Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned in Oct. 13, named Larry Christopher Roberts, 47, of Verona, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 4, 2015, Roberts possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years imprisonment and up to life, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Sheriff’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.

PITTSBURGH - A California woman has been sentenced in federal court to five years in prison on her 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 Misha Cannon, 49, of San Bernardino, Calif.

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, Misha Cannon was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others, including her brother, Lionel Cannon, 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. During the conspiracy, Misha Cannon was responsible for transporting proceeds of the cocaine trafficking from the Western District of Pennsylvania to California. In August 2014, Misha Cannon also helped Lionel Cannon obtain a new supply of cocaine and conducted a deal for the purchase of one kilogram of cocaine, which was later seized by law enforcement.

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 Cannon.

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

Duane Jackson, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jackson and his conspirators agreed to defraud account holders at Pittsburgh area banks by a remote deposit, mobile-banking scheme in which Jackson and conspirators deposited fictitious checks into victim accounts, and later withdrew cash at the Rivers Casino and ATMs.

Judge Cercone scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 17, 2016, at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 37 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 Abdul Boyd, 39, of Penn Hills, Pa.

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, Abdul Boyd 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 Boyd.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Jamaica pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Hubert E. Minott, 31, of North Miami Beach, Fla., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Feb. 6, 2014, Minott, an alien who had been deported from the United States on June 12, 2008, was found in Somerset County, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this country without receiving permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to do so.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 19, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Minott.

PITTSBURGH - A reality television performer has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets, and false bankruptcy declarations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 20-count indictment, returned on Oct. 13, named Abigale Lee Miller, 50, as the sole defendant.

“Criminal prosecution is appropriate when debtors corrupt the bankruptcy process through deceit and lies before the court,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton.

“Federal bankruptcy proceedings can be a lifesaver for honest individuals overwhelmed by debt resulting from any number of legitimate reasons, but allegations of fraud and abuse threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy process and the public’s trust in it. We take our responsibility to pursue allegations of bankruptcy fraud seriously,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Division.

“Fraud and dishonesty in bankruptcy proceedings undermines the integrity of these important proceedings and especially hurts the creditors and American Taxpayers,” added Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Akeia Conner. “Concealing assets from the Court and not paying taxes is a gross violation of civic duty and IRS Criminal Investigation will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who do so.”

“The investigation of Abigale Lee Miller demonstrates our commitment to identify and prosecute those who commit bankruptcy fraud,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge, David McGinnis, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Pittsburgh Division.

According to the indictment, after filing a Petition to Reorganize her dance studio in December, 2010, Miller then schemed to defraud the bankruptcy court by concealing income she earned between 2012 and 2013 from her performances on the reality TV show “Dance Moms” and related spinoff TV shows, as well as from Masterclass dance sessions and merchandise and apparel sales. The indictment alleges that Miller created bank accounts to hide the income, and instructed others to conceal certain income from the bankruptcy court and Trustee. It is also alleged that Miller made numerous false declarations in monthly operating reports which did not report certain income or underreported certain other business income. The indictment further alleges Miller concealed income totaling approximately $755,492.85 from the Trustee and creditors, and gained favorable terms to restructure debt from her fraudulent acts.

The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 or both for each count of the indictment. 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 Trustee, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

Indictment

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gregory Kavalec, 69, of Monongahela, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Oct. 3, 2013, to on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kavalec unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, OASDI Social Security benefits in the amount of approximately $17,985.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Feb. 17, 2016, at 10 a.m. 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, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Judge continued the defendant on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Bedford, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months in prison, 10 years’ supervised release and must register as a convicted sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) on his conviction of distribution and possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Wade C. Baer, 32.

According to information presented to the court, on Feb. 19, 2013, Baer distributed a picture via the Internet which depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and on March 7, 2013, he knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Southwest Computer Crime Task Force of the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Baer.

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

WASHINGTON – A sophisticated malware package designed to steal banking and other credentials from infected computers has been disrupted, and charges have been filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania against a Moldovan administrator of the botnet known as “Bugat,” “Cridex” or “Dridex.” Actions taken by the U.K. and the U.S. substantially disrupted the botnet.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division made the announcement today.

Andrey Ghinkul, aka Andrei Ghincul and Smilex, 30, of Moldova, was charged in a nine-count indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania with criminal conspiracy, unauthorized computer access with intent to defraud, damaging a computer, wire fraud and bank fraud. Ghinkul was arrested on Aug. 28, 2015 in Cyprus. The United States is seeking his extradition.

“The steps announced today are another example of our global and innovative approach to combatting cybercrime,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “Our relationships with counterparts all around the world are helping us go after both malicious hackers and their malware. The Bugat/Dridex botnet, run by criminals in Moldova and elsewhere, harmed American citizens and entities. With our partners here and overseas, we will shut down these cross-border criminal schemes.”

“Through a technical disruption and criminal indictment we have struck a blow to one of the most pernicious malware threats in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton.

“Cyber criminals often reach across international borders, but this operation demonstrates our determination to shut them down no matter where they are,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Anderson Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “The criminal charges announced today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners in international law enforcement and private sector. We continue to strengthen those relationships and find innovative ways to counter cyber criminals.”

According to the indictment, Ghinkul was part of a criminal conspiracy that disseminated Bugat, which is a multifunction malware package that automates the theft of confidential personal and financial information, such as online banking credentials, from infected computers through the use of keystroke logging and web injects. It is generally distributed through “phishing,” an email fraud method where legitimate-looking emails are distributed to victims in an attempt to obtain personal or financial information. Bugat is specifically designed to defeat antivirus and other protective measures employed by victims. The FBI estimates at least $10 million in direct loss domestically can be attributed to Bugat.

The indictment alleges that Ghinkul and his co-conspirators used the malware to steal banking credentials and then, using the stolen credentials, to initiate fraudulent electronic funds transfers of millions of dollars from the victims’ bank accounts into the accounts of money mules, who further transferred the stolen funds to other members of the conspiracy. Specifically, according to the indictment, on Dec. 16, 2011, Ghinkul and others allegedly attempted to cause the electronic transfer of $999,000 from the Sharon, Pennsylvania, City School District’s account at First National Bank to an account in Kiev, Ukraine, using account information obtained through a phishing email. In addition, Ghinkul and others allegedly caused the international transfer on Aug. 31, 2012, of $2,158,600 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Krasnodar, Russia, and the international transfer on Sept. 4, 2012, of $1,350,000 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Minsk, Belarus. Finally, the indictment alleges that on Sept. 4, 2012, Ghinkul attempted to cause the electronic transfer of $76,520 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Philadelphia. In all three instances, the company’s account information was allegedly obtained through a phishing email sent to a Penneco Oil employee.

In addition to the criminal charges announced today, the United States obtained a civil injunction in the Western District of Pennsylvania authorizing the FBI to take measures to redirect automated requests by victim computers for additional instructions to substitute servers.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Other agencies and organizations partnering in this effort include: the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S.-Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, Europol’s EC3, German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), Dell SecureWorks, Fox-IT, S21sec, Abuse.ch, the Shadowserver Foundation, Spamhaus and the Moldovan General Inspectorate of Police Centre for Combating Cyber Crime, the Prosecutor General’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and the Ministry of Interior Forensics Unit.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary McKeen Houghton and Margaret E. Picking of the Western District of Pennsylvania. The civil action to disrupt the Bugat malware is led by Senior Trial Attorney Richard D. Green of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Comber of the Western District of Pennsylvania. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance throughout the criminal and civil investigations.

Victims of Bugat/Dridex may use the following webpage created by US-CERT for assistance in removing the malware: https://www.us-cert.gov/dridex.

Indictment

A sophisticated malware package designed to steal banking and other credentials from infected computers has been disrupted, and charges have been filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania against a Moldovan administrator of the botnet known as “Bugat,”  “Cridex” or “Dridex.”  Actions taken by the U.K. and the U.S. substantially disrupted the botnet.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division made the announcement today.

Andrey Ghinkul, aka Andrei Ghincul and Smilex, 30, of Moldova, was charged in a nine-count indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania with criminal conspiracy, unauthorized computer access with intent to defraud, damaging a computer, wire fraud and bank fraud.  Ghinkul was arrested on Aug. 28, 2015 in Cyprus.  The United States is seeking his extradition.

“The steps announced today are another example of our global and innovative approach to combatting cybercrime,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “Our relationships with counterparts all around the world are helping us go after both malicious hackers and their malware.  The Bugat/Dridex botnet, run by criminals in Moldova and elsewhere, harmed American citizens and entities.  With our partners here and overseas, we will shut down these cross-border criminal schemes.”

“Through a technical disruption and criminal indictment we have struck a blow to one of the most pernicious malware threats in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton.

“Cyber criminals often reach across international borders, but this operation demonstrates our determination to shut them down no matter where they are,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Anderson Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch.  “The criminal charges announced today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners in international law enforcement and private sector.  We continue to strengthen those relationships and find innovative ways to counter cyber criminals.”

According to the indictment, Ghinkul was part of a criminal conspiracy that disseminated Bugat, which is a multifunction malware package that automates the theft of confidential personal and financial information, such as online banking credentials, from infected computers through the use of keystroke logging and web injects.  It is generally distributed through “phishing,” an email fraud method where legitimate-looking emails are distributed to victims in an attempt to obtain personal or financial information.  Bugat is specifically designed to defeat antivirus and other protective measures employed by victims.  The FBI estimates at least $10 million in direct loss domestically can be attributed to Bugat.

The indictment alleges that Ghinkul and his co-conspirators used the malware to steal banking credentials and then, using the stolen credentials, to initiate fraudulent electronic funds transfers of millions of dollars from the victims’ bank accounts into the accounts of money mules, who further transferred the stolen funds to other members of the conspiracy.  Specifically, according to the indictment, on Dec. 16, 2011, Ghinkul and others allegedly attempted to cause the electronic transfer of $999,000 from the Sharon, Pennsylvania, City School District’s account at First National Bank to an account in Kiev, Ukraine, using account information obtained through a phishing email.  In addition, Ghinkul and others allegedly caused the international transfer on Aug. 31, 2012, of $2,158,600 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Krasnodar, Russia, and the international transfer on Sept. 4, 2012, of $1,350,000 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Minsk, Belarus.  Finally, the indictment alleges that on Sept. 4, 2012, Ghinkul attempted to cause the electronic transfer of $76,520 from a Penneco Oil account at First Commonwealth Bank to an account in Philadelphia.  In all three instances, the company’s account information was allegedly obtained through a phishing email sent to a Penneco Oil employee.

In addition to the criminal charges announced today, the United States obtained a civil injunction in the Western District of Pennsylvania authorizing the FBI to take measures to redirect automated requests by victim computers for additional instructions to substitute servers.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI.  Other agencies and organizations partnering in this effort include: the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S.-Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, Europol’s EC3, German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), Dell SecureWorks, Fox-IT, S21sec, Abuse.ch, the Shadowserver Foundation, Spamhaus and the Moldovan General Inspectorate of Police Centre for Combating Cyber Crime, the Prosecutor General’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit and the Ministry of Interior Forensics Unit.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary McKeen Houghton and Margaret E. Picking of the Western District of Pennsylvania.  The civil action to disrupt the Bugat malware is led by Senior Trial Attorney Richard D. Green of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Comber of the Western District of Pennsylvania.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance throughout the criminal and civil investigations.

Victims of Bugat/Dridex may use the following webpage created by US-CERT for assistance in removing the malware: https://www.us-cert.gov/dridex.

Ghinkul Indictment

Anyone claiming an interest in any of the property seized or actions enjoined pursuant to the court orders described in this release is advised to review the court documents below for notice of the full contents of the orders.

Ghinkul Complaint

Government's Motion for Leave to File Under Seal

Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion For Temporary Restraining Order

Motion for Temporary Restraining Order

Order to File Under Seal

Temporary Restraining Order

Special Agent Stevens Affidavit in Support of Temporary Restraining Order

Motion to Modify Preliminary Injunction

Amended Preliminary Injunction

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today on a charge of deprivation of civil rights, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Norman L. Howard, 42, of Grindstone, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

On or about May 26, 2013, Howard, the former Officer in Charge of the Redstone Township Police Department, willfully deprived an individual identified as D.N. by punching D.N. in the face, without justification.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to sixty months in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Terrance Sitton, 42.

According to information presented to the court, from Jan. 22, 2015, to April 17, 2015, Sitton conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Altoona Police Department, and the Cambria County District Attorney's Office, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sitton.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Julio Raf Antomachi, III, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one felony count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Antomachi fraudulently received federal housing subsidy monies as a purported landlord of a property located in Pittsburgh, PA. From February 2010 through February 2015, Antomachi wrongfully converted $43,054.00 in federal housing subsidy monies.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Antomachi bond.

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

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in jail on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John Paul Donico, 66.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around May 2011, to in and around July 2012, Donico fraudulently obtained $350,000 from a Mexican construction company by promising to obtain financing, which Donico never obtained, for the construction of a rock crushing plant. Donico then refused to return the money and instead used it for personal living expenses.

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

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

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.

Vincent Andrew Feliciano, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Feliciano was found in possession of a Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol in his residence at 918 West 35th Street, Erie, at the time a federal search warrant was being executed. Feliciano is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2016 at 3:00 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.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Feliciano. The OCDETF task force includes The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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.

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

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

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wireko allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Wireko would then withdraw the fraudulently obtained refunds, keep a portion for himself and give the remainder of the money to another co-defendant.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

Nana Baffour, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Baffour allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Baffour would then withdraw the fraudulently obtained refunds, keep a portion for himself and give the remainder of the money to another co-defendant.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Correna Pfeiffer, 37, of Monaca, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was told that Pfeiffer is a pharmacist who was the manager of the MedFast Institutional Pharmacy located at 2003 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa, in Beaver County. As manager she prepared and oversaw employees who prepared prescription medications for residents of nursing homes. MedFast had its delivery drivers pick up unused medications from the nursing homes and return them to the institutional pharmacy where employees unpackaged them and returned them to stock to be re-used in other prescriptions in violation of state law and federal law. As a result, drugs from different manufacturers with different lot numbers and different expiration dates were commingled in stock bottles. When it was necessary for employees to place lot numbers and expiration dates on prescriptions, the employees were instructed to use inaccurate and false information rendering the drugs “misbranded.” In addition, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurers were not reimbursed for the unused drugs, but they were billed for illegal, “misbranded” drugs.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Feb. 2, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-OCI, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Diversion Investigators, the Health and Human Service-OIG and the Office of Personnel Management-OIG conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A former Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, on his conviction of travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr., imposed the sentence on Donald L. Starkey, age 58, of Beaver Falls, Pa.

According to information presented to the court at the time of Starkey’s guilty plea, on June 4, 2012, Starkey, then aged 54 years, transported a 15-year old female from Pennsylvania to North Carolina with whom he engaged in sexual intercourse en route and while in North Carolina. A bystander observed Starkey and the minor female playing pool at a truck stop in Guilford County, North Carolina, and reported them to local authorities.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Donald L. Starkey.

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 Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Cecil Pinnix, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts 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. The government had wiretaps on two of Cecil Pinnix’s phones, and Pinnix 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, and to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, which he obtained in Ohio and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2016. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

The 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 Cecil Pinnix.

PITTSBURGH – An Armstrong County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Francine Ann Priestas, 48, of Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to 11 counts before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Priestas was employed as a supervisor in the UPMC Health Plan Claims Department. Priestas generated billing statements which falsely represented that she and others received medical services. She submitted 156 false statements on the UPMC system and received payments totaling $184,835.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 210 years in prison, a fine of $2,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Priestas 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 Priestas.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Maryland has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation, six months of home detention and community service on his conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Robert St. Clair, 51, of Bel Air, Maryland.

According to the information presented to the court, between 2002 and 2011, St. Clair, a contract employee at the National Guard Bureau at Andrews Air Force Base, conspired with another person at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, to defraud the United States by accepting a “no show” enlistment position as a “contracting specialist’ at the 171st, in exchange for St Clair providing military work days to the conspirator, a former commander at the 171st ARW.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Robert St. Clair.

PITTSBURGH – A Butler County couple has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Robert W. MacVittie, 35, and Jennifer MacVittie, aka Jennifer Dinwiddie, 32, formerly of Cranberry, Twp., each pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, beginning around October 2013, through May, 2014, the MacVitties’ used cell phone cameras to “shoulder surf” Social Security numbers from Walmart customers nationwide by taking cell phone video images of the customers who were cashing checks at the customer service counters. The stolen information was later used by the MacVittie’s to negotiate counterfeit checks at Walmart stores throughout the U.S., including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas and other states. The MacVittie’s were arrested at a casino by law enforcement in Nevada on Nov. 29, 2014.

Judge Conti scheduled the sentencing for Jennifer MacVittie on Jan. 8, 2016, at 11 a.m. and Robert MacVittie on Jan. 15, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than seven 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 12-count indictment, returned on Sept. 22, named William B. Rusnock, 35, Glassport, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Rusnock made fraudulent purchases of sporting event tickets on StubHub! without paying for them, defrauding StubHub!, PayPal and Huntington Bank.

The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for each count of conviction. 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.

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 theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michelle L. Michalek, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one felony count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Michalek fraudulently received federal housing subsidy monies as a purported tenant of the property located at 241 Friday Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. From February 2010 through February 2015, Michalek wrongfully converted $43,054.00 in federal housing subsidy monies.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Michalek on bond.

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

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was found guilty after an eight-day jury trial of offenses related to his sexual abuse of three minor boys during trips to Honduras over a five-year period, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joseph D. Maurizio Jr., 70, of Central City, Pennsylvania, was convicted of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places, possession of child pornography and international money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2016, at 10 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Hickton stated, “The jury’s conviction affirms the courage of these victims, the tenacity of the investigators and the resolve of our prosecutors to ensure justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect children from predators here and pursue those who travel beyond our borders to offend. We are especially vigilant where a person uses a position of trust to victimize the most vulnerable among us.”

"What Maurizio did to the children in Honduras while swindling unsuspecting Americans for money to support his pedophilia is atrocious," said John Kelleghan, HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge. "The jury's verdict is testament that society will not tolerate this behavior, and HSI will continue to use its transnational investigative capabilities to bring American child predators to justice -- no matter where they commit their crimes."

“Investigations of this importance are only possible when each individual agency lends their manpower and expertise to the goal of achieving justice,” added Edward M. Wirth, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, IRS - Criminal Investigation. “The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation will continue to provide the financial expertise in these investigations and will readily assist in the analysis of the financial activities of those who violate the laws of our country.”

According to the evidence introduced at trial, the defendant created a charitable organization, known at the time as Honduras Interfaith Ministries (HIM), which was funded by donations from members of the community, including parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Central City. The evidence showed that HIM became the largest donor to Pro Nino, a non-profit organization that provided shelter and rehabilitative services to poor, abandoned and at risk children residing in a rural town outside of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The trial evidence further demonstrated that Maurizio often used his position as Pro Nino’s largest donor to gain unfettered access to the boys that lived there.

In addition, the evidence showed that Maurizio used HIM funds to pay for 13 separate trips between the United States and Honduras between 2004 and 2009, during which he sexually abused three minor boys between the ages of 12 and 17. The government presented evidence that, prior to three of these trips, Maurizio transferred $8,000 from accounts located in the Western District of Pennsylvania to accounts and individuals located in Honduras, and that he used these funds to purchase gifts including clothes, shoes and jewelry that he gave to the minor boys in order to gain their trust and to ensure their compliance during the sexual acts he perpetrated against them. The evidence presented at trial also showed that, during his final trip to Honduras, Maurizio paid two minor boys, ages 14 and 15, to engage in sexual acts with him.

In addition, trial evidence showed that, during a search of the rectory of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, federal investigators recovered digital media depicting the young boys Maurizio sexually abused, and images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Pittsburgh. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Amy E. Larson of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Haines of the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and 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 Butler County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of interference with commerce by extortion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count superseding indictment named Pamela A. Vivirito, 45, of Valencia, PA as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment Vivirito extorted property from persons known to the grand jury.

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 Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of 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 former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a 57-month term of imprisonment on each of his convictions of possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, followed by supervised release for a term of three years on each of his convictions, to be served concurrently. In addition, Poindexter was ordered to pay a Special Assessment in the amount of $200.00.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Cornell Poindexter, 29, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 2, 2014, Poindexter possessed with the intent to distribute less than 28 grams of a mixture and substance which contained cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack,” a Schedule II controlled substance. Further, on or about July 2, 2014, Poindexter, who has previously been convicted of carrying a firearm without a license, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and escape, was found to be in possession of two 9 millimeter pistols. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment with credit for time served, subject to deportation along with three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Javier Ochoa, 53, of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, Olufemi Young was a large-scale trafficker of cocaine and heroin in Pittsburgh, Pa. Following his release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement collected evidence demonstrating that Young conspired to import multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin into the Western District of Pennsylvania, with these narcotics coming mainly from California and Arizona. In April of 2014, law enforcement seized nearly $260,000 in cash from individuals associated with Ochoa in Munhall, Pa. At that time, law enforcement also recovered an “owe sheet,” indicating that Young had purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of heroin from his co-conspirators. In May of 2014, law enforcement seized another $660,000 in cash from Ochoa and Young in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. In the late summer of 2014, law enforcement began wiretap interceptions of telephones utilized by Young and a co-conspirator, and pursuant to those interceptions, law enforcement stopped a tractor trailer, being driven by another two co-conspirators, in Somerset County, Pa., on Nov. 10, 2014. This tractor trailer was carrying 19 kilograms of cocaine destined for Pittsburgh and multiple pallets of food bound for Wal-Mart. Young is presently serving a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in this case.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ochoa.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh drug dealer has been sentenced in federal court to 30 years in prison, followed by 10 years supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Kenyatta Robinson, 35.

According to information presented to the court at a non-jury trial on June 1, 2015, on Nov. 1, 2013, Robinson possessed with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and less than 500 grams of powder cocaine. As noted by Judge McVerry, Robinson was “on the run from a half-way house” when he was arrested for this offense.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge McVerry noted Robinson's lengthy criminal history, which includes three prior felony drug convictions, as well as numerous incidents involving firearms and assaults. As a result, Robinson has been properly designated as a Career Offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. While imposing the lengthy sentence, Judge McVerry further stated that Robinson’s extensive and ongoing contact with the criminal justice system reveals that he has no interest in changing his “destructive” behavior.

Assistant United States Attorneys Amy L. Johnston and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kenyatta Robinson.

PITTSBURGH – An American Airlines executive from Texas has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Aug 5, 2015, and unsealed today named Ray Wickliffe Howland, 55, of Arlington, Texas, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, 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.

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

Assistant United States Attorney 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 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 former resident of Crowley, Louisiana, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of bank robbery. Kirk Stutes, 52, received a sentence of 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release. Stutes was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $700.00, a Special Assessment in the amount of $100.00. In addition, the Court ordered that $3,148.00 shall be paid through forfeiture of funds recovered from Stutes.

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

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 16, 2015, Stutes robbed First National Bank located at 6298 Steubenville Pike, in Pittsburgh, Pa. The bank is 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, Robinson Township Police Department, North Fayette Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stutes.

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

Mark Anthony Sosso, 43, pleaded guilty to one felony count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

According to information presented to the Court, Sosso knowingly and willfully conspired with other individuals to commit an offense against the United States, that is, bank fraud, in connection with a co-conspirator’s purchase of the real property located in Longboat Key, Fla. Sosso, through a company controlled by him - Sosso Homes, Inc. - sold the property on July 27, 2007, to the co-conspirator for the ostensible purchase price of $3,000,000 and fraudulently induced Washington Mutual Bank into making a mortgage loan to the co-conspirator in the amount of $2,377,000 in order to fund the transaction.

It was part of the conspiracy that Sosso and the co-conspirator submitted false and fraudulent loan documents to Washington Mutual Bank. As part of the conspiracy, Sosso and the co-conspirator submitted to Washington Mutual Bank a HUD-1 Settlement Statement that falsely represented that the co-conspirator had paid Sosso Homes a $600,000 cash deposit, well knowing that the co-conspirator had never paid, or intended to pay, the $600,000 cash deposit. It was also part of the conspiracy that Sosso paid $458,350 of the mortgage loan monies to the co-conspirator as kickbacks, without the knowledge or approval of Washington Mutual Bank. It was further a part of the conspiracy that $1,677,598 of the mortgage loan monies were used to pay off Sosso Homes’ mortgage debt to another bank.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Jan. 14, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Sosso on bond.

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

The United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and filing a false income tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Steven R. Wetzel, 39, of Beaver Falls, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Steven R. Wetzel was the Executive Director of the Hero Program. He was responsible for collecting donations and making distributions of funds collected. The Hero Program was a charity operated through the Frontline Initiative, Inc., a Pennsylvania non-profit tax exempt organization, located in Beaver, Pennsylvania. The Hero Program funds were to be used to meet the needs of terminally ill children. Wetzel used the Hero Program grant and donation monies intended for the benefit of terminally ill children and their families for his own personal benefit and personal reasons by, among other things, paying his own Duquesne Light bills, spending approximately $5,000 at restaurants, spending approximately $1,500 for Starbucks Coffee purchases, purchasing flowers for three women and Sewickley Spa gift certificates for two women, spending approximately $3,600 for Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball game tickets, paying for his own treatment at a dentist and an eye doctor, purchasing glasses for himself, and paying for home remodeling projects at his own home. Wetzel attempted to cover up these personal expenditures by claiming that each was made for the benefit of Hero Program families. Approximately $91,000 was spent for his personal benefit, while approximately $10,000 went to the intended recipients of those grant and donation monies. In addition, Wetzel filed four United States Individual Income Tax Returns, Form 1040s for the calendar years 2010 through 2013 reporting less taxable income than was received in that he did not report the monies described above.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 14, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 23 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 Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Beaver Police Department initiated and worked together with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation to conduct the investigation leading to the Information filed in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dwayne Allen, a/k/a Dewayne Allen, 41, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2013 and 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies targeted Allen and other drug traffickers in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. On Dec. 5, 2013, the agents utilized a confidential informant to purchase one ounce of crack cocaine from Allen for $13,000. The informant made another slightly larger purchase of crack cocaine for $1,900 from Allen on Jan. 28, 2014. On Feb. 14, 2014, the informant paid $4,000 to Allen and obtained three ounces of crack cocaine.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2016, at 2 p.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street 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 leading to the prosecution of Allen.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation, the first year of which will include a condition of home detention, on his conviction of violations of federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone imposed the sentence on Guy Amatangelo, 42.

According to information presented to the court, Amatangelo was intercepted on a federal wiretap that targeted large-scale heroin and cocaine traffickers in the Hill District section of Pittsburgh and beyond. That wiretap revealed that during September 2013 and October 2013, Amatangelo conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. In addition, on Oct. 5, 2013, Amatangelo, an unlawful user of crack cocaine, possessed a firearm.

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

This prosecution is the result of a federal OCDETF investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Other participating agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Munhall Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the FBI, DEA and the other agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Amatangelo.

PITTSBURGH – Kevin Livsey, of Pittsburgh, pled guilty to heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Livsey, 28, pled guilty to distributing heroin on June 24, 2014, and again on July 3, 2014. As of those dates, Livsey had already been convicted of drug trafficking in a case prosecuted in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer scheduled sentencing to occur on Jan. 22, 2016, at 9 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Pittsburgh 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 Westmoreland County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tieriq Pinnix, 21, of Delmont, 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, Tieriq Pinnix was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others, including his father, Cecil Pinnix, 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 January 22, 2016. The law provides for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, 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 on home detention with electronic monitoring.

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 Street Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tieriq Pinnix.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ashland, Virginia, 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 three-count indictment named Kerry Eccles, 60, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Eccles traveled to Erie from Virginia for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor. While in Erie, Eccles took sexually explicit photos of a ten year old victim.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie County Detectives 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 – Adalberto Davila, a resident of Puerto Rico, pled guilty to conspiring to traffic kilograms of cocaine and heroin in Western Pennsylvania, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Davila, 42, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least one kilogram of heroin between 2011 and 2013 in the Pittsburgh area. Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing to occur on Dec. 16, 2015, at 3:30 p.m.

Davila was part of an interstate drug trafficking organization that operated in several locations throughout the United States. Davila was part of the multi-jurisdictional supply chain that resulted in the distribution of, among other things, numerous kilograms of cocaine and heroin in Western Pennsylvania between 2011 and 2013.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $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 Attorneys Katherine A. King and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three years in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Willie Gene Gulley, Jr., 47.

According to information presented to the court, on Aug. 18, 2014, Gulley distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison on his conviction of federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence upon defendant Self Strawder, 31, on September 2, 2015.

According to information presented to the court, on June 1, 2014, Homestead Police responded to a domestic disturbance and observed the defendant drop a pistol handle extender as he fled into a building. In the hallway, they located a loaded pistol. Strawder was also located and found to possess 40 stamp bags of heroin and $1,804 in cash.

On Sept. 15, 2014, Pittsburgh Police observed Strawder, then a wanted fugitive, discarding marijuana as he fled on foot. He was apprehended and found to have a loaded pistol, 128 stamp bags of heroin and $765 on his person.

Judge Hornak determined that Strawder has multiple prior convictions including: burglary of a residence; theft of firearms and other items; and dealing heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Federal law precludes a person with any prior convictions for crimes punishable by more than one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Individuals with three or more felony drug convictions and/or crimes of violence face a minimum mandatory 15 years or more in federal prison.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak determined that a 15-year period of incarceration was a serious sentence imposed for serious offenses. The Court also determined that a 10-year period of supervision by the United States Probation Office after his release from jail was necessary to deter Strawder from similar criminal conduct in the future.

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

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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Crescent, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to imprisonment for a term of 12 months and one day followed by 12 years of Supervised Release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and further must register as a convicted sex offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Mark A. Chasey, 50, Crescent, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Chasey 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.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chasey.

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 Armstrong County truck driver pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Billy Joe Toy, 44, of Worthington, 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 Toy received Social Security disability insurance benefit payments based on his alleged inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity, and thereby caused $55,012 in disability payments to be paid on behalf of his minor child. At the same time, he was employed as a truck driver, and had his wages paid to his wife’s business in order to conceal their payment.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Dec. 11, 2015 at 10 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, if any, of the defendant.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Billy Joe Toy.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three federal prison inmates and a resident of Toledo, Ohio, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of credit/debit card fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Jermain R. Stevenson, 25, Antuane Hamilton, 42, and Herbie A. Matthews, 42, all inmates at various federal correctional institutions, and Selina Mack, 21, of Toledo, Ohio.

According to the indictment, from Dec. 23, 2013, to March 30, 2014, Stevenson, Hamilton, Matthews and Mack used debit and credit card information to obtain more than $1,000, knowing that the debit cards and credit cards belong to other persons.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each defendant of 12 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Clearfield County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Maryann Bowes-Dailey, 52, of Osceola Mills, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from June. 1, 2001, to Feb. 28, 2013, Bowes-Dailey received and converted falsely to her own use a total of $149,520.41, which represents 416 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to her, to which she was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH -- A resident of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Conspiracy, Using Unauthorized Access Device in Aggregate of $1,000, Possessing Device-making Equipment, and Possessing Fifteen or More Access Devices, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joel M. Cosey, 26, pleaded guilty to five counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cosey was charged with conspiracy, possessing device-making equipment, possessing fifteen or more access devices, and two counts of using unauthorized access device in aggregate of $1,000 on or about August 9, 2013.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Dec. 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cosey.

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

Eric Tyrone Bates, Jr., 29, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

According to the information presented to the court, beginning in 2013, Bates and another person conspired together to steal bank account information belonging to an account holder at Citizens Bank in Pittsburgh, which information they used to make create accounts at other banks which they controlled to make multiple withdrawals of cash.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail and ordered to forfeit $142,780 and a Cadillac Escalade 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 Levonne Rowan, 32.

According to information presented to the court, Levonne and his brother Dywon were arrested after ordering 3.5 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for $142,780. The cash was seized from them when they arrived in Edinboro, Pennsylvania to purchase the cocaine.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended OCDETF, a federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and is comprised of members drawn from 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 Rowan. 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 Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months plus one day term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and restitution ordered on his conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Warren H. Thompson, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to the information presented to the court, Thompson conspired with others to steal bank account information belonging to account holders at Citizens Bank in Pittsburgh. They used the information to create accounts at another bank into which they deposited the stolen funds. From these accounts, they made multiple withdrawals of the stolen cash.

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

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