Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for approximately 90 minutes, on May 13, 2015, a federal jury found Santino Drew guilty of two felony narcotics counts: conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Santino Drew, 36, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was tried before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Rosen and Conor Lamb, who prosecuted the case, Drew was originally scheduled to proceed to trial with Brandon Thompson and Aldwin Vega as co- defendants. All three defendants were alleged to have supplied Jay Germany, a resident of Homestead, Pa. with heroin for distribution. On May 4, 2015, Vega pled guilty to heroin trafficking charges, and that same day, Thompson pled guilty to heroin and cocaine trafficking charges, as well as discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Vega’s guilty plea called for a stipulated sentence of 16 years in prison, while Thompson’s guilty plea called for a stipulated sentence of 15 years in prison.

On May 4, 2015, with Thompson and Vega having pled guilty, Drew proceeded to trial alone. Over a period of four and a half days, the jury heard evidence establishing that over an approximately five-month period in 2012 and 2013, Drew conspired together with two other New Jersey-based heroin suppliers – Thomas Martinez and Hector Guadalupe – to transport heroin from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, where it was resold. One of the persons Drew sold heroin to was Jay Germany, who, in the fall of 2012, became the focal-point of an FBI-led investigation into violent gang activity in Homestead. Germany has pled guilty to the heroin trafficking charges against him, and he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. On Jan. 30, 2013, the FBI, who was monitoring a telephone utilized by Santino Drew, anticipated that a load of heroin was being brought to Pittsburgh by Thomas Martinez. That evening, a search warrant was executed at the Comfort Inn in Robinson Township, and 519 bricks of heroin, totaling 707 grams, were found under Drew’s bed.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and not more than life, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court continued the detention of Mr. Drew.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, McKeesport Police Department, Munhall Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Santino Drew.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on May 12, named Gilbert Anthony Lucas, 67.

According to indictment, Lucas converted to his own use Social Security benefits which were intended for his deceased mother.

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

The 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 local man pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to eight years imprisonment on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Mark A. Brazil, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Brazil admitted in recorded conversations that he put firearms in his wife’s name because he was a convicted felon who could not lawfully possess firearms. Brazil specifically mentioned a .40 caliber Springfield pistol as a firearm he favored and described the unique way he loaded the magazine. During the execution of a search warrant at Brazil’s home on Oct. 16, 2013, a loaded Springdale .40 caliber pistol was found in Brazil’s bed in the master bedroom. The gun was loaded in the manner Brazil had earlier described.

Judge Diamond noted Brazil’s extensive criminal history in imposing sentence.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brazil.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government property and false statements to retain Supplemental Security Income Benefits, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on May 12, named Taisha Teresa Elmore, 35.

According to indictment, Elmore converted to her own use more than $70,000 of Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI) that were intended for her minor children. She also made false statements to the Social Security Administration by indicating that certain minor children were living with her when they were not and that she was using SSI benefits for their care and support when she was not.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison as to Count One and up to five years in prison as to Counts Two and Three, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, or both imprisonment and a 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.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Indiana, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months in prison and four years supervised release on her 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 Tiffany N. White, 26.

According to information presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, White conspired with her co-defendants to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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 White.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court to 100 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Michael George Hadam, 60, of Glassport, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 9, 2014 to on or about April 11, 2014, Hadam distributed videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Pursuant to the initial forensic review of Hadam’s external hard drive located at the time of the search of his residence, forensic examiners identified approximately 700,000 image files and 1,000 video files of child pornography. In addition to the videos and images found on the hard drive, more than 5,000 video files of child pornography also were recovered from Hadam’s desktop computer.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hadam.

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 resident of Everett, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 12 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, a $3,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and $113,218 restitution to the Coalition for the Advancement for the Protection of Sports Logos on his conviction of trafficking in counterfeit goods, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on John F. Crawford, IV, 48.

According to information presented to the court, on Oct. 25, 2012, Crawford trafficked in various counterfeit National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball logo apparel.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Castle, Pa., was sentenced in federal court to 327 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 Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Donald A. Miller, 43, of New Castle, Pa.

According to information presented to the court at the Oct. 22, 2014, guilty plea hearing and at the sentencing, Miller, on Dec. 22, 2013, used and coerced an eight-year-old victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos depicting her sexual exploitation. The child victim was identified and Miller arrested after the sexual videos depicting her abuse were discovered on a used Samsung Galaxy Tablet that Miller sold to a New Castle resident at a flea market in Ohio the day before Christmas 2013. The resident immediately notified the New Castle Police Department when she happened upon the videos depicting Miller and the child stored in the Galaxy’s memory. The witness was able to identify Miller as the perpetrator and the individual who sold her the electronic device.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, during the week of May 18, 2015, for child rape and other offenses related to the sexual contact with the eight-year-old victim.

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, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the New Castle Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.

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.

A former PPG Industries, Inc. employee has been arrested and charged in federal court in Pittsburgh with theft of trade secrets, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton for the Western District of Pennsylvania announced today.

The criminal complaint names Thomas Rukavina, 62, of Plum Borough, Pennsylvania.

“Theft, whether hands-on or through cyber intrusions, diminishes our competitive edge in technology and product development and deprives our citizens of economic opportunities,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton.  “We will aggressively pursue intellectual property theft regardless of who commits the crime.”

The criminal complaint alleges that Rukavina retired from PPG in July of 2012.  As early as June 2014, Rukavina passed proprietary and confidential information to J.T.M.G. Co., a glass company based in Jiangsu, China, that specializes in automotive and other specialty glass.  The trade secret information he passed included PPG’s manufacturing specifications for windows, which are made of synthetic plastics and used for high-speed transportation, including airplanes.

The defendant was arrested yesterday and made an initial appearance today before federal magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy.   He was ordered detained pending a formal detention hearing scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten 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.       

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the complaint charging Rukavina.

PITTSBURGH – A former PPG Industries, Inc., employee has been arrested and charged in federal court in Pittsburgh with theft of trade secrets, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The criminal complaint names Thomas Rukavina, 62, of Plum Borough, Penn.

“Theft, whether hands-on or through cyber intrusions, diminishes our competitive edge in technology and product development, and deprives our citizens of economic opportunities,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “We will aggressively pursue intellectual property theft regardless of who commits the crime.”

The criminal complaint alleges that Rukavina retired from PPG in July of 2012. As early as June 2014, Rukavina passed proprietary and confidential information to J.T.M.G. Co., a glass company based in Jiangsu, China, that specializes in automotive and other specialty glass. The trade secret information he passed included PPG’s manufacturing specifications for windows, which are made of synthetic plastics and used for high-speed transportation, including airplanes.

The defendant was arrested yesterday and made an initial appearance today before Federal Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy. He was ordered detained pending a formal detention hearing scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 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.

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

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the complaint charging Rukavina.

PITTSBURGH - A Maryland resident has been indicted in Pittsburgh by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 17-count indictment, returned on May 5, named Sigismond Senyo Segbefia, 28, of Silver Spring, Md., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Segbefia engaged in an online “Romance Scheme,” in which he defrauded victims out of money by posing as other persons on popular online dating websites ChristianMingle.com and Match.com. He also is accused of wiring illicit funds to Ghana.

The law provides for a total sentence of 322 years in prison, a fine of $4,500,000, 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 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 resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Terrance Sitton, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

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

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sitton.

PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to an additional 12 months and one day of incarceration as a result of violating the federal supervised release on his prior federal conviction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Alan Bloch imposed the sentence yesterday on Aaron Booker and added nearly three years of supervision to follow this latest incarceration.

According to information previously presented to the court, in 2009 the defendant was among a group of individuals who broke the front window at a New Kensington firearms dealer and stole 11 pistols and three assault rifles. Booker was originally sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for that incident, and then violated his supervision by assaulting a female victim. Booker was sentenced to “time served” in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas for the assault and faced an additional sentence from Judge Bloch for committing the crime while on supervision following his release from federal prison.

Prior to imposing the new sentence for the supervision violation, Judge Bloch listened to the victim’s statement regarding the sexual nature of the assault and considered the seriousness of that incident.

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

United States Attorney Hickton noted that since firearms dealers are federally licensed, the burglary of the gun store was investigated by federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) who quickly identified and arrested Booker and his co-conspirators. U.S. Attorney Hickton also noted that Booker was prosecuted for the assault by the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office with the assistance of the local police department from the victim’s neighborhood.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on May 5, named Scott E. Funk, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on Sept. 9, 2014, defendant, while working as a contract driver responsible for transporting mail and equipment for several post offices in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, stole $20 from an envelope addressed to a recipient in Ellsworth, Pa.

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.

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

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Verona, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, which was returned on March 17, named David Hudak, 45 as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from Feb. 14, 2013 through March 8, 2013, Hudak distributed visual depictions, namely photographs in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further charges that Hudak, on April 24, 2013, 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 $500,000.00, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force 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 - David J. Hickton, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, issued the following statement today in response to media inquiries regarding searches conducted on May 5, 2015:

"On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police, and detectives from the Fayette County Drug Task Force - accompanied by Fayette County Tactical Medics from Fayette County EMS - executed federal search warrants at 11 locations in Fayette County, Pa., as part of an ongoing federal investigation.”

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of firearms violations and making a false statement to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on April 28 and unsealed today, named Michael David Woodson, 27, of Penn Hills, Pa.

According to indictment, Michael David Woodson purchased a gun giving false statements to the gun dealer, knowingly sold the gun to a convicted felon and gave false statements to the government when he was questioned regarding the firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 Soo C. Song is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Gerard Porter has been convicted of committing heroin trafficking and firearms crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Porter, 39, pled guilty today to possessing heroin with intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Oct. 11, 2013. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond on Sept. 8, 2015, at 10 a.m.

In support of the guilty plea, Judge Diamond was informed that, on Oct. 11, 2013, Porter possessed more than 50 bricks of heroin, three loaded pistols, and $17,000 in cash that were found inside a house in Pittsburgh. The items were found inside the house after members of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force went to that location to serve five outstanding arrest warrants for Porter. Porter was not found inside the Shelton house on that date. He was apprehended in December 2013 inside a different house in the Pittsburgh area in possession of two cell phones and $1,900 in cash.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2,250,000, or both.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Michocan, Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of reentry of removed alien and was sentenced to time served, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Hector Cardenas-Orozco, 37, of Michocan, Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea and sentence, the court was advised that Cardenas-Orozco, an alien who had been deported and removed from the United States on August 18, 2000, was found in the United States on March 25, 2014 without having received permission to reenter from either the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cardenas-Orozco.

PITTSBURGH - An individual from the State of Georgia pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Mark Williams, a/k/a Frank White, 45, of Summerville, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, Williams, along with other co-conspirators, conspired to steal identities of other persons that were used to file false electronic federal tax returns between 2011 and 2015 which requested federal income tax refunds into bank accounts in Pittsburgh and in Georgia.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for Sept. 3, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 44 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 Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mark Williams.

Defendants with prior felony convictions face potential life sentences if convicted

PITTSBURGH - Four Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics, firearms and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count superseding indictment, returned on April 14, named Price Montgomery, 34, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., (currently incarcerated); James Perrin, 36, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., (currently incarcerated); Charles Cook, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Andre Avent, 37, of Homestead, Pa., as the defendants.

According to the superseding indictment, from April 2013 and continuing to June 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Montgomery and Perrin conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and possessed with intent to distribute that heroin. The indictment also charges that on June 8, 2014, Montgomery and Perrin, who both have prior felony convictions, possessed 16 firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing firearms. Montgomery, Cook and Avent are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering.

Based upon their prior convictions, the law provides for mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years (Montgomery) or life (Perrin), and a maximum sentence of life. Cook and Avent face a maximum 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An Indiana County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 16 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 Douglas A. Lydic, 31, of Commodore, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Lydic conspired with his co-defendants to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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 Lydic.

PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to nine months imprisonment, to be followed by 12 months supervised release for violating his term of three years probation, on his conviction of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent individual income tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. As a condition of probation imposed on July 26, 2012, Snow was prohibited from preparing tax returns for anyone but himself and his wife.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Larry E. Snow, 65.

According to information presented to the court at the original plea and sentence, an IRS examination of a sample of returns defendant prepared for 17 taxpayers during the period from April 15, 2005 to April 15, 2009, showed that Snow prepared 63 false and fraudulent income tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of $98,414. At the revocation hearing on April 21, 2015, Judge Cohill determined that Snow had continued to prepare returns in violation of his probation.

In imposing sentence, at the top of the three-month to nine-month Sentencing Guidelines range, the Court stated Snow’s actions were a “blatant disregard” of the Court’s order.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon 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 Snow.

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

Jarred Lynch, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Feb. 21, 2014, Lynch knowingly possessed images in computer graphic and digital 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.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Aug. 7, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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 Moon Township resident has entered a plea of guilty in Pittsburgh on charges of wire and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ryan Blumling, 35, appeared before United States District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab and pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud in connection with a long running scheme whereby he swindled individuals who thought they were investing a coal mines and persons who were seeking loans to infuse cash into their businesses.

According to information presented to the Court, Blumling engaged in conduct over the period 2005 through 2014 in which he defrauded a series of potential investors and potential borrowers by making false representations and failing to use funds consistent with the promises he made to investors. Among his false representations were that the money given to him would be used in ongoing mining operations when, in fact, Blumling typically used the funds for personal expenses or to pay off previous investors who were threatening to sue him. In one instance identified for the Court, Blumling secured two wire transfers on the same day from an investor totaling $90,000. At the time Blumling received the money he had approximately $200 in his bank accounts. He used the investor’s funds to purchase a new Range Rover for himself, which a few weeks later he traded in on a new Lexus that he put into his wife’s name. In another instance Blumling sent an email to a potential borrower to assure the borrower that he has access to enough money to fund the borrower’s need for a loan of over $7,000,000. As a part of the email Blumling attached a bank statement for one of his accounts at PNC which showed a balance of over $9,000,000. However, as the investigation conducted by the FBI showed, in fact, at the time that account had a balance of zero.

According to the information provided to the Court there were more than 130 victims and more than $2,000,000 in losses suffered as part of Blumling’s fraudulent activities.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 or both at each of the four counts (two counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud). Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Willie Gene Gulley, Jr., 46, of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Aug. 18, 2014, Gulley distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 Gulley.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three Altoona men and a Johnstown resident have been arrested and charged in federal court with violating the federal drugs laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The criminal complaint charges Shavoun Berry, aka Anthony, 39, of Altoona, Pa.; Terrance Sitton, 42 of Johnstown, Pa.; Darrin Canaan, aka Dirt, 35, of Altoona, Pa.; and Matthew Fee, 32, of Altoona, Pa., with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

“With the arrest of these individuals, we have disrupted a significant drug trafficking organization that has been distributing significant quantities of illegal substances in Blair and Cambria counties over the last several months,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “In fact, this case involves the largest seizure of packaged heroin in this part of Western Pennsylvania.”

“This case demonstrates the continued successful partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement in Western Pennsylvania,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “Like our partners, the Pittsburgh Division of the FBI is committed to stopping the flow of heroin and improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

According to USA Hickton, the complaint alleges that, between January 2015 and April 17, investigating agents intercepted dozens of drug-related telephone calls and text messages on phones used by the defendants, conducted physical surveillance and employed other investigative tools. Agents determined that Berry is the leader of a large-scale illegal drug distribution operation in the Cambria and Blair Counties, and elsewhere, and conspired with Sitton, Canaan and Fee to distribute large quantities of illegal drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to the complaint, in the past few days, Berry arranged for Sitton to travel to Berry’s supplier in New York and retrieve a large quantity of illegal drugs. On April 17, at approximately 5:40 a.m., Sitton traveled from Western Pennsylvania to New York to retrieve what was believed to be a large quantity of cocaine. During the search of the suspect vehicle pursuant to the search warrant, an extremely well-concealed false compartment, or “trap,” was located in the rear portion of the Jeep. Upon entry into the trap, in excess of 300 bricks of heroin (more than 15,000 stamp bags) were located.

Berry was previously convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on drug trafficking charges. He is currently on federal supervised release.

The defendants will appear in federal court in Johnstown on Wednesday for detention hearings before Federal Magistrate Judge Keith A. Pesto.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence at each count of at least five years and up to 40 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.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Haines is prosecuting this case. Special agents of the FBI, and member of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Altoona Police Department and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the complaint against these individuals.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Bedford County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Gene F. Bussard, 40, of Everett, Pa., as the sole defendant.

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

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

According to Mr. Hickton, Bussard is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Somerset County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison and five years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Justin D. Carr, 23, of Somerset, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 14, 2013, Carr and a co-defendant possessed with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police Troop A Barracks, the Somerset Borough Police Department and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carr.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Michocan, 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 Hector Cardenas-Orozco, 37, of Michocan, Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, Cardenas-Orozco, an alien who had been deported and removed from the United States on Aug. 18, 2000, was found in the United States on March 25, 2014 without having received permission to reenter from either the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

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

The one-count indictment named Alexander Viskovatoff, 57, of Grove City, PA.

According to the indictment, in and around January 2011, through in and around September 2012, Viskovatoff converted to his own use funds of the Social Security Administration that had been intended to be benefits for his deceased mother.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of Deprivation of Civil Rights and Falsification of a Document, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Norman L. Howard, 42, of Grindstone, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 26, 2013, Howard, a police officer of the Redstone Township Police Department, willfully deprived an individual identified as D.N. by punching D.N. in the face, without justification, thereby causing bodily injury to D.N. The Indictment further alleges that on or about May 26, 2013, Howard made false statements in a police report regarding the incident, claiming that the man had shoved him and had resisted arrest.

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

Assistant United States 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - Elanda Bell has been sentenced in federal court to 34 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Bell, 56, who has no known permanent address.

According to information presented to the court, between Jan. 3, 2008, and June 29, 2013, Bell possessed ten .41 Caliber cartridges. Bell had previously been convicted of manslaughter and aggravated assault in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearm.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - Asbury Health Center, a continuing-care retirement community located in Pittsburgh, has agreed to pay the United States $1,331,837.96 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The settlement results from a self-disclosure by Asbury to the United States Attorney’s Office and Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services concerning Medicare payments for skilled nursing facility services. For post-hospital skilled nursing care, Medicare regulations require that a facility obtain a physician certification at the time of admission or as soon thereafter as reasonable and practical. The facility must also obtain a physician recertification within 14 days of admission and every 30 days thereafter. Based on information provided by Asbury, the United States alleged that it had civil claims against Asbury resulting from Medicare payments for post-hospital skilled nursing services that were not supported by physician certifications and recertifications. The settlement resolves the matter without the filing of litigation.

This matter was investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorney David Lew handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of witness tampering and falsification of records in a federal investigation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 10-count indictment, returned on March 31, and unsealed yesterday, named Daniel A. Teet, M.D., 68, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Dr. Teet tampered with witnesses, including encouraging two to provide false testimony to a federal grand jury, during an investigation being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration into Dr. Teet’s Suboxone/Subutex prescribing practices.

After a hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Maureen Kelly, Judge Kelly set a $50,000 cash bond, ordered home detention enforced by GPS monitoring, that all firearms be removed from his residence, and that he have no contact, direct or indirect, with witnesses in the case. The government had submitted evidence that Dr. Teet made threatening statements regarding the DEA agents investigating the case.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of probation, which shall include 10 months of home detention with electronic monitoring, on his conviction of conspiracy and passing counterfeit United States Currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Marcus Taylor, age 32.

According to information presented to the court, Taylor conspired and passed counterfeit U.S. currency during the period Nov. 9, 2012, through Nov. 30, 2012.

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 Taylor.

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay $405,717.78 in restitution on his conviction of wire fraud and filing false tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on James Grimes, 35 of Lawrence, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Grimes misappropriated $313,000.00 funds belonging to clients of his brokerage firm. He also failed to report the income realized on his tax return for the years 2007-2009.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer explained that Grimes had preyed on the elderly and committed serious crimes. However, his remorse and understanding of the need to make amends justified a slight reduction in sentence..

Assistant United States Attorney James Y. Garrett prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division and the Ross Township Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the two (2) unknown males responsible for robbing the First Niagara Bank, 6203 Babcock Boulevard, Ross Township, PA, at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015. They were seen leaving in a gray, newer model 4-door Toyota Corolla.

Robber #1 is described as follows:

• Sex: Male
• Race: White
• Height: Approximately 5'8-5'9" tall
• Build: Medium Build
• Male #1 was last seen wearing a dark blue Pitt sweatshirt and dark blue sweatpants with gold writing vertices down one leg.

Robber #2 is described as follows:

• Sex: Male
• Race: White
• Height: Approximately 5'8-5'9 tall
• Build: Larger Build
• Male #2 was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black ski mask and hat.
  
  

Bank surveillance photographs from First Niagara Bank on Friday, April 10, 2015:

THESE TWO (2) MALES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, 24 hours a day, at telephone number (412) 432-4000 or the Ross Township Police at 412-931-9070. Tipsters may remain anonymous

WASHINGTON- On April 7, 2015, Joseph D. Maurizio, Jr., a resident of Central City, Pennsylvania, was indicted in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on charges of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places and on international money laundering offenses, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh

Joseph D. Maurizio, Jr., 69, a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, was originally indicted on October 7, 2014 on charges relating to his 2009 travel to Honduras and illicit sexual conduct with a minor boy. Maurizio was also charged with the possession of child pornography.

According to the superseding indictment, Maurizio made yearly trips to Honduras between 2004 and 2009, and engaged in the sexual exploitation of two additional minor boys. Prior to three of his trips to Honduras, Maurizio transferred funds totaling $8,000 from accounts located in the Western District of Pennsylvania to accounts and individuals located in Honduras, with the intent to promote the carrying on of his illicit sexual conduct with minor victims who were living at an organization that provided services to orphaned and abandoned children.

The case is being prosecuted by Criminal Division Trial Attorney Amy E. Larson of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Haines of the US Attorney's Office in 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 resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, 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.

Thomas Deglau, 56, formerly of Latrobe, 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 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.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months 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 John D. Malden, 40, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on April 25, 2013, Malden 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 Malden.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Tony U. Atwood, 43, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on June 4, 2014, Atwood distributed less than 100 grams of heroin, and he possessed less than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute it. In addition, on the same day, Atwood, who had been convicted in 1995 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, of Drug Act/Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawfully possessed a Titan semi-automatic pistol. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Drug Act/Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance is such a crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force 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.

According to Mr. Hickton, Atwood is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

PITTSBURGH - A native of Mexico, and a part-time visitor to the Los Angeles area of California, pleaded guilty in federal court to criminal charges regarding his cocaine trafficking and laundering of drug money on March 7, 2015, 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”), pleaded guilty to all of his charges before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, 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.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2015, at 10 a.m. and ordered a detailed presentence report to be prepared by the United States Probation Office containing various aspects of the defendant’s life including: his juvenile and adult criminal history; family background; educational landmarks; and any work history. Godinez personally signed a written plea agreement with the government which was provided to the court. If the plea agreement is accepted by Judge Hornak after reviewing the presentence report, the defendant will serve 10 years in federal prison in addition to supervision and a fine to be determined by the Court. 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.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Godinez remain incarcerated in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. Court filings indicate that Godinez had been kept in a secure area of a federal facility as a result of alleged threats to government witnesses and his previous attorney.

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, whose investigation was led by Special Agent Mark Koss of the Pittsburgh District Office, and DEA HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Group 44, whose investigation was led by Los Angeles Police Detective Sal Duarte. U.S. Attorney Hickton specifically noted the valuable efforts of the United States Postal Service, the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security 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 - A Butler County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Justin Ellenberger, 26, of Butler, Pa., pleaded guilty on April 8 to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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 scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years nor more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Ellenberger on a bond which requires, among other things, that he be confined to his home and that he not have access to minor children.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Justin Ellenberger.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of New York City pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John Viloria, 25, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during the period from July 1, 2014, through July 28, 2014, Viloria conspired with codefendants Barry Robert Youger, Jr., Eric Seighman and Cheryl Leigh Johnson, to pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Viloria on bond.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Viloria.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and using and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on April 7 and unsealed yesterday, named Timothy Paul Brown, Jr., 34, of Rochester, Pa., and Daniel Thomas Nolder, Jr., 25, of New Brighton, Pa., as the defendants.

According to the Indictment, from in and around June 1, 2014, through Dec. 15, 2014, Brown Jr., who has previously been convicted of Burglary and Robbery, possessed, bartered, and disposed of 53 stolen firearms, aided and abetted by Nolder, Jr. Brown, Jr. was also charged with using and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense during this time period. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

This case involves the theft of firearms from a licensed gun store which, according to the government’s theory of the case, were ultimately traded for heroin.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi said, “A thief who steals firearms from a licensed gun store endangers our neighborhoods. The stolen guns are quickly unloaded onto the streets for fast cash or illegal drugs, and later are often recovered by law enforcement after use in crimes of violence. This investigation and indictment is a reminder that ATF remains persistent tracking and arresting gun thieves and bringing an end to their criminal conduct.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Brown of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Nolder faces the same possible fine, as well as a potential sentence of incarceration of up to 10 years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Rochester Police Department, Aliquippa Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and, Pennsylvania State Police – Beaver Barracks, 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 resident of Bedford, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Wade C. Baer, 31, of Bedford, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Feb. 19, 2013, Baer distributed a picture via the Internet which depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 31, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Southwest Computer Crime Task Force of the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the 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.

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Brian Guiney, 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 7, 2015, Brian Guiney robbed the First Commonwealth Bank in Munhall, Pa.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Munhall Police Department, 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 resident of Greensburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John Mallory, 61, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mallory was found to be in possession of visual depictions, namely images and videos in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. However, because Mallory was convicted of a federal offense in 1992 for receiving child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment for the current charges.

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

Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of John Mallory.

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

Barry Robert Youger, Jr., 36, of Belle Vernon, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during the period from July 1, 2014, through July 28, 2014, Youger conspired with codefendants John Viloria, Eric Seighman and Cheryl Leigh Johnson, to pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2015 at 10 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Youger on bond.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Yougher.