Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Clearfield, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to defraud the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Juanitha Leach-Anderson, 37

According to information presented to the court, from Mar. 2007 to Aug. 23, 2008, Leach-Anderson conspired with another to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, an agency of the United States Department of Treasury, by obtaining and aiding to obtain payment or allowance of false, fictitious and fraudulent claims against the United States. Leach-Anderson and another person prepared or caused to be prepared and filed approximately 111 false, fictitious and fraudulent federal income tax returns wherein they claimed tax refunds totaling approximately $190,279.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Leach-Anderson.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Morrisville, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Christopher Gaspersz, age 24.

According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 26, 2013, Gaspersz robbed Huntington Bank located at 1415 5th Avenue, McKeesport, PA, of $3,807.00. After exiting the bank, Gaspersz led police on a foot chase and was ultimately apprehended. Subsequent to being taken into custody, Gaspersz confessed to four additional bank robberies, which are still under investigation.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, and $270,085.46 in restitution to Cybergenetics Corporation, on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Mary L. Schneir, 42, of Bethel Park, Pa.

Schneir was employed as the bookkeeper and office manager at Karna C. Goldsmith, C.P.A., an accounting firm located at Summerfield Commons Office Park, Suite 611, 2555 Washington Road, in Upper St. Clair, Pa. Schneir devised and executed a fraud scheme during her tenure as an employee of Goldsmith, whereby she used funds of Goldsmith clients to make online payments to her personal credit card and mortgage accounts. To hide her activity, Schneir would regularly move money between the bank accounts of Goldsmith’s clients, to which she had access. Specifically, on Feb. 28, 2013, Schneir caused an electronic transfer of funds in the amount of $54,145.36, from the account of Cybergenetics Corporation, to an A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc. account maintained at Citizen’s Bank. At the time Schneir’s scheme was detected, Cybergenetics accounts were the only ones remaining affected. The total loss to the business was in excess of $270,000.

In imposing the sentence, the Court admonished Schneir for causing significant financial harm to Cybergenetics, which threatened the viability of the business and the work of its employees.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schneir.

PITTSBURGH - A McKees Rocks resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Clarence Troutman, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on Dec. 23, 2014, Troutman robbed a First Niagara Bank located at 810 South Aiken Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and on Dec. 30, 2014, Troutman robbed a Citizens Bank located at 31 Foster Avenue, Crafton, Pa. Both of the banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Crafton Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Crowley, Louisiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charges of Bank Robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Kirk Stutes, 52, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on Jan. 16, 2015, Stutes robbed First National Bank located at 6298 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, Pa. The bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robinson Township Police Department, North Fayette Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The six-count indictment named Christopher Furay, 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, 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.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dormont Borough Police Department, Castle Shannon Police Department, Bethel Park Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Brentwood Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Mercer County man has been re-sentenced in federal court to 90 months imprisonment, to run consecutive with his state court sexual assault sentence, on his conviction of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Raymond Anthony Napolitan, 52, of Farrell, Pa.,

According to information presented to the Court, on Sept. 27, 2012, a federal jury found Napolitan guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on June 29, 2007. Judge Arthur Schwab then sentenced Napolitan to 78 months imprisonment. Both parties appealed from the judgment, and in August, 2014, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction but vacated the judgment, thereby remanding the case for re-sentencing before Judge Hornak. After extensive argument from both sides, Judge Hornak increased Napolitan’s sentence from 78 to 90 months.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, and the Mercer County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Raymond Anthony Napolitan.

ERIE, Pa. - Eighteen individuals from around the United States have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The thirteen-count superseding indictment named Doherty Kushimo, 53, of Providence, Rhode Island; Saburi Adeyemi, 57, of Memphis, Tennessee; Abiodun Bakre, 50, of Ozone Park, New York; Adetunji Gbadegeshi, 57, of Rosedale, New York; Adebola Mejule, 55, of Hempstead, New York; Michael Idowu Olugbade, 43; Xerxes Shevar, 47, of Brooklyn, New York; Gcobisa Kehle, 37, of Brooklyn, New York; Loyiso Kula, 43, of New York City; Abiodun Tijani, 44, of Staten Island, New York; Funmilayo Aliyu, 53, of Laurelton, New York; Bola Peters, 43, of New York City; Samuel Sobaloju, 52, of Far Rockaway, New York; Daniel Freeman, 49, of Danbury, Connecticut; Nana Baffour, 38, of Bronx, New York; Kwame Asamoah, 35, of Brooklyn, New York; Robert Wireko, 47, of Brooklyn, New York; and Alaire Sanya, 47, of Far Rockaway, New York, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, the eighteen defendants conspired to commit wire fraud by submitting fraudulent federal tax returns in the names of individuals whose identities the conspirators stole. The conspirators then opened bank accounts using stolen identities and used those accounts as repositories for their fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. The conspirators obtained stolen identity information on the Internet and then traded that information among themselves using email accounts and other means of communication. All told, the indictment alleges that, for the tax years 2010 to 2013, approximately $38 million in fraudulent tax refunds was sought from the IRS by the conspirators, causing the IRS to pay at least $10 million in fraudulent refunds. The indictment also alleges that approximately 3,493 bank accounts were opened using stolen identities, affecting approximately 443 financial institutions, and that approximately 4,563 credit cards were obtained using stolen identities. Approximately 11,468 individuals are alleged in the indictment to have been victimized.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison for Saburi Adeyemi, Adetunji Gbadegeshi, Adebola Mejule, Michael Idowu Olugbade, Xerxes Shevar, Gcobisa Kehle, Loyiso Kula, Abiodun Tijani, Funmilayo Aliyu, Bola Peters, Samuel Sobaloju, Daniel Freeman, Nana Baffour, Kwame Asamoah, Robert Wireko, and Alaire Sanya. Doherty Kushimo faces 38 years in prison and Abiodun Bakre faces 36 years in prison. All eighteen defendants are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims. 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 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.

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

PITTSBURGH- A former resident of Etna, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years imprisonment followed by 25 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.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on David L. Roethlein, 26, formerly of Etna, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Roethlein, on June 1, 2012, distributed over a peer-to-peer network to an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, Connecticut, working in an undercover capacity, videos and photographs in computer graphics files which depicted the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minor females.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Roethlein.

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 West Virginia woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Linda Walker, 60, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Walker was involved in a Nigerian “Mystery Shopper” scam whereby she knowingly prepared and addressed fraudulent mail containing counterfeit instruments to victims, who believed they were acting as mystery shoppers. The victims unwittingly received the counterfeit commercial and Postal money orders and checks and cashed them to make small purchases for purposes of evaluating the commercial services provided. They then wire transferred excess funds back to Walker and others. After these transactions, the money orders and checks were returned as counterfeit by the victims’ banks and they were left to repay the bank from their own funds.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Linda Walker.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mexico pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 6 months time served on his conviction of reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Salvador Lopez-Santiz, a/k/a Salvadore Santos, 24, of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, alien Lopez-Santiz, who had been twice before removed from the United States - on Oct. 13, 2012 and Oct. 24, 2012 - was found in the United States in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Aug. 12, 2014 without having obtained permission to reentry the country.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary in this instance; but if defendant again re-enters the U.S. without permission a subsequent sentence could be substantially greater.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank embezzlement, bank fraud, mail fraud, filing a false income tax return, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joseph Graziano, Jr., 29, pleaded guilty to six counts in two cases before Senior United States District Judge Terrrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the court was advised that from May 12, 2008 through March 25, 2011, the defendant was employed by Bank of New York Mellon as a Corporate Trust Administrator. In this position, he had the access and ability to wire funds in and out of accounts held by the bank’s corporate trust customers. Graziano used this access to embezzle $2,441,294.35 from Bank of New York Mellon by wiring funds from the corporate trust accounts into his own bank accounts. In federal income tax returns, the defendant failed to report the embezzled funds as income. In the time before and after the defendant was employed by Bank of New York Mellon, he also engaged in schemes to defraud five other banks including Dollar Bank, First Niagara Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, Ameriserv Financial Bank and PNC Bank. In these schemes, Graziano submitted fraudulent loan documents to induce the banks to extend credit to him. Following the bank embezzlement and the bank frauds, the defendant began engaging in a new and separate scheme to defraud through the online marketplace www.ebay.com. Graziano defrauded eBay buyers by offering personal electronics for sale on eBay. After the buyers submitted payment to the defendant's PayPal account, the defendant sent the buyers empty boxes, falsely claiming that the boxes' contents had been stolen during shipping. After the defendant had been indicted on charges relating to those offenses, and while he was on pretrial release, he began to engage in new and separate criminal conduct. Only a few months after he was charged in the original indictment, Graziano engaged in a conspiracy to purchase counterfeit United States currency through a source in Uganda with the intent to pass the counterfeit currency at retail locations in the United States. He used a stolen identity to set up a mailbox to receive the shipments of counterfeit currency from Uganda and also attempted to open a credit card and bank accounts using the stolen identity.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2015. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, a total sentence of 90 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Judge McVerry ordered that the defendant remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigations that led to the prosecution of Graziano.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation on his conviction of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Lahbib Hannoune, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to the information presented to the court, Hannoune falsely answered in the negative a question about whether he had committed a crime for which he had not yet been arrested during his naturalization proceedings. At the time he answered the question, Hannoune had already engaged in unlawful contact with a person represented to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in online video display of sexual conduct. The person was actually an undercover police officer. Hannoune procured naturalized U.S. citizenship based upon his answer.

Judge McVerry ordered Hannoune’s naturalized citizenship be revoked, undoing the result of his fraud.

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

U.S. Attorney commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Attorney General for the successful investigation leading to the prosecution of Lahbib Hannoune.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Moon Township has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Ryan T. Blumling, 34.

According to indictment 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.

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. Blumlling is currently incarcerated in the Allegheny County jail on unrelated state charges.

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

The two-count indictment, returned on Feb. 3, named Ronald Rhodes, 57, of Uniontown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about April 3, 2014, Rhodes distributed a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that on or about Dec. 15, 2014, Rhodes 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.

Rhodes was detained today pending trial.

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

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

Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection 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.

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

PITTSBURGH – An attorney has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Erik Sobkiewicz, 51, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Cercone.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Mr. Conway provided the following information to the Court at the time of the plea:

Sobkiewicz was an attorney involved in a number of interrelated schemes. The first scheme, involved Sobkiewicz embezzling funds from the law firm that employed him. He used the resources of the law firm to advance businesses that he, unbeknownst to the law firm, controlled. He had the law firm invoice those businesses, knowing that the businesses would not pay the bills. The billings lulled the law firm into believing that what the defendant was doing was legitimate. In addition, he diverted money from a real estate closing owed to the law firm to a personal account, and he diverted client funds held in the law firm’s escrow account to his personal account.

Sobkiewicz was also involved in several loan fraud schemes. He applied for a series of loans from Indiana First Savings Bank. For the last of the loans, which was for $350,000, Sobkiewicz used the securities account of an individual as collateral for the loan without that individual’s permission, and he falsely represented that Indiana First Savings Bank would be in first lien position with regard to the property serving as collateral for the loan when, in fact, Indiana First Savings Bank was not going to be in first lien position because of a previous loan Sobkiewicz obtained collateralized by that property.

Another loan fraud scheme involved Milestone Bank and a property in Philadelphia that Sobkiewicz claimed he was developing. As with Indiana First Savings Bank, Sobkiewicz falsely represented to Milestone Bank, the lender in the Philadelphia transaction, that Milestone Bank would sit in first lien position when, in fact, Milestone Bank was going to be in second lien position because of a previous loan obtained by Sobkiewicz and collateralized by this property. Sobkiewicz forged a mortgage satisfaction of the lender in first lien position to make it appear as though Milestone Bank would be in first lien position.

In addition, Milestone Bank wanted to see that Sobkiewicz had invested his own money into the Philadelphia property and that he had equity in the property. He was able to show them a $600,000 investment of purportedly his own money. In reality, however, the $600,000 was not Sobkiewicz’s money. He obtained that money by soliciting the investment of another individual using a series of misrepresentations, including that the investor would be in second lien position behind only Milestone Bank with regard to the Philadelphia property and in first lien position with regard to other properties owned by Sobkiewicz. In reality, the investor is in third lien position with regard to the Philadelphia property in the second lien position with regard to the other properties.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2015, at 10 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sobkiewicz.

PITTSBURGH - A local man has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment to be served consecutive to the defendant’s other federal sentence, and followed by three years supervised release, on his conviction of escape, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Termaine R. Washington, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Washington was charged with escape on April 8, 2014. Washington had been transferred to the Renewal, Inc. Residential Re-entry Center located in Pittsburgh, PA. On April 8, 2014, Washington left Renewal, Inc. and did not return.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 35 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $569 on his conviction of robbing a U.S. Post Office, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Joseph R. Filbert, 52.

According to information presented to the court, Dec. 14, 2011, Filbert robbed a U.S. Postal clerk at the Bloomfield Post Office of $569 in U.S. Currency, by flashing what appeared to be a gun and demanding money. Still photos from the Post Office surveillance camera, together with video from a surveillance camera at a nearby business, enabled Postal Inspectors to obtain positive identification of both the car Filbert was operating and of Filbert. Execution of a search warrant resulted in the recovery of the shoes Filbert is believed to have worn in the Post Office robbery.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 6 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release on her conviction of bank embezzlement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Diana Phillips, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Phillips was an Assistant Branch Manager and Head Teller at First National Bank. Over a period of roughly three years from 2008-2011, Phillips embezzled approximately $120,000 from the bank by processing fictitious general ledger transactions, making it appear in bank records as though she was processing refunds to bank customers. The defendant then deposited the funds into an account owned by a family member and later transferred the money from the family member's account into accounts controlled by her and/or her husband.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that the defendant’s embezzlement extended over a long period of time and was methodical and continuous.

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

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

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 Reginald Dervin Harris, 48.

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 9, 2014, Harris distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Carrie Robinson of Pittsburgh has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Robinson, age 45, pled guilty on Feb. 1, 2015, in front of United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. In support of the guilty plea, Robinson admitted that, in late March and early April 2014, she agreed to distribute her son’s remaining heroin while he was incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail on a heroin distribution charge. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years 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.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on Feb. 3, named April Kovach, 39, of Yatesboro, Pa.

According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 8, 2014, Kovach did abstract and remove two $20 Federal Reserve notes that had been the contents of a greeting card envelope addressed to an individual in Cranberry Township.

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 Shardul S. Desai 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.

ERIE, Pa. – Twenty individuals from various locations in the United States have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie and/or have been arrested on charges of violating federal drug laws, retaliation against a witness or informant, and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

“Today’s actions demonstrate that our strategy to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking organizations is relentless,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “This prosecution will go a long way toward making the citizens of Western Pennsylvania safer.”

The first, 16-count Indictment, named the following individuals who have been arrested:

Raul Gerardo Ruiz-Maldonado, 41, Houston, Texas; Maria Remedios Urrutia, 23, Erie, Pa.; Marco Antonio Melchor, 34, Erie, Pa.; Dana Scott Ball, 37, Waterford, Pa.; Jorge Daniel Montes-Cervantes, 25, Erie, Pa.; Jenny Eileen Urrutia, 34, Elkhart, Ind.; Reyna Urrutia, 35, Elkhart, Ind.; Christina Urrutia Rojas, 29, Edinboro, Pa.; Sammar Aimee Melchor, 33, Erie, Pa.; Ancelmo Ayala, 40, Elkhart, Ind.; Jose Merced Gomez Murillo, 54, Columbus, Ohio; Oscar Mata Garcia, 26, Forrest City, Ark.; Safa Gobah, 21, Forrest City, Ark; Juan Jose Ramos, 28, Akron, Ohio; Robert Jovaun Harris, 36, Erie, Pa.; Efrain Ramon Pagan Rosario, 24, Erie, Pa.; and
Nathanael Ortiz Andino, 28, Erie, Pa.

According to the Indictment and additional information presented in Court, from June 2013 through January 2015, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 150 kilograms of cocaine, ounces of high purity methamphetamine, and ounces of heroin. In addition, according to the Indictment and information presented in Court, multiple ounces of methamphetamine and heroin were distributed from the premises at 2709 West 12th Street, Erie, Pa., between August and December 2013 and multiple kilograms of cocaine and quantities of methamphetamine were seized in Erie in December 2013. In addition, according to the Indictment, a member of the conspiracy allegedly threatened to harm an individual for giving information to law enforcement. In September and October 2014, according to the Indictment, members of the conspiracy distributed more than 500 grams of cocaine, and defendant Marco Melchor engaged in money laundering activity in the purchase of a BMW vehicle.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for all counts of life in prison, a fine of $38,250,000 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 defendants.

The second, two-count indictment, named Marco Antonio Melchor, 34, Erie, Pa., and Wilson Enrique-Reyes, 32, Lawrence, Mass., as defendants.

According to this Indictment, from in and around July 2014 to in and around January 2015, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In addition, they are charged with using a communication facility in the commission of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $4,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The final, one-count indictment, named Dana Scott Ball, 37, William Condon, Jr., 26, Erie, Pa., and Vincent Jamal Carter, 37.

According to this Indictment, from in and around September 2013 to in and around January 2015, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one hundred kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both for each defendant. 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 Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Detectives conducted the investigation leading to the indictments in these cases.

In addition to the indictments and arrests announced today, law enforcement operations as part of the investigation commenced at nine residences in Erie, Pa., one residence in Waterford, Pa., one residence in Conneaut Lake, Pa., one residence in Pittsburgh, Pa., one garage in Erie, Pa., three business locations in Erie, Pa., one business location in Pittsburgh, Pa.. Additional law enforcement activity occurred in Texas, Ohio, Indiana and Massachusetts. In addition, as part of today’s law enforcement operation, 20 vehicles were seized.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Summerhill, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of theft of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Kelly Gruss, 35.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Jamaica has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Hubert E. Minott, 31, of North Miami Beach, Fla.

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

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

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

The Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

Two brothers, one a resident of Carnegie, Pa., and the other a resident of Greentree, Pa., have each been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation with six months of home detention on their convictions of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution of $199,605.38 pursuant to related Civil Settlement Agreements entered into by the defendants and the United States.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentences on Wesam Ibrahim, 41, of Carnegie, Pa., and Hadi Ibrahim, 43, of Greentree, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, the Ibrahim brothers co-own and operate City News & Arcade, a convenience store located on Wood Street in Pittsburgh, Pa. City News participated in the United States Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as the food stamp program. Food stamp recipients could purchase eligible food items using food stamp benefit cards at City News. As owners and operators of City News, the defendants were aware that food stamp program rules prohibited the exchange of food stamp benefits for cash and/or ineligible items. Despite this knowledge, on multiple occasions, the defendants exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for cash on a discounted basis, usually giving customers only .50 cents on the dollar for food stamp benefits. The defendants also permitted food stamp customers to purchase ineligible non-food items, such as cigarettes, with food stamp benefits.

Judge Cohill stated that the sentences imposed were sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the ends of justice.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government. Assistant United States Attorney Colin Callahan litigated these cases on behalf of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney's Office.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture along with Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the Ibrahim brothers.

A resident of Middletown, Ohio pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and one count of Introduction of Misbranded Drugs into Interstate Commerce, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Neal, 61, pleaded guilty to a two-count Information before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Neal is the owner ACS Herbal Tea Company, a national Internet business located in Middletown, Ohio. Neal, using ACS Herbal Tea Company and the Internet websites www.123zip.com and www.passthetest.com, conspired to defraud the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the United States Department of Heath and Human Services by obstructing and interfering with the lawful governmental functions of SAMHSA in overseeing, monitoring and establishing scientific and technical guidelines for federal workplace drug testing programs, and standards for certification of laboratories engaged in urine drug testing for federal agencies and federally-regulated industries, under the Federal Agency Drug-Free Work Place Program. For the past eight years, through the Internet websites www.123zip.com and www.passthetest.com, Neal sold, in interstate commerce, products such as the “Magnum Unisex Synthetic Urine-Never Fail a Urine Drug Test” and “Urine Luck” to customers who intended to use the products for the purpose of defeating federal, and federally regulated, employment drug urine tests overseen by SAMHSA. Some of the products sold through Neal’s websites were drugs, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration, but did not bear appropriate labeling.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2015. The law provides for a total sentence of 6 years in prison, a fine of $350,000, 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.

Pending sentencing, the court released the defendant an unsecured $10,000 bond

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Neal.

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico, has been sentenced in federal court to time served (four months) on his conviction of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Adan Fiscal-Fino, 29, of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Sept. 12, 2014, Fiscal-Fino was found in Pittsburgh after having unlawfully re-entered the United States following removal on or about Jan. 19, 2008.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fiscal-Fino.

ERIE, Pa. - Sixteen individuals from around the United States have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The thirteen-count superseding indictment named Doherty Kushimo, 53, of Providence, Rhode Island; Saburi Adeyemi, 56, of Memphis, Tennessee; Abiodun Bakre, 50, of Ozone Park, New York; Adetunji Gbadegeshi, 57, of Queens, New York; Xerxes Shevar, 47, of Brooklyn, New York; Gcobisa Kehle, 37, of Brooklyn, New York; Loyiso Kula, 43, of New York City; Abiodun Tijani, 44, of Staten Island, New York; Funmilayo Aliyu, 53, of Laurelton, New York; Bola Peters, 43, of New York City; Samuel Sobaloju, 52, of Far Rockaway, New York; Daniel Freeman, 49, of Danbury, Connecticut; Nana Baffour, 38, of Bronx, New York; and Kwame Asamoah, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, the sixteen defendants conspired to commit wire fraud by submitting fraudulent federal tax returns in the names of individuals whose identities the conspirators stole. The conspirators then opened bank accounts using stolen identities and used those accounts as repositories for their fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. The conspirators obtained stolen identity information on the Internet and then traded that information among themselves using email accounts and other means of communication. All told, the indictment alleges that, for the tax years 2010 to 2013, approximately $38 million in fraudulent tax refunds was sought from the IRS by the conspirators, causing the IRS to pay at least $10 million in fraudulent refunds. The indictment also alleges that approximately 3,493 bank accounts were opened using stolen identities, affecting approximately 443 financial institutions, and that approximately 4,563 credit cards were obtained using stolen identities. Approximately 11,468 individuals are alleged in the indictment to have been victimized.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison for Saburi Adeyemi, Adetunji Gbadegeshi, Adebola Mejule, Michael Idowu Olugbade, Xerxes Shevar, Gcobisa Kehle, Loyiso Kula, Abiodun Tijani, Funmilayo Aliyu, Bola Peters, Samuel Sobaloju, Daniel Freeman, Nana Baffour and Kwame Asamoah. Doherty Kushimo faces 38 years in prison and Abiodun Bakre faces 36 years in prison. All sixteen defendants are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims. 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 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Jefferson Hills resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of selling and transporting adulterated and misbranded poultry and selling and transporting poultry without inspection, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on January 27, named Xia Vue, 83, of Finleyville, PA.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, the defendant sold in commerce adulterated poultry products which had not been inspected pursuant to regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of six 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 Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the 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, PA - A resident of Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on Bhavikkumar H. Koladiya, aka “Bob Patel”, of Monroeville, PA. Koladiya has been incarcerated in federal custody since his arrest in October 2013.

According to the information presented to the court, Koladiya, the operator of the “Atwood Xpress” in Oakland, stole identities from other persons which he used to open credit card accounts at U.S. Bank, Chase Bank, Discover card and others, and then bought merchandise, including diamonds, with the stolen credit cards.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Frank Currington, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa. was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Currington, 41, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer also imposed a four-year term of supervised release to follow the federal prison sentence.

Between 2011 and 2013, Currington invested thousands of dollars into the interstate heroin re-supply ventures of a large-scale heroin trafficking organization with several members from or associated with Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood. Currington would thereafter receive his share of the heroin. In this manner, Currington received and re-distributed hundreds of bricks of heroin.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh and New York, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Wilkins Township Police Department, the East Pittsburgh Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Blair County District Attorney's Office, and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County business owner has been sentenced in federal court to four years probation, which will include one year of home confinement, and ordered to pay a $45,000 fine, on his conviction of conspiracy and tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on John R. Miller of South Park, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Miller and his partner, Frank Veltri, owned certain Italian Village pizza stores, and licensed the Italian Village name to owners of other stores. Miller and Veltri skimmed cash from the businesses which was not reported as income, and also did not report license fees paid in cash by some of the 15 to 20 licensees. Some expenses were also paid in cash, and not reported on the tax returns, in order to maintain an appropriate balance between sales and expenses.

The stipulated tax loss for Miller was $92,916. The criminal tax loss includes both the amounts owed to the IRS for personal tax due (Form 1040) and employment tax due for the businesses (Form 941). At the time of sentencing, Miller had paid this amount to the government, as well as interest and penalties.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Indiana, Pa., was sentenced in federal court on Jan. 23, 2015, to 96 months imprisonment, three years supervised release and $10,206,425 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, forged checks and tax fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Larry Dean Winckler, 53, of Indiana, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that between 2007 and 2012, Winckler, the Chief Operating Officer at Falcon Drilling Company in Indiana, Pa., conspired to embezzle nearly $9,020,687 from his employer by creating forged checks and fake company invoices. Winckler conspired to defraud Falcon through embezzlement of company funds by using forged checks, fake invoices to fictitious or real vendors, and false statements to auditors. In imposing sentence, Judge McVerry noted the seriousness of the crime, and enormity of the embezzlement over several years.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Winckler.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Parker, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation, which includes three months home detention, and a $500 fine on her conviction of theft of mail by a Postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Pamela D. Vogt, 44.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Feb. 6, 2014, Vogt, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, removed a $20 bill from a greeting card contained in an envelope which was addressed and intended for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (USPIS) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Vogt.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years imprisonment, followed by 15 years 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 Nora B. Fischer imposed the sentence on John S. Longo, 58.

According to information presented to the court, Longo, a retired employee of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, from June 2009 through November 2010, requested another adult produce and send him digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of a child victim who was 12 years of age. The images included those produced on Jan. 30, 2010, of the minor victim by the other adult. In addition to retaining the images for his own benefit, Longo distributed the images to others over the internet, as well as posted some of the digital photographs on a Russian website that catered to child pornography.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Homeland Security Investigations - Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Longo.

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

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

Joyce Anne Gromley, 71, of Commodore, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 1986 and continuing until in around March 2014, Gromley converted to her own use $154,293.00 in Social Security Income Benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2015. 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 Robert S. Cessar 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 Joyce Anne Gromely.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 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.

Ryan Henry Miller, 30, of West Mifflin, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 17, 2014, Miller 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.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2015, at 10 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, 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 conducted the investigation that led to the 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 Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Thomas Clay Wade, 36.

According to information presented to the court, Wade was a felon who knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition and knowingly possessed crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Arnold and Lower Burrell, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to charges of violating federal narcotics, firearms and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Omali McKay, 29, a citizen of Trinidad with residences in Lower Burrell, Pa., and Arnold, Pa., pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

As part of his guilty plea, McKay acknowledged that he conspired with others from 2006 to August 25, 2012, to distribute 5 to 15 kilograms of cocaine and 280 to 840 grams of crack cocaine. McKay obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine from out-of-state sources of supply and then cooked much of that cocaine into crack. He then sold cocaine and crack in small quantities to street-level distributors and drug users in order to maximize his profits.

Also, McKay admitted possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine seized from his Lower Burrell residence on August 25, 2012, while simultaneously possessing an assault rifle in furtherance of the drug crime. Specifically, on August 25, 2012, search warrants were conducted at McKay's residences. In the master bedroom closet of the Lower Burrell residence, officers discovered more than one kilogram of cocaine, an assault rifle, approximately 3,000 rounds of ammunition, two ballistic vests, and $272,000 in cash hidden in a bag containing McKay's identification cards. Seized from the garage were a 2004 Mercedes Benz and a 2004 Lexus.

Finally, McKay admitted to conspiring with three others to launder his drug trafficking proceeds. He used those laundered funds to purchase the Lower Burrell residence for $243,000 in cash in August 2011. Specifically, between May and July 2011, McKay repeatedly provided sums of cash to three individuals who then deposited the cash into their respective bank accounts and wrote checks back to McKay. Some of checks were written to make them appear to be payments for services rendered from McKay's non-existent lawn care business. In total, $243,500 was laundered in this manner in a little more than a month and a half.

The Mercedes Benz, the Lexus, the $272,000 in cash, and the residence in Lower Burrell will be forfeited since they were proceeds of McKay’s drug trafficking.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, 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 Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lower Burrell Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Omali McKay.

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Federal Employees’ Compensation Fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment named Laureen Priore, 55, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Priore, in connection with the application and receipt of federal employees’ compensation moneys and benefits, concealed and covered up material facts, that is, that she was self-employed and involved in a business enterprise. Priore’s fraudulent conduct resulted in compensation payments totaling approximately $74,762.35 being issued to her during the period from July 1, 2012, to Sept. 12, 2014, payments Priore knew she was not entitled to receive. Priore also submitted false and fraudulent statements to the federal government concerning her employment status. Among the false statements submitted by Priore to the federal government, Priore submitted a statement on July 23, 2013, in which she falsely represented that she was not self-employed, knowing that she was self-employed and engaged in a business enterprise.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence on each count 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 Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Labor, 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 Wheeling, West Virginia, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation and restitution on her conviction of conspiracy to pass counterfeit United States currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Senteria Nightengale, 42.

According to information presented to the court, Nightengale engaged in a conspiracy to pass counterfeit U.S. currency on Jan. 12, 2013.

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 Nightengale.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Windber, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years in prison, 10 years supervised release—the first 18 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, required to register as a convicted sex offender, and ordered to pay $5,000 restitution on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Donald T. Reese, 69.

According to information presented to the court, on April 28, 2011, Reese knowingly possessed videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Southwest Computer Crime Task Force of the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reese.

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 Attorney's 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 the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of filing false individual and corporate tax returns and health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dr. William R. Acosta pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Acosta, a physician licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, filed three false individual income tax returns and three false corporate income tax returns for calendar years 2001, 2002, and 2003, whereby he failed to report $561,129 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $181,460 in income tax owed to the United States.

In addition, from Aug. 28, 2002, to Jan. 24, 2003, Acosta submitted false and fraudulent claims to Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield for levels of services higher than what he actually provided, and he unjustly received payment at the higher level from Highmark.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 28 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 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 Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Acosta.

PITTSBURGH – An inmate at SCI-Houtzdale, located in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh on a charge of forging a judge’s signature, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael J. Kramer, 31, formerly of New Kensington, Pa., and currently serving a sentence for a state parole violation at SCI Houtzdale, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release, on one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

According to information provided to the Court, on April 4, 2014, a Records Specialist at SCI Houtzdale contacted the United States Marshals’ Office with concerns that the institution may have received a falsified “Order of Court” in which it was written that “Michael J. Kramer’s guilty plea be and as the same is VACATED.” The document was present in Kramer’s transport file. Kramer had recently been returned to Houtzdale from SCI Pittsburgh, and this folder would have returned to Houtzdale with him.

At the time, Kramer was in state custody serving a parole violation and was due to be released from state custody in August 2014. A federal detainer followed him, however, because he also had pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing in federal court in Pittsburgh on charges of armed bank robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. The Records Specialist at Houtzdale believed the Court Order purportedly vacating Kramer’s conviction was a fraudulent document because she did not observe a court seal, the order contained two different fonts, the order did not contain an original signature, and the order was folded six ways, as though someone had placed it in his pocket.

The Marshals reviewed Kramer’s bank robbery court docket online and confirmed that no such order was actually filed dismissing his conviction. The Marshals also traveled to Houtzdale to interview Kramer, and Kramer confessed to the Marshals that he created this fake Court Order in the law library at the prison.

Last month, Kramer was sentenced by the Honorable David S. Cercone to 20 years (240 months) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on his armed bank robbery and firearms conviction. Judge Schwab ordered that the six-month sentence for the forgery conviction should run concurrently with the robbery and firearms conviction

Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle, Troy Rivetti, and Conor Lamb prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Borough of Coraopolis Police Department, and the United States Marshals’ Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Michael J. Kramer.

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

James Kerkan, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Aug. 13, 2014, and continuing until on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kerkan received images and videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kerkan.

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 Blandburg, 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, on his conviction of unlawful possession of a firearm which had the serial number removed, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Aaron C. Spanik, 35.

According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 3, 2011, Spanik unlawfully possessed a Kahr Arms pistol which had the manufacturer's serial number removed and which had been shipped in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Spanik.

According to Mr. Hickton, Spanik 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.

PITTSBURGH - On Jan. 13, 2015, a resident of Oakdale, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of armed bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced.

John J. Gibson, 35, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 12, 2013, at approximately 12:25 p.m., Gibson and his co-defendant, Daniel Bose, robbed the Community Bank located at 3241 West Roy Furman Highway, in Rogersville, Pa. Both men displayed firearms during the robbery, and $4,335 was taken. On Nov. 27, 2013, at approximately 12:35 p.m., both men robbed the S&T Bank located at 100 South Fourth Street, in Youngwood, Pa., taking $2,750. Finally, on Feb. 10, 2014, at approximately 1:35 p.m., both defendants robbed the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County located at 101 Locust Avenue Ext., Mount Morris, Pa. On that occasion, the defendants stole $23,667.

Last year, Daniel Bose pleaded guilty to these crimes as well, and he currently is awaiting sentencing.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Gibson for May 12, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gibson and Bose.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Indiana, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tiffany N. White, 26, 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 April 2012 to March 8, 2013, White conspired with her co-defendants to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2015, at 11 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 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 White.

PITTSBURGH - Three residents of India and one resident of Morocco have been charged in a second superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal prescription drug, narcotic, fraud and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 24-count second superseding indictment named Javed Sunesra, 37, Zuned Sunesra, 35, and Bismilla Sunesra, 60, all of Mumbai, India, and Samir Taslimant, 37, of Casablanca, Morocco.

According to the second superseding indictment, from November 2005 to April 2014, defendants Javed Sunesra, Zuned Sunesra, Bismilla Sunesra and Samir Taslimant, operated pharmacy websites based out of India called emedoutlet.com, shopeastwest.com, and superdrugsaver.com, amongst others. From these websites, the Sunesras, aided and abetted by others, including Taslimant, who ran an affiliate website called iwantmeds.com, conspired to distribute unapproved and misbranded prescription drugs into the United States without a prescription. These prescription drugs included “standard” prescription drugs such as Viagra and Accutane, as well as Schedule IV and V controlled substances such as Soma and Darvocet.

In addition, the Sunesras, acting together with co-defendant Taimur Khan, who has already pled guilty and is due to be sentenced, deceived customers of emedoutlet.com by claiming that the drugs sold were FDA approved and were similar to drugs sold in the United States when in fact that was not true. Further, Khan and the Sunesras set up a fake “gift card” company called “mygiftcard.biz” to process credit cards for customers. The purpose of this fake company was to convince credit card processors that emedoutlet.com and its affiliate websites were selling gift cards instead of illegal medications. Defendants Samir Taslimant, Javed Sunesra, and Zuned Sunesra are alleged to have laundered the money by funneling the proceeds of these drug sales from the United States to Canada, and then on to bank accounts in the Republic of Mauritius, Dubai, and Morocco.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain of the defendants, 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. Defendant Zuned Sunesra is currently being held without bond, while the government is commencing extradition proceedings against the remaining defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and Conor Lamb are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the second superseding indictment in this case. A second superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.