Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months in prison, followed by 10 years supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Schwab also ordered Ryan Henry Miller to pay $2,881.28 in restitution to a victim, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Miller, 33, formerly of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Miller, on July 17, 2014, 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department and the West Mifflin Police Department for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Miller.

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 Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted in Pittsburgh by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 28-count indictment named Maria P. Makozy, 47, now residing in Port St. Lucie, FL, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Maria P. Makozy embezzled from her former employer, Keymax Settlement Services, to pay for personal credit card expenses using company checks.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Florida resident has been indicted in Pittsburgh by a federal grand jury on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets, false bankruptcy declaration, false statement under oath, and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 10-count indictment, returned on August 25, and unsealed today, named Gregory M. Makozy, Sr., 54, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Makozy schemed to defraud the bankruptcy court by concealing assets he owned through pre-Petition and post-Petition transfers of real estate and an automobile. He is also alleged to have laundered fraud proceeds in the purchase of a home in Florida.

The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The 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.

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

Mark Spearman, 34, 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, Spearman was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, which was shipped, in powder form, from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Spearman’s bond and conditions of release.

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 Mark Spearman.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Douglas Smith, Jr., 43, 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. During that timeframe, Douglas Smith, Jr. 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 heroin, which the conspirators obtained in Cleveland, Ohio, and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2016. For each count, 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’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 Douglas Smith.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Bedford, Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 25, 2015, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Sean J. Barner, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, 2015, Barner distributed visual depictions, namely videos in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further charges that Barner, on March 28, 2015, unlawfully possessed in computer graphics files, photographs and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Guatemala was indicted on August 25, 2015, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Illegal Re-Entry after Deportation and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Edward Jacinto Garcia, 30, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on July 6, 2015, Jacinto Garcia, an alien who, on October 6, 2011, had been deported and removed from the United States, and having unlawfully reentered the United States, was found in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The indictment also charges Jacinto Garcia with traveling in interstate commerce and failing to register as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Jacinto Garcia’s registration requirement stems from a 2009 conviction for the crime of Sexual Assault of a Minor, 1st degree, in Platte County, Nebraska.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a child, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 11-count indictment, returned on August 11 and unsealed today, named Robert Allen Middlebrook, 40, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, and Kiari Nicole Day, 26, of Rankin, Pennsylvania, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, in February 2015, Middlebrook and Day knowingly entered into an agreement to conspire to recruit for sex trafficking four female minors who had not attained the age of 18 years. Also, in February 2015, Middlebrook and Day knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided and obtained four female minors, Minors A, B, C, D, to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment further charges that in February 2015 Middlebrook conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

For Middlebrook, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $2,750,000, and a term of supervised release for any term of years not less than 5, and up to life, or any or all. For Day, the law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years, nor more than life, a fine of $1,250,000, and a term of supervised release for any term of years not less than five, and up to life, or any or all. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Katherine A. King are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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 Carnegie Mellon University student pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Morgan C. Culbertson, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill.

According to information presented to the Court, from on or about January 2013 to on or about August 20, 2014, Culbertson participated in a scheme to create and sell malware that could be used to spy on and steal personal information from a Google Android cell phone without the owner’s knowledge. Culbertson crafted a piece of malware ultimately named “Dendroid” which, through the use of a binder, could hide itself within a Google App and then download onto a Google Android phone when the user of that phone downloaded the Google App from a place such as the Google Play Store. Dendroid was designed to avoid detection by anti-virus scanners and Google Play security features and did not affect the functionality of the Google App that it was bound to. Once the malware was downloaded onto a Google Android phone, the malware would connect to a command-and-control server controlled by Culbertson. Dendroid was repeatedly advertised for sale on Darkode with explicit advertisements detailing the malware’s intended capabilities, which included commanding the phone remotely to take photos, intercepting text messages, stealing files, spying on internet browsing history and recording phone calls. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Culbertson intentionally caused damage without authorization to 10 or more computers.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2015 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Morgan C. Culbertson.

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

Damian Petty, 52, of Verona, 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, Damian Petty was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Dec. 16, 2015. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, 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 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 that led to the prosecution of Damian Petty.

PITTSBURGH - Andre Ruffin, a former resident of Munhall, Pa., was sentenced yesterday to 300 months (25 years) in prison and five years of post-release supervision, by Senior U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. Ruffin was convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition by a federal jury on March 4, 2015.

According to information that was presented to the court, Ruffin had been under investigation, by the Allegheny County Police – Homicide Section, for the death of Loretta Jackson that occurred on April 11, 2013. During that investigation, as was revealed at trial, a search warrant was executed at Ruffin’s home on April 22, 2013. During the search of Ruffin’s residence officers recovered an assault weapon and a component for an assault weapon known as a lower receiver. Officers also recovered multiple rounds of various caliber ammunition, a bullet proof vest, firearms holsters, firearms magazines, and various firearms paraphernalia and components.

Subsequent to the search, Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives obtained records and conducted interviews that demonstrated that Ruffin had used his girlfriend (as a “straw purchaser”) to purchase the two firearms from Anthony Arms and Accessories, a West Mifflin firearms dealer, for his own possession. As a convicted felon, Ruffin was not legally permitted to purchase or possess firearms or ammunition. ATF also obtained records and information revealing more than a dozen deliveries of firearms-related parts and paraphernalia were made to the Ruffin home.

Federal law prohibits a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year from lawfully possessing a firearm, firearm components such as a receiver, and ammunition. Ruffin had been convicted of a multitude of felony offenses including: carjacking; using a firearm during a crime of violence; robbery; attempted theft; and aggravated assault. During the sentencing hearing Judge McVerry noted that Ruffin, through his criminal history, had displayed "absolutely no respect for the law" as well as a "complete and utter disrespect for the law."

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office - Crime Laboratory, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Munhall Police Department and the United States Marshal Service conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

After being convicted in this federal case, Ruffin was charged by the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for having committed the Loretta Jackson homicide. He is currently pending trial in the Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County for that charge. Any person having information relating to Ruffin and/or the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Allegheny County Police Department – Homicide Section should contact Lieutenant Andrew Shurman at 412-473-1300.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of violating the CAN-SPAM ACT, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Phillip Fleitz, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. Fleitz is one of 12 individuals charged in connection with a significant computer hacking forum known as Darkode, which has been dismantled.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Fleitz knowingly used a protected computer to relay or retransmit multiple commercial electronic mail messages with the intent to deceive or mislead recipients.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Nov. 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the CAN-SPAM ACT, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Naveed Ahmed, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. Ahmed is one of 12 individuals charged in connection with a significant computer hacking forum known as Darkode, which has been dismantled.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ahmed knowingly used a protected computer to relay or retransmit multiple commercial electronic mail messages with the intent to deceive or mislead recipients.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Nov. 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - The primary supplier of more than 3,000 pounds of high-grade marijuana sent to Pittsburgh, Philong Chuong, 52, of San Leandro, Calif., entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering conspiracy, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton. The plea was entered in federal court before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. The wholesale value of the marijuana distributed here exceeded $14 million, with the ultimate retail, or “street value”, being several multiples of that.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that co-conspirator Jennifer Chieu moved to Pennsylvania from California in 2010, and by October of that year was in the drug business, using her old contacts to ship her 10-20 pound packages of high-quality marijuana from California on a daily basis. Chieu then resold the marijuana for $2,400-$4,600 a pound, depending on quality, to a small network of dealers. Philong Chong became Jennifer Chieu’s primary supplier.

United States Postal Inspectors eventually identified more than 250 inbound drug packages, and in excess of 350 outbound parcels containing drug proceeds, with $12,000-$20,000 in each package.

Postal inspectors and IRS and FBI special agents observed Chieu making deals out of her Green Tree home and a nail salon she owned on Liberty Avenue in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh.

Between January and April 2011, postal inspectors served nine search warrants on random outgoing parcels suspected to contain drug proceeds. Each of the parcels contained between $12,000 and $20,000 in cash, with the total exceeding $143,000. All were mailed to Chuong in California.

Wiretaps were approved for Chieu’s phones and several others between June and October 2011. Chuong and Chieu and their co-conspirators spoke four languages on the wiretaps – Vietnamese, English, and two Chinese dialects - often switching languages in mid-sentence in an obvious attempt to hamper law enforcement agents and interpreters who might be listening.

More than a hundred hours of calls were intercepted between Chuong and Chieu. On a daily basis, they discussed how much marijuana he would be sending, the quality or “brand name” of the product, how much Chieu would charge for it here, and how many packages of cash she planned to send to California the following day.

Large seizures of cash demonstrated the broad scope of this drug ring, with more than one million dollars seized. In one example, in April 2012, Chuong and Chieu were stopped in Utah for a traffic violation. Hidden within their car was more than $500,000 in cash. Both individuals refused to claim the cash, with Chieu telling officers she didn’t know how it got there.

Following the indictment of Chuong and Chieu and 18 other individuals, Chieu was arrested in April 2012, at which time more than $70,000 was seized from her Green Tree home, and $100,000 from a safe deposit box. Another seizure in 2011 of drug proceeds from a van leaving Pittsburgh for California turned up $136,000 in cash. In addition to the seizure of more than one million dollars in this investigation, homes and cars were also seized for forfeiture to the government.

Nineteen of the 20 indicted individuals have now entered pleas of guilty, with most sentenced.

On motion of the government, Philong Chuong’s bond was revoked and he was ordered detained pending sentencing on Dec. 10, 2015. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years 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 offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were the lead agencies in this case, and were assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police in this investigation that led to the prosecution of Philong Chuong.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government property and false statements to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kristyn Mazinski, 47, of Brackenridge, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between Aug. 3, 2011, and April 3, 2013, Mazinski converted to her own use Social Security benefits totaling $24,760 which she received on behalf of a minor for whose use and benefit the payments were intended. On two occasions, April 12, 2012, and April 25, 2013, Mazinski also made false statements to the government in which she advised that the minor resided with her, when in fact the minor did not reside with Mazinski.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 20, 2016, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mazinski 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 that led to the prosecution of Mazinski.

PITTSBURGH - A New York resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the CAN-SPAM ACT, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Eric L. Crocker, 39, of Binghamton, NY, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill. Crocker is one of 12 individuals charged in connection with a significant computer hacking forum known as Darkode, which has since been dismantled.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Crocker knowingly accessed a protected computer without authorization, namely a computer that had been infected by the Facebook Spreader and Slenfbot, and did intentionally initiate the transmission of multiple commercial electronic mail messages from or through such computer.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Nov. 23, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 3 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 James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Eric L. Crocker.

PITTSBURGH – A New York resident was sentenced today in federal court to 30 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,500.00 in restitution, on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and to pass counterfeit currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed sentence upon John Viloria, 26.

According to information presented to the court, Viloria conspired with codefendants Eric Seighman, Barry Robert Youger, Jr. and Cheryl Johnson, to pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania during the period from July 1, 2014, through July 28, 2014.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Viloria.

PITTSBURGH - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction for six counts of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. Furay received a sentence of 64 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, and Furay was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $16,645.80, of which $4,990.00 shall be paid through forfeiture of funds recovered from Furay.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence yesterday on Christopher Furay, 33, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, between Dec. 1, 2014, and Jan. 16, 2015, Furay robbed six different banks in the Pittsburgh area including a First Commonwealth Bank located in Dormont, Pa.; a First National Bank located in Castle Shannon, Pa.; a PNC Bank located in Bethel Park, Pa.; a Citizens Bank located in Bethel Park, Pa.; a First Commonwealth Bank located in West Mifflin, Pa.; and a Citizens Bank in Brentwood, Pa. All of the banks are 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, Dormont Borough Police Department, Castle Shannon Police Department, Bethel Park Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Brentwood Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Furay.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Two residents of Johnstown, Pa., have each been sentenced in federal court to four years’ probation, the first 12 months of which must be satisfied by a condition of home detention; 100 hours of community service; $25,000 fine and to pay full restitution, including back taxes, penalties and interest to the Internal Revenue Service, on their convictions of filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentences on David J. Murphy and Joyce Murphy.

According to information presented to the court, the Murphys filed individual income tax returns for the calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 failing to report $431,073 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $140,834 in income tax owed to the United States.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the Murphys.

PITTSBURGH – A Beaver County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tyler Seevers, 25, formerly of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 20 and 21, 2014, Seevers produced sexually explicit photographs of a female child, three years of age, using an iPod Touch. The iPod Touch was turned over to law enforcement by the victim’s mother who had discovered the photographs of her daughter. Forensic analysis of the contents of the iPod Touch revealed images of both the 3-year-old and her older sister. One such sexually exploitive photograph depicted the ridges of the photographer’s fingertips. A fingerprint analyst with the Pennsylvania State Police was able to identify Seevers’ hand as that depicted in the photograph.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years, nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Seevers will remain in custody pending the sentencing proceeding.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Pennsylvania State Police, and the Hopewell Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tyler Seevers.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of device-making equipment , United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kristina Joanna Barney, 33, of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Oct. 22, 2010, Barney, along with a co-defendant, possessed counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, which included approximately 132 counterfeited identification cards, 73 counterfeited checks, 55 unauthorized gift cards, and 18 counterfeited credit cards. In addition to possessing these counterfeit or unauthorized access devises, Barney and a co-defendant also possessed device-making equipment, specifically Check Designer, Print Shop 2.0, check stock paper, and tools to modify checks and credit cards. Their possession of this equipment was designed primarily to produce counterfeit checks and credit cards.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 10, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Barney. 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 United States Secret Service and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Barney.

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

Larry Washington, 64, of Wilkinsburg, 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, co-conspirators were intercepted over the wire brokering crack cocaine deals on behalf of Washington. Also during that timeframe, agents were able to establish surveillance of Washington conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, which was shipped, in powder form, from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2015. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Washington’s bond and conditions of release.

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 Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Larry Washington.

PITTSBURGH- A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of interstate stalking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on August 5, named Frederick H. Banks, 47, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment Banks harassed an individual through telephone calls and a Craigslist posting.

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

Magistrate Judge Keith A. Pesto ordered Banks detained pending trial.

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.

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

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

David Tindell, 53, of Industry, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around January 2005, to in or around March 2014, Tindell unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the amount of approximately $70,654.80.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Dec. 4, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Tindell 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 that led to the prosecution of Tindell.

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

William Sarfo, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sarfo allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Sarfo 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 December 21, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. 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 Sarfo.

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

James Foster Wilcox, 28, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Katrina A. House, 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 House conspired with another individual to defraud the United States by submitting false claims for income tax refunds using individuals’ identification information which was unlawfully obtained. House stole the identities of 71 individuals who were clients of a non-profit social service agency where House was employed. House and her co-defendant sought refunds from the IRS of more than $100,000.00 and used the stolen identities and falsified W-2 forms to perpetrate the fraudulent tax refund scheme. House and her co-defendant successfully obtained more than $60,000.00 in tax refunds from the fraudulent scheme and converted that money to their own use.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued House on bond.

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of House.

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 Dywon Rowan, 31.

According to information presented to the court, Dywon and his brother Levonne 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.

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

Kwame Asamoah, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Asamoah allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Sarfo 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 December 21, 2015 at 12:45 p.m. 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 Asamoah.

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

Brian R. Kaminski, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kaminski was a Contract Specialist employed by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs who was given a Government Purchase Card (a credit card) for use in his duties for those occasions when he needed to make incidental purchases. During the period September through November 2012, Kaminski made a series of 29 unauthorized purchases (in person and online) at four different merchants totaling just over $28,000. Kaminski then took steps to hide what he had done relative to the internal accounting procedures of the VA.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Department of Veteran Affairs, through the Veterans Affairs Police and the Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kaminski.

PITTSBURGH - On August 5, 2015, a Pittsburgh resident was sentenced in federal court to 50 months in prison followed by multiple years of supervision by the United States Probation Office as a result of his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Germal McCray, age 40. In sentencing a defendant, federal law requires the court to first examine the extent of McCray’s criminal history as well as the seriousness of his crimes in order to determine an advisory guideline range. The court must consider this non-mandatory guideline range in order to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities between similarly situated defendants, but the law permits the court to consider a wide range of factors in determining the ultimate sentence appropriate to a specific defendant. In this matter, Judge Hornak found McCray’s advisory guideline range to be 57 to 71 months of incarceration and then provided the defendant with a small variance from the guidelines as a result of his difficult childhood and other mitigating factors in order to reach the 50-month sentence. Judge Hornak emphasized the serious effect heroin dealing has on the entire community and stated that spending more than four years in federal prison was sufficient but not greater than necessary since McCray’s previous convictions occurred more than 10 years ago.

According to information presented to the court, multiple federal, state and local law enforcement officers worked together in an effort to investigate heroin activities in Pittsburgh. These efforts culminated in police catching McCray and others actively engaged in the process of packaging heroin for later sale to heroin users. Law enforcement officers also seized the drug money and other drug-related items located as a result of the investigation. The forfeiture of these items will preclude their later use by other drug dealers and makes criminals help pay for the investigation of other drug crimes. McCray was handcuffed in the courtroom at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing and taken into custody by Deputy United States Marshals, in order to begin his sentence.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton specifically commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for their part in the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Germal McCray and his associates.

PITTSBURGH - A Michigan man has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Lamont Whitfield, 34.

According to information presented to the court, Whitfield was responsible for transporting 1,326 Oxycodone 30 mg pills from Detroit to Allegheny County in June and July of 2014.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Whitfield.

PITTSBURGH- A resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Tom E. Smith, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Smith unlawfully transported a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Sport from Western Pennsylvania into West Virginia on or about July 1, 2015.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ryan K. Hart is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Northern Regional Police Department of Allegheny County, Monroeville Police Department of Allegheny County, Allegheny County Police Department, West Virginia State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Huntingdon, Pa., has been sentenced in Pittsburgh, on August 3, 2015, on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and making false statements under oath, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael J. Free, 62, had been charged in a six-count indictment that was tried to a jury before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all six counts in December of 2014. Judge Hornak sentenced Free to two years in prison and three years of Supervised Release.

Prior to imposing sentence Mr. Free took the witness stand and was questioned by his own attorney and government counsel as well as by Judge Hornak. Judge Hornak commented that he found none of Free’s testimony to be credible. He commented that Free’s answers were evasive and nonsensical and he indicated that Free had tried to give the court “the run around.”

According to the evidence presented during the trial, Free submitted fraudulent documents during a bankruptcy that he filed in July of 2010. Among the matters for which he was convicted were filing a false Schedule A that failed to identify to the Bankruptcy Court a residence he owned in Fayette County as well as a false Schedule B that failed to list the majority of the guns that Free had in a large collection of World War II era machine guns and rifles. The jury heard that at one point the Trustee supervising Free’s bankruptcy learned that Free was selling some of his guns through internet advertising. After the Trustee reported this activity to the Court the Bankruptcy Court judge ordered Free to file an accounting with the Court listing all the guns sold and how much he had received for each sale. Free filed yet another false document claiming that nothing had been sold and that there was nothing to account for. The jury also found Free guilty for lying under oath at a meeting of creditors held during the Bankruptcy process.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, based on a referral by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee.

PITTSBURGH -A Uniontown resident currently incarcerated for state convictions has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months imprisonment, 15 months of which will be served consecutive and 15 months will be served concurrent to his state sentence for child molestation, among other crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr., imposed the sentence on Joseph H. Savage, 34.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Oct. 24, 2012, while incarcerated and awaiting disposition on state charges, Savage wrote a graphic letter to the White House threatening to kill the President and the President’s family. Although Savage addressed the letter to 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., the White House (located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.) still received it and turned it over to the Secret Service.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Baldwin Borough, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Eric Charles Smith, 37, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 27, 2014, officers of the Baldwin Borough Police Department arrested Eric Smith at his residence in Baldwin for domestic violence assault against his girlfriend and their five-year-old. Two days later, while Smith was still in jail on that charge, officers were called out to Smith’s residence by Smith’s girlfriend who indicated that she had obtained a Protection from Abuse Order against Smith and wanted his items removed from the residence, thereby giving officers consent to enter and seize items. Upon their entry, officers observed numerous (approximately 20) improvised explosive devices, explosive precursor chemicals, written calculations and recipes for explosives, bombmaking literature (such as the Anarchist Cookbook), remote detonating devices and various white supremacist and Nazi paraphernalia (including a podium and business cards which seemed to indicate that his residence was the meeting location for a group known as the “White Church Supremacists”). Among the devices was a six-inch long fused cylinder device which has been determined by the ATF to contain a perchlorate-based powder explosive containing aluminum and potassium perchlorate, as well as nails and other fragmentation taped to the outside of the cylinder. This device has been determined to be in operable condition and to fall within the legal definition of a “destructive device” by the ATF. In addition to being a convicted felon that is prohibited from possessing such a weapon, Smith has no items registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Dec. 3, 2015. 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 remanded the defendant into custody.

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

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

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

Saburi Adeyemi, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Adeyemi obtained stolen identity information which he shared with co-conspirators who used that information to file fraudulent federal tax returns seeking tax refunds. The information provided by Adeyemi was also used to open bank accounts that were used as repositories for the fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 7, 2015. 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 leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 228 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release, on his conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Thomas Deglau, 56, formerly of Latrobe, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on dates from on or about January 2012 to January 2014, Deglau employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual exploitation of the minors.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Deglau.

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 native of Mexico, and former resident of the Los Angeles area of California, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for criminal charges regarding his cocaine trafficking and laundering of drug money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gustavo Godinez who goes by the aliases Jorge Navarro Ochoa, Abel Acosta, Sergio Leon-Fregosa, Gustavo Torres, and “Tigre” (Spanish for “Tiger”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak to a 10-year term of imprisonment to be followed by a 25-year term of supervised release.

During the guilty plea on April 8, 2015, the court was advised that Godinez is a Mexican-born drug dealer who supplied between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine to Pittsburgh area drug dealers between 2012 and 2013. Using his drug proceeds, Godinez obtained expensive vehicles in the names of others and also opened bank accounts in the names of others. The federal investigation revealed that Godinez obtained drug payments from the Pittsburgh cocaine sales in the form of bank deposits, money orders, and wire transfers and that he utilized various associates in multiple states to obtain, deposit, cash, and withdraw the funds, incorrectly believing that his efforts would make it impossible for law enforcement to trace the money back to him. The organization kept the amounts of the money orders below federal reporting obligations for the same reason.

Since the defendant was on supervision in California during 2012-13 for a previous conviction involving his attempted sale of methamphetamine, Godinez acknowledged in court that he faces the possibility of additional incarceration in California. Godinez also faces potential federal charges in California for reentering the United States illegally after being deported to Mexico as a result of his prior drug dealing conviction.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ortiz and Ross Lenhardt from the Violent Crime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted Godinez on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Hickton praised the collaborative efforts of all of the federal, state and local law enforcement officers who worked together to bring Godinez and his associates to justice. United States Attorney Hickton noted the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Pittsburgh District Office, and DEA HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Group 44, in Los Angeles. Hickton specifically noted the valuable efforts of the United States Postal Service, the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and numerous other officers and agencies.

Godinez and his drug trafficking organization was prosecuted through a multi-agency federal effort within the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is intended to focus on prosecuting large scale drug traffickers whose crimes directly affect multiple jurisdictions within the United States.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on John Mallory, 61, of Greensburg, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Mallory, who had been a Quality Assurance Engineer for over 30 years, was found to be in possession of a large collection of child pornography, including child pornography with prepubescent children and child pornography involving sadistic and masochistic conduct.

In imposing sentence, Judge Cohill noted that Mallory had a prior conviction for the possession of child pornography, and that the law required a minimum sentence of at least 10 years of imprisonment.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mallory.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler, Pa., was sentenced in federal court to 5 years imprisonment followed by 15 years supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Justin Ellenberger, age 26.

According to information presented to the court, on March 10, 2014, Ellenberger distributed, to an a FBI agent working in Newark, New Jersey, in an undercover capacity, 19 photographs and a video contained in computer graphics files which depicted minors, some under the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant later executed at Ellenberger’s residence resulted in the seizure of two computers and an external hard drive, in which thousands of still images and videos had been stored by Ellenberger.

Judge Bissoon allowed Ellenberger to remain on bond pending designation to a federal correctional facility.

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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ellenberger.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mexico, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Alberto Tejada-Casas, 34, of Mexico as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, the defendant, who was previously removed from the United States on Oct. 25, 2007 and April 27, 2013, was found in Mount Lebanon, Pa., on June 26, 2015 without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mumbai, India, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 14-count indictment named Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela, a/k/a Ramesh Bhai, 44, of Mumbai, India, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Akkela, an Indian Internet-based supplier of prescription drugs - without prescriptions - to U.S. consumers, was charged with 10 counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and two counts of money laundering.

Except for the conspiracy counts, each of which is punishable by five years’ imprisonment, all the other counts have a maximum penalty of 20 years. Each money laundering count carries a maximum $500,000 fine, while $250,000 is the maximum fine for the remaining counts. 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 Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Several area men have been charged with distribution of heroin resulting in an overdose death, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The five men are named in three separate indictments, returned on July 21 and unsealed a day later, relating to the January 2015 fatal overdoses of two men and one woman. Court documents do not list the names of the deceased.

“The federal charge – distributing heroin that causes death – is not one we bring often or lightly,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “However, it is the policy of this office that if we can establish that a seller of heroin caused a death, we are going to charge it. This heroin crisis requires that response.”

One indictment charges Richard Toland, 56, Edward Skrine, 58, and Anthony McCullough, 54, all of Pittsburgh, Penn., with conspiring to distribute and distributing heroin resulting in serious bodily injury and death on Jan. 25, 2015, as well as with distributing heroin on other occasions. The indictment also charges Toland with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon between January 2015 and Feb. 27, 2015. The indictment lists Toland’s six prior convictions for drug trafficking crimes as well as a prior conviction for aggravated assault. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison.

Another indictment charges Antonio Rutherford, 26, of Pittsburgh, Penn., with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury and death; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – all from January 2015 to Feb. 9, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 25 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,500,000.

The last indictment charges Andrew Micheli, 22 of Bridgeville, Penn., with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin on or about Jan. 15, 2015. The indictment also charges that the distribution resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of a user of the heroin. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

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(s).

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott Township Police Department and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the investigations leading to the indictments in these cases.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by five years of supervised after entering a plea of guilty to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Eugene Allen Morgan, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Sept. 12, 2013, and again on Sept. 19, 2013, Morgan distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Morgan acknowledged that he was responsible for the distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Morgan.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail matter by postal service employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Frank J. Rysz, 49, of Latrobe, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, Rysz, while employed as a mail carrier in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., engaged in the theft of three first class letters and their valuable contents from the U.S. mails. Rysz also took one department store advertisement from the U.S. mails.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 12, 2015 at 9 a.m. 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.

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

The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Frank J. Rysz.

PITTSBURGH – A former Guardsmen officer at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa., has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard of tens of thousands of dollars in military pay and benefits, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gerard J. Mangis, 60, of Glenshaw, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. before Senior U.S. District Judge Gustave Diamond.

According to information presented to the Court, Mangis, a Colonel and former Mission Support Group Commander at the 171st Air Refueling Wing, conspired with Robert St. Clair, a contract employee at the National Guard Bureau and former tech sergeant at the 171st, to defraud the United States Air Force in false claims for military pay between 2002 and 2011. In 2002, Mangis appointed St. Clair to a position at the 171st where Mangis arranged for St. Clair to be enlisted at the 171st in a “no show” position, and enable him to avoid performing required guardsman duties such as drill weekends and physical tests, while earning valuable military pay and benefits. In exchange, using his authority at National Guard Bureau at Andrews AFB, St. Clair issued streams of military “workdays” to Mangis, which he used to accumulate excessive active and inactive duty military pay between 2006 and 2011. The estimated loss to the government is up to $70,000.

U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “Pursuing and prosecuting fraud against the government is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, and we remain steadfast in our shared commitment to protect the public trust through the elimination of corruption.”

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Nov. 17, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law allows for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Robert St. Clair, who pleaded guilty on April 14, 2014, to a one-count information charging conspiracy to defraud the United States, is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, 2015 before U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

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

The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of willful failure to remit employment taxes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The eleven-count indictment named John H. Johnson, 53.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from July 1, 2013 until December 31, 2014, Johnson failed to remit to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the payroll taxes he collected from his employees at Central Anesthesia and Johnny on the Spot, totaling $710,514 in delinquent payroll taxes due and owing by Johnson to the IRS.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 55 years in prison and a fine of $110,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Michael Canovali, 50, of Jefferson Hills, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Canovali was detected distributing images of child pornography. Canovali’s sentence was enhanced because he was found to have engaged in a pattern of sexual activity involving an actual child victim.

Assistant United States Attorney Soo C. Song prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, together with Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Canovali.

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

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

Paul A. Robinson, Jr., 33, Philadelphia, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Jan. 31, 2013, to April 23, 2013, Robinson conspired to distribute less than 28 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack".  Robinson also distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base on Jan. 31, 2013, and Feb. 12, 2013.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2015, at 11 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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