescriptions for pain medications, including prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances Oxycodone-Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone. As part of the scheme, Ms. Richards falsely represented the circumstances of injuries, which were mainly shoulder dislocations. She also misrepresented the medications that she received and her medical history.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of fourteen 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – Eric Ewell, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pled guilty and was sentenced to 144 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ewell, age 33, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to follow the federal prison sentence.

In conjunction with the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, between 2011 and 2013, Ewell resided in North Carolina, but frequently returned to his native Pittsburgh for several days at a time. One of the reasons for many of Ewell’s return trips to Pittsburgh was to distribute heroin in Western Pennsylvania. Ewell acknowledged as part of his plea agreement that he was responsible for the distribution of between three and ten kilograms of heroin.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh, Charlotte (North Carolina), and New York City, the Internal Revenue Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Wilkins Township Police Department, the East Pittsburgh Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Blair County District Attorney's Office, and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 years in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession of firearms in connection with a drug trafficking offense, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Richard Bush, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Bush supplied heroin to members of a violent street gang called the East Hills Bloods, who operated out of the East Hills section of Pittsburgh. A search warrant executed at his home on March 14, 2012 led to the seizure of more than 9,000 stamp bags of heroin and a cache of firearms secreted throughout his home, including a sawed-off shotgun. Bush conspired with among others, Mayank Mishra and Willis Wheeler, both of whom are awaiting sentencing. Mishra participated in the heroin distribution conspiracy by supplying stamp bags and material used to dilute heroin to Bush and numerous other Pittsburgh area heroin dealers for more than a decade at his Rock America store, which was operated out of the Northway Mall. Search warrants executed at Rock American and at Mishra’s home on Feb. 26, 2013 led to the seizure of more than two million stamp bags, which, if filled with heroin, would have amounted to more than 75 kilograms of heroin. Federal agents also seized a vast inventory of materials used to dilute heroin and more than $900,000 in cash, which the jury forfeited to the United States as proceeds of his crimes. Wheeler, who was convicted at a trial earlier this year, supplied the undiluted heroin that Bush processed for retail distribution in a laboratory he maintained in the basement of his home. On March 14, 2012, the federal agents found more than 700 grams of heroin in Wheeler’s car and an apartment he maintained for the purposes of storing heroin.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Donovan Cocas prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bush, Mishra and Wheeler. The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consists of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Dept., Oakdale Police Dept, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force also received assistance in this case from the Pennsylvania State Police.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating just under two hours, a federal jury of nine men and three women found Derrick Grant guilty of three crimes on May 27, 2016: bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Derrick Grant, 27, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA was tried before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on October 9, 2015, Derrick Grant, robbed the First National Bank in Beaver Falls. Grant, armed with a firearm, entered the bank and stole a total of $5,523 from three tellers.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Sept. 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 7 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ross Township Police Department and the Beaver Falls Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Derrick Grant.

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

Eric J. Westover, 30, of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts of the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Dec. 18, 2013, Westover possessed less than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute it.

In addition, in 2006 Westover had been convicted in Cambria County, Pa., of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. On Dec. 18, 2013, he unlawfully possessed a Bersa Arms pistol and a Harrington and Richardson pistol. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 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 of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Westover.

According to Mr. Hickton, Westover 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 - On May 23, 2016, a former resident of Pittsburgh and Gibsonia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Issa Jamal Battle, aka “Ees-Bay,” pleaded guilty to the one-count federal indictment before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Battle had been previously convicted of several prior felony charges and was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for an unrelated incident when members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force and Detectives from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police stopped him on California Avenue while driving a rental vehicle. Despite the clear and direct orders of the officers, the defendant was observed making hand movements toward the seat belt lock area. There, police located a 45 Auto caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with ammunition.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2016 at 9:30am. The law provides for a total sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for defendants who qualify as an “Armed Career Criminal” with at least three prior convictions for crimes of violence or serious drug offenses. 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.

The Judge ordered the United States Marshals Service to transport Battle back to jail and incarcerate him until his September sentencing date.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Violent Crime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting Battle on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton commended all of the law enforcement efforts that brought Battle to justice.

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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A New York resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, and transferring firearms to residents of another state, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 17-count second superseding indictment named one defendant: Nathan Lawrence, age 33, of Brooklyn, NY.

According to the second superseding indictment, between December 2014, and September 2015, Lawrence conspired and caused others to make false statements in connection with the acquisition of at least 20 firearms from licensed dealers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and also aided and abetted the transfer of firearms between residents of different states.

At nine of the seventeen counts, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. At the remaining counts, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison. 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.

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.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Indiana County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Carmen Donofrio, 62, of Indiana, PA.

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

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

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Martin Esquivel-Hernandez, 35, formerly from Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Martin Esquivel-Hernandez, an illegal alien, was removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Nov. 4, 2011, Dec. 8, 2011, April 11, 2012 and May 19, 2012.

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.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The two-count indictment named Michael Mills-Allen, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 12, 2015, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and 28 grams or more of crack.

The law provides for a maximum 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 offenses 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of 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 Fayette County resident has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 10 years on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Andre Saunders, 35, formerly of Uniontown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Saunders had regular loads of 20 or more kilograms of cocaine, and multiple kilograms of heroin, shipped from California, hidden in compartments inside of cars. Saunders then supplied multiple drug dealers in the Uniontown area, and laundered more than $350,000 through an account at 84 Lumber and through a Home Equity Line of Credit. Saunders also laundered his drug proceeds by using cash to buy postal money orders, which he would use to pay off luxury cars and other debts.

In addition to the sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, Saunders will forfeit the following property to the United States: a 2008 BMW sedan; five luxury watches and a necklace; $325,120.00 in cash; his home in Uniontown; the proceeds of the sale of a property in Uniontown; a 9mm pistol; and a money judgment of $100,000.00.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led the multi-agency investigation of this case. The investigation also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fayette County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and Conor Lamb 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of Illegal Reentry after Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Javier Morales-Bautista, 35, of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, Morales-Bautista, who was previously removed from the United States on November 27, 2013 and September 20, 2014, was found in Butler County, Pennsylvania on December 26, 2015 without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Imposing sentence, Judge Conti ordered that Mr. Morales-Bautista must serve 5 months incarceration to be followed by 3 years supervised release and 6 months home detention.

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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Morales-Bautista.

PITTSBURGH – Quiote Guarino, of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of trafficking in heroin and fentanyl, which resulted in serious bodily injury, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 17 and unsealed today, charged Guarino, 24, with possession with intent to distribute and distributing heroin and fentanyl, which resulted in serious bodily injury to at least one person, in February 2016.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than twenty years, and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $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 Katherine A. King is 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 Sheriff’s Department, the Washington County Adult Probation Office, the Washington County Coroner’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Youngsville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 35 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tyler Mitchell Engle, 24, of Youngsville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Engle possessed computer images 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 Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Engle.

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 Maryland resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Simon T. Tusha, 43, of Forest Hill, Maryland pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct and impede the IRS before United States District Judge Terrance F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Tusha, who during the relevant time was employed by a large international corporation in order to enter into agreements with data centers in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, had taken kickback or bribe payments from a company called Trammell-Crow Netherlands (TCN) and from a company called Evolved IT in the United Kingdom. The payments were in connection with favorable treatment and advantageous agreements that TCN and Evolved IT received from Tusha’s employer that they would not have received in the absence of his intervention. The evidence presented to the Court showed that during the time period 2008 through 2010 Tusha received in excess of $2,700,000 in payments that he did not report on his income tax returns, leaving a tax due of more than $960,000.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 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.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tusha.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failure to register under SORNA, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Warren Gannoe, 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Gannoe knowingly failed to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Judge Cercone will schedule the sentencing at a later date. 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gannoe.