Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH- A former resident of Washington, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release and no fine or restitution on his conviction of Hobbs Act violations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Donald Abraham Solomon, 59.

According to information presented to the court, Solomon was the Chief of Police of East Washington Borough, Pa. He received payments from a purported drug dealer, who was an undercover FBI agent, to protect drug shipments and to purchase law enforcement restricted police equipment.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Lee J. Karl 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 Solomon.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Costa Rica has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, misbranded drugs, conspiracy to import controlled substances and smuggling, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 14-count indictment, which was returned on Jan. 13, named Daniel Fernando Sanchez, 39, of Costa Rica, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Sanchez facilitated the Internet sale of misbranded drugs through reshippers in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Houston, Texas, who took delivery of Schedule IV nonnarcotics and non-controlled pain relief and erectile dysfunction drugs manufactured in India and, after repackaging, mailed them to thousands of customers throughout the United States. The customers were falsely led to believe that the drugs were “FDA approved,” that the erectile dysfunction drugs were genuine Viagra and Cialis, and that it was legitimate to distribute such drugs without prescriptions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the mail fraud counts, three years in prison on each of the misbranded drug counts, five years in prison on the importation conspiracy count, and 20 years in prison on the smuggling count; as well as a $250,000 fine on each of the 14 counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 33 months imprisonment, and ordered to pay $415,389.32 in restitution on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Peter A. Kalemon, 46, of Aliquippa, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Kalemon defrauded his former employer of $359,389.32 over approximately three years by submitting 126 fraudulent invoices which were paid to Kalemon’s fictitious transportation company via 81 checks mailed to his P.O. Box in Wheeling, West Virginia. In addition, Kalemon admitted negotiating another 176 fraudulent checks drawn against his former employer between March of 2012 and July of 2014, all of which he cashed in Wheeling for another $56,000.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Diamond stated that this well-planned crime was a violation of trust; and, although the defendant’s family responsibilities were a mitigating factor, the crime was aggravated because the defendant continued it after being detected.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon 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 Kalemon.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – 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.

James Stover, 28, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Aug. 15, 2013, Stover 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 Diamond scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 Stover.

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, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed the sentence on Richard Stromberg, 50, of Bethel Park, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Stromberg has been in the mortgage broker business since the 1990s. He worked first at a company called Century Three Home Equity and then opened his own business, which was called Great American Equity Mortgage. From in and around August of 2002, and continuing until in and around June of 2008, Stromberg knowingly conspired with various other individuals associated with Great American Equity Mortgage, many of whom were former employees of Century Three Home Equity, to defraud lenders. The conspiracy involved the submission to lenders of loan applications that contained material misrepresentations about the borrower’s financial condition, such as inflating the borrower’s income and assets, and appraisals that overstated the values of the properties serving as collateral for the loans. Stromberg and others also submitted false supporting documentation for the misrepresentations contained in the applications.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Mortgage Fraud Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stromberg. The Mortgage Fraud Task Force is comprised of investigators from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and others involved in the mortgage industry. Federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Mortgage Task Force include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the United States Secret Service. Other Mortgage Fraud Task Force members include the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Bureau of Consumer Protection; the Pennsylvania Department of Banking; the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation; and the United States Trustee's Office.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Everett, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of trafficking in counterfeit goods, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John F. Crawford, IV, 48, 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 Oct. 25, 2012, Crawford trafficked in various counterfeit National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball logo apparel.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Crawford on $5,000 bond.

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

The Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Crawford.

PITTSBURGH -A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment to run concurrently with the 120 months imprisonment on a prior federal drug conviction and three years supervised release on her conviction of criminal contempt of court, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Allen N. Bloch imposed the sentence on Marquetta Lavelle Mitchell, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Mitchell disobeyed and resisted the lawful process, order and command of a Court of the United States, that is, she refused to testify at the October 16-22, 2012, trial of her boyfriend, Andre Williams, for charges that included conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, at Case Number 11-116, despite: the subpoena that required her to do so; an instruction from Senior United States District Court Judge Alan N. Bloch that her Fifth Amendment rights had been extinguished; and a written order compelling her to testify pursuant to a grant of immunity from Senior United States District Court Judge Alan N. Bloch.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marquetta LavelleMitchell.

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served and one year supervised release on his charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on German Cardenas-Leon, 42, of Mexico.

According to the information presented to the court, German Cardenas-Leon, a/k/a Eduardo Hurieta, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 1, 2003. German Cardenas-Leon was found by agents of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pa., on June 26, 2014.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pittsburgh Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of German Cardenas-Leon, a/k/a Eduardo Hurieta.

PITTSBURGH - A Chester County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of sex trafficking of a child, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Rasul Abernathy, 33, formerly of Coatesville, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, in and around December of 2012, to in and around March 2013, Abernathy knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided and obtained a minor, John Doe, to engage in a commercial sex acts.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Abernathy.

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 Arkansas man has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years imprisonment followed by 10 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Anthony London, of El Dorado, Arkansas, and formerly of Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif.

The IRS Criminal Investigations section joined the DEA as major partners in the investigation of the current case with the valuable assistance of multiple other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. In part, the investigation relied upon search warrants, court orders, consensually recorded conversations, surveillance and information supplied by confidential sources, as well as records and documents obtained by Grand Jury and Administrative subpoenas. The investigation revealed a major cocaine distribution conspiracy which resulted in cocaine being transported to Pittsburgh and other areas from 2000 through 2010. Defendant Robert Russell Spence, Jr. was a local fulcrum of the conspiracy, which was supplied by various cocaine sources over time. In brief, the investigation revealed that the conspiracy involved over 2000 kilograms of cocaine and millions in laundered drug money. Over time, the conspiracy involved enough cocaine for every current man, woman and child resident of Pennsylvania to have their own $20 rock of crack cocaine. Conspiracies commonly change both members and mechanisms to adapt to changes, and this conspiracy is no different. Aside from changing cocaine sources over time, the conspiracy also changed its common manner of doing business over time as well. For example, prior to the summer of 2007, the conspiracy utilized packages of cocaine being shipped by the US mail or various common carriers from California to recipients such as Spence in Pittsburgh. Documents and evidence reveal the large number of packages of cocaine shipped to the conspirators, as well as the packages of drug money being shipped back. Multiple seizures of both money and cocaine packages occurred. For example, on June 7, 2007 Postal Inspectors intercepted six kilograms of cocaine from the mail that was earmarked for the conspiracy. On Aug. 5, 2007, Postal Inspectors also seized a package containing $99,850.00 intended for a co-defendant.

The conspiracy began using couriers to transport cocaine to Pittsburgh and money back to California. The investigation has revealed that between 2007 and 2010 at least 11 different couriers took approximately 100 flights for the conspiracy. These involved the transportation of cocaine to the Pittsburgh end of the conspiracy and the transportation of drug money back to California. Again, multiple packages of both money and cocaine were intercepted. For example, in February of 2008 co-defendant Ruben Mitchell boarded a plane in Oakland bound for Pittsburgh with cocaine in his luggage. Since the flight attendant had trouble getting the carry-on bag into the overhead bin, an airline employee called a “ramper” put a tag on the bag mistakenly causing it to be removed from the plane during a layover in Las Vegas. There, airline employees opened the bag and discovered it to contain 19 kilograms of cocaine. Mitchell was observed, along with others, looking for the bag in Pittsburgh and he also filed a claim for the bag. On Aug. 8, 2009, over $335,000 in cash, just one part of approximately $700,000 that was sent on this occasion, was seized from the luggage of a conspirator.

During other times, the conspiracy arranged transportation of cocaine or money by means such as chartered private flights and vehicles including tractor trailers. Individuals indicted thus far involve many different roles within the conspiracy. Some conspirators are suppliers, couriers or recipient drug dealer/distributors. Other conspirators played a variety of roles such as: shipping or receiving packages; arranging for couriers, flights and flight payments; money launderers; and those who circumvented security procedures at airports.

The evidence revealed that London took at least six roundtrip airline flights between California and Pittsburgh for this massive drug conspiracy between Nov. 3, 2007 and March 7, 2008. On that later date, federal agents stopped defendant London and co-defendant Anthony Walker in the Oakland airport after they flew from Pittsburgh. Police located a total of $234,000 in heat-sealed drug money in their luggage. London continued to deny knowing Walker during his sentencing hearing, although the evidence revealed that they: took the same flight from the same starting location; walked together from the plane; waited as the other was using the restroom; had receipts from the same Harley Davidson shop in Pennsylvania; and London’s telephone number was used as the contact number when Walker’s flight was booked. During his sentencing, London agreed that he had taken multiple flights, for an agreed upon payment of $4000 each trip, using tickets paid for by others, as a result of the money problems caused by losing his job as a funeral attendant/driver. District Judge Cercone noted the connections between London and other defendants and held that London’s actions make him responsible for 123 kilograms of cocaine. Testimony from a narcotics expert has revealed that this much cocaine would be worth over $12 million on the street and results in over a million doses of cocaine or crack. Judge Cercone held that London’s 20-year jail sentence and 10-year period of supervision was sufficient, but not greater than necessary, considering London’s prior felony cocaine conviction.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the IRS-CI, DEA, Pennsylvania Attorney General and many other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony London.

PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney David J. Hickton will address the Fifth International Conference on Cyber Security (ICCS) today at 5:45 p.m. in New York City. During his presentation, Unprecedented: The Real Life Experience of Economic Espionage, U.S. Attorney Hickton will discuss theMay 2014 indictment of five members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on charges of hacking into computers and stealing valuable trade secrets from Westinghouse, United States Steel Corporation, several other companies and a trade union. He will also discuss how prosecutors worked with the victim entities.

ICCS is the premier global cybersecurity event spanning three days with more than 70 distinguished speakers from government, the private sector, and academia. Each brings unique insights from their expertise in the disciplines of emerging technologies, operations and enforcement, academic and pragmatic experience. The sold out conference is sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – New York Division and Fordham University.

WHAT: U.S. Attorney Hickton Presentation
Unprecedented: The Real Life Experience of Economic Espionage WHEN: Wednesday, January 7, 2015
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. WHERE: International Conference on Cyber Security
Costantino Room
Fordham University at Lincoln Center
150 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 32 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Michael Powers, 66, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 21, 2013, Powers knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Binghamton, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal counterfeiting laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Larry Patterson, 60.

According to information presented to the court, Patterson manufactured counterfeit federal reserve notes by converting one and five dollar notes into $100 notes. Patterson then mailed the notes to a location in Pennsylvania where they were seized by law enforcement.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Patterson.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal guns laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Nicholas Alexander Reynolds, 23.

According to information presented to the court, on or about December 19, 2013, Reynolds possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshal’s Service and the Titusville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reynolds.

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

Gerald Szymanowski, 66, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 19, 2014, Szymanowski possessed approximately 38 unregistered firearms, including machineguns, silencers and destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record and manufactured approximately 372 devices of varying sizes containing explosive materials.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Szymanowski on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Warren, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Allan Williams, 40.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Williams conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

The prosecution of Williams was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, twenty defendants (including Williams) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pennsylvania. All twenty defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of ten defendants charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, Pennsylvania. All ten defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of malicious destruction of property by fire and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Andrea Forsythe, 26, of Oakdale, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 23, 2014, Forsythe set fire to a residential structure located in Sturgeon, Pa., a rental home where she had been residing, so that she could obtain money from the insurance company which provided coverage on that structure. The fraud charges in the Indictment allege that from in and around June of 2014, and continuing thereafter until on or about Dec. 1, 2014, Forsythe engaged in a scheme to defraud Nationwide insurance company in connection with the claim she made for the fire loss.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’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 Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation and ordered to pay $78,719.00 in restitution on her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Laverne Russell, 74.

According to information presented to the court, Russell converted to her own use over $78,000 in Social Security Income Benefits from the Social Security Administration.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Russell.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank fraud and tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Brian M. Quimby, 48, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while Quimby was employed as CFO of Thayer Power and Communications, he defrauded Key Bank. In addition, Quimby failed to file his income tax return for calendar year 2007.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 35 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Quimby on bond.

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

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

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

The one-count indictment named Jeremy S. Burnworth, 35, of Uniontown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 2, 2014, Burnworth knowingly possessed images in 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.

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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Reserve Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney 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.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 6 months in jail, 12 months home detention, 3 years supervised release and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $236,524.73 on his conviction of making false statements in matters relevant to permits issued under the Safe Drinking Water Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ronald A. Wright, 45.

According to information presented to the court, between in and around September 2009, to in and around April 2011, Wright falsified certificates of well plugging, falsely claiming that he had properly plugged abandoned oil wells, when he had not properly done so. These forms were relied upon by the EPA in regard to permits issued for Class II injection wells. These injection wells were to be used for the injection of oil production brine fluid and for the enhanced recovery process of oil extraction. The approval process for these injection wells required all abandoned wells within a quarter mile of the injection well site to have first been properly plugged. On January 12, 2012, inspectors with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), were on site to conduct a mechanical integrity test of the injection well when it was discovered that injected fluid had entered the bottom of an abandoned well because it had not been properly plugged to the bottom. According to the information presented in court, further investigation revealed that many of the wells that were plugged by Wright were not plugged as he claimed in the certificates of well plugging. In some instances, the certificates of well plugging falsely claimed that wells were properly plugged at depths greater than 2,000 feet when, in fact, the wells were only plugged at depths of less than 1,000 feet. According to the information presented in court, the discovery of Wright’s falsification of the plugging reports has required the re-inspection, and likely re-drilling and re-plugging, of 95 wells.

“EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment is dependent, in large part, on the veracity of the information it receives,” said David G. McLeod, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in the Middle Atlantic States. “Today’s sentencing should send a strong message that EPA and its partners will hold those accountable, who knowingly submit false reports and undermine our efforts to protect human health and the environment.”

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Environmental Crimes Section, and the U.S. Forest Service – Law Enforcement and Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wright.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 20 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ricardo Ramos, 34. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Ramos is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about April 29, 2014, Ramos was in possession of contraband, namely, a quantity of buprenorphine (suboxone).

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ramos.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Corry, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

William Jay Blazes, 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Blazes possessed approximately 7,000 computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2015 at 12:45 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Blazes on bond.

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

The Corry Police Department, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Blazes.

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 – Brandon Kennedy, a resident of Inkster, Michigan, was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial of committing an interstate armed robbery, of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The jury convicted Kennedy after a three-day trial that concluded on December 18, 2014, and that was presided over by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. The jury was presented with evidence that Kennedy, on November 26, 2012, traveled from the Detroit, Michigan, area to the AT&T retail store located at 970 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and robbed the store at gunpoint. Kennedy brandished a loaded .45 caliber Ruger pistol at the store employees during the robbery and after he had already been convicted of a felony crime in a prior case. The robbery resulted in the forcible theft of 12 iPads and 14 iPhones as well as other electronic devices and cash.

Kennedy was previously prosecuted in state court in Michigan for committing an armed robbery at an AT&T retail store in Oakland County, Michigan, in September 2011. Kennedy was acquitted at the conclusion of a state jury trial in March 2012. Kennedy committed the armed robbery at the Pittsburgh AT&T store following the acquittal.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least seven years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Green Tree Police Department, the South Rockwood (Michigan) Police Department, and the Inkster (Michigan) Police Department investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton for the Western District of Pennsylvania and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Eric P. Zahren of the Pittsburgh Field Office today announced the filing of a criminal complaint in Pittsburgh charging a U.S. citizen with leading an international counterfeit currency operation headquartered in the Republic of Uganda. 

Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka Willy Clock, 27, a U.S. citizen currently residing in Kampala, Uganda, was charged with conspiracy and counterfeiting acts committed outside of the U.S.  When he lived in the United States, he mainly resided in Texas and Colorado.

“This complicated, international cyber counterfeiting conspiracy was broken as a result of expert investigation by the Secret Service and a total commitment of all cooperating law enforcement to reject the premise that criminals committing cybercrimes in the U.S. – but who reside outside our borders – cannot be reached,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton.  “We will hold cyber criminals accountable and bring them to justice no matter where they reside.”

“This investigation involves the manufacture of counterfeit U.S. currency, which has been the Secret Service’s core mission since 1865,” said Special Agent in Charge Zahren.  “Add to that the modern elements of an international counterfeiting conspiracy utilizing new-age, cyber technology, and it represents the full evolution and unique investigative capabilities of today’s Secret Service.”

As detailed in the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in December 2013, the Secret Service began investigating the passing of counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs), believed to be manufactured in Uganda, at Pittsburgh-area retail stores and businesses.  Agents determined that an individual identified as J.G. had passed these notes and was renting a postal box at The UPS Store on Pittsburgh’s South Side.  On Feb 19, 2014, law enforcement learned that J.G. received three packages addressed from Beyond Computers, located in Kampala, Uganda.  Agents executing a search warrant on the packages found $7,000 in counterfeit $100, $50 and $20 FRNs located in two hidden compartments within the packaging envelopes.  A fingerprint on a document inside one of the packages was identified as belonging to Ryan Andrew Gustafson.

The Secret Service subsequently worked with Ugandan authorities to identify the source of the counterfeit FRNs.  Their efforts led to A.B., who admitted to sending the packages, explaining that an American named “Jack Farrel,” and another person, provided him the counterfeit notes to ship.  Based on information provided by A.B., the Secret Service used facial recognition to identify Jack Farrel as Ryan Andrew Gustafson.

According to the affidavit, J.G. met “Willy Clock” on an online criminal forum called Tor Carding Forum.  Through private messaging, J.G. and Clock discussed counterfeit currency and J.G. agreed to purchase counterfeit FRNs. 

In January 2014, Clock told J.G. that he had established his own online forum called Community-X, a website dedicated to the selling of counterfeit reserve notes.  The forum requires a username and password to access the site, and individuals must be invited and approved by Clock to become members. Secret Service used an undercover operative to communicate with Clock through the website, to purchase additional counterfeit $100 FRNs, and to become a re-shipper of counterfeit notes.

In November 2014, the Secret Service executed a search warrant at the residence of another re-shipper, who had been an active member of Community-X.  This person cooperated and provided information that a forum member had traveled to Uganda and brought back more than $300,000 in counterfeit notes.

The Secret Service, working with Ugandan authorities, engaged yet another confidential informant, in Uganda, who had knowledge of Jack Farrel and his counterfeiting operations.  On Dec. 11 2014, this confidential informant called Farrel to arrange to purchase counterfeit FRNs.  The informant met Farrel’s associate and made the buy.  Two trusted sources followed the associate back to Farrel’s home and reported the location to the Secret Service who turned it over to the Uganda Special Investigations Unit.  Their search of Farrel’s residence netted two million Ugandan shillings from the buy; $180,420 in counterfeit FRNs; counterfeit Euros, Indian Rupees, Ugandan Shillings, Congo Francs, and Ghana Cedis; computers and printers; inks and ink jet cartridges; paper cutters; glue sticks; “Give a Child Hope Today” pamphlets with counterfeit FRNs in between glued together pages; and a pair of “Anon Hands.”  Anon Hands are life-like rubber molds that fit like gloves over the user’s hands and are meant to conceal the wearer’s fingerprints.  As noted above Farrel has been identified as Gustafson.  Evidence collected at the scene also allowed investigators to identify Gustafson as Willy Clock.

Gustafson was charged by Ugandan authorities on Dec. 16 with conspiracy, possession of counterfeit, selling/dealing in counterfeit, and unlawful possession of ammunition.  He was brought before the court that day to be informed about the charges; he also is being represented by counsel in Uganda.

U.S. Secret Service estimates $1.8 million in counterfeit FRNs have been seized and passed in Uganda.  The total amount of Ugandan-made counterfeit FRNs seized or passed domestically was approximately $270,000.  This amount was limited due to early detection by the Secret Service.

U.S. law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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. 

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended numerous agencies and organizations for conducting the investigation leading to charges in this case, including the Directorate of Public Prosecution, the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, the Special Investigations and Intelligence Unit, and Stanbic Bank in Uganda; various domestic and foreign Secret Service Field Offices, including the Rome, Italy, Field Office and the Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, D.C.; the U.S. State Department; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance.

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

A criminal complaint contains charges and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania David J. Hickton and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Eric P. Zahren today announced the filing of a criminal complaint in Pittsburgh charging a U.S. citizen with leading an international counterfeit currency operation headquartered in the Republic of Uganda.

Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka Willy Clock, 27, a U.S. citizen currently residing in Kampala, Uganda, was charged with conspiracy and counterfeiting acts committed outside of the U.S. When he lived in the United States, he mainly resided in Texas and Colorado.

“This complicated, international cyber counterfeiting conspiracy was broken as a result of expert investigation by the Secret Service and a total commitment of all cooperating law enforcement to reject the premise that criminals committing cybercrimes in the U.S. – but who reside outside our borders – cannot be reached,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “We will hold cyber criminals accountable and bring them to justice no matter where they reside.”

“This investigation involves the manufacture of counterfeit U.S. currency, which has been the Secret Service’s core mission since 1865,” said Special Agent in Charge Zahren of the Pittsburgh Field Office. “Add to that the modern elements of an international counterfeiting conspiracy utilizing new-age, cyber technology, and it represents the full evolution and unique investigative capabilities of today’s Secret Service.”

As detailed in the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in December 2013, the Secret Service began investigating the passing of counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs), believed to be manufactured in Uganda, at Pittsburgh-area retail stores and businesses. Agents determined that an individual identified as J.G. had passed these notes and was renting a postal box at The UPS Store on Pittsburgh’s South Side. On Feb 19, 2014, law enforcement learned that J.G. received three packages addressed from Beyond Computers, located in Kampala, Uganda. Agents executing a search warrant on the packages found $7,000 in counterfeit $100, $50 and $20 FRNs located in two hidden compartments within the packaging envelopes. A fingerprint on a document inside one of the packages was identified as belonging to Ryan Andrew Gustafson.

The Secret Service subsequently worked with Ugandan authorities to identify the source of the counterfeit FRNs. Their efforts led to A.B., who admitted to sending the packages, explaining that an American named “Jack Farrel”, and another person, provided him the counterfeit notes to ship. Based on information provided by A.B., the Secret Service used facial recognition to identify Jack Farrel as Ryan Andrew Gustafson.

According to the affidavit, J.G. met “Willy Clock” on an online criminal forum called Tor Carding Forum. Through private messaging, J.G. and Clock discussed counterfeit currency and J.G. agreed to purchase counterfeit FRNs.

In January 2014, Clock told J.G. that he had established his own online forum called Community-X, a website dedicated to the selling of counterfeit reserve notes. The forum requires a username and password to access the site, and individuals must be invited and approved by Clock to become members. Secret Service used an undercover operative to communicate with Clock through the website, to purchase additional counterfeit $100 FRNs, and to become a re-shipper of counterfeit notes.

In November 2014, the Secret Service executed a search warrant at the residence of another re-shipper, who had been an active member of Community-X. This person cooperated and provided information that a forum member had traveled to Uganda and brought back more than $300,000 in counterfeit notes.

The Secret Service, working with Ugandan authorities, engaged yet another confidential informant, in Uganda, who had knowledge of Jack Farrel and his counterfeiting operations. On Dec. 11 2014, this confidential informant called Farrel to arrange to purchase counterfeit FRNs. The informant met Farrel’s associate and made the buy. Two trusted sources followed the associate back to Farrel’s home and reported the location to the Secret Service who turned it over to the Uganda Special Investigations Unit. Their search of Farrel’s residence netted two million Ugandan shillings from the buy; $180,420 in counterfeit FRNs; counterfeit Euros, Indian Rupees, Ugandan Shillings, Congo Francs, and Ghana Cedis; computers and printers; inks and ink jet cartridges; paper cutters; glue sticks; “Give a Child Hope Today” pamphlets with counterfeit FRNs in between glued together pages; and a pair of “Anon Hands”. Anon Hands are life-like rubber molds that fit like gloves over the user’s hands and are meant to conceal the wearer’s fingerprints. As noted above Farrel has been identified as Gustafson. Evidence collected at the scene also allowed investigators to identify Gustafson as Willy Clock.

Gustafson was charged by Ugandan authorities on Dec. 16 with conspiracy, possession of counterfeit, selling/dealing in counterfeit, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was brought before the court that day to be informed about the charges; he also is being represented by counsel in Uganda.

U.S. Secret Service estimates $1.8 million in counterfeit FRNs have been seized and passed in Uganda. The total amount of Ugandan-made counterfeit FRNs seized or passed domestically was approximately $270,000. This amount was limited due to early detection by the Secret Service.

U.S. law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended numerous agencies and organizations for conducting the investigation leading to charges in this case, including the Directorate of Public Prosecution, the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, the Special Investigations and Intelligence Unit, and Stanbic Bank in Uganda; various domestic and foreign Secret Service Field Offices, including the Rome, Italy, Field Office and the Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, D.C.; the U.S. State Department; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance.

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

A criminal complaint contains charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An Oregon man has been sentenced in federal court to nine months in prison and four years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Brian V. Knee, 43, of Eugene, Oregon.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Knee conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in order to facilitate and promote George M. Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Knee. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Cambria County District Attorney's Office, Carrolltown Police Department, Patton Police Department, Ebensburg Police Department, Portage Police Department and Paint Township Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County man has been convicted by a federal jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and making false statements under oath, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael J. Free, 62, of North Huntingdon, PA, had been charged in a six-count indictment that was tried to a jury before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all six counts.

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

Judge Hornak did not set a sentencing date but indicated that sentencing would take place in approximately 120 days. The law provides for a maximum total sentence at each of the six counts of conviction of up to five years in prison, and 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, based on a referral by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee, leading to the charges in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A convicted drug dealer has been sentenced in federal court to 24 years in prison for his April, 2014, conviction for 11 counts related to the unlawful distribution of oxycodone and Opana, both of which are Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge Arthur Schwab imposed the sentence on David Best, 28. On April 10, 2014, a federal jury had convicted Best, after a 10-day trial, of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and Opana, as well as multiple counts related to that large-scale drug trafficking conviction.

Specifically, according to Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Best conspired together with others, from in and around July 2011, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2013, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of oxycodone and Opana. Additionally, on April 18, 2013 and April 30, 2013, Best distributed oxycodone and oxymorphone, in the form known as Opana to a confidential informant.

Further, on three separate occasions, Dec. 1, 2011, Sept. 26-27, 2012, and Feb. 15, 2013, Best burglarized the MedFast pharmacy in Baden, Pa., and from that pharmacy, stole a number of Schedule II controlled substances, including: fentanyl, oxymorphone, including in the form known as Opana, Ritalin, oxycodone, including in the form known as Oxycontin, methylphenidate, Vyvanse, morphine sulfate, Roxicet, Focalin, methylphenidate, hydromorphone, methadone, and meperidine. On two occasions, Best chiseled through the wall of the neighboring China Garden restaurant into the pharmacy, and on the third occasion, Best broke into the Bo-Rics hair salon, and from there, burrowed directly into the MedFast controlled substances cabinet. Best stole these controlled substances in order to distribute them.

Last, the evidence at trial demonstrated that Best, on June 20, 2012, carried and brandished a loaded revolver during and in relation to his drug trafficking conspiracy. In that regard, Best held two men hostage at gunpoint after he lured them to his Economy Township home under the guise that he had a large stash of drugs and drug proceeds in his room. Best suspected that these two men were conspiring to steal his drug proceeds, so he preemptively attacked and held them hostage at gunpoint.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab highlighted the seriousness of Best’s many crimes and the damage that Best’s drug dealing did to those in Western Pennsylvania. Further, although Best had argued that his drug dealing resulted from his own drug addiction, the Court determined that the scope of his massive drug conspiracy went far beyond that of an ordinary addict looking to feed their addiction.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Economy Borough and Cranberry Township Police Departments conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution and conviction of David Best.

PITTSBURGH - A convicted drug dealer pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Frank Louis Ober, III, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 9, 2014, Ober possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 14 pounds of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. Ober had been released from federal prison shortly before his new arrest as a result of previously possessing more than two kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it.

Judge Conti placed Ober on Electronic Home Monitoring (house arrest) pending the sentencing scheduled for July 31, 2015, at 11 a.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Munhall Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Frank Louis Ober, III.

JOHNSTOWN - A resident of Altoona, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim. R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Vladislav Miftakhov, age 19, as the sole defendant.

According to information presented to the court, on or about January 24, 2014, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully and without registering and obtaining approval, made firearms/destructive devices and possessed firearms/destructive devices which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen 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 Miftakhov.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $690, on her conviction of violating various federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Rukiya R. Smith, 35.

According to information presented to the court, Smith distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and less than 100 grams of heroin on March 5, 2013, and she possessed less than 100 grams of heroin on April 24, 2013, with the intent to distribute it.

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 Smith.

PITTSBURGH - Six persons have been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Pennsylvania on various federal narcotics and immigration charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on Dec. 10, named Olufemi Young, 35 of Pittsburgh, PA; Tayde Torres, 33 of Fullerton, CA; Javier Ochoa, 52 of Tolleson, Arizona; Hector Armenta-Cardenas, 39 of Fontana, CA; Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, 30 of Yucaipa, CA; and Joel Rodriguez, 45 of Fontana, CA. All six defendants are alleged to have conspired together to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, while defendants Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez were charged with the possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. In addition, Armenta-Cardenas was charged with unlawful re-entry into the United States by a deported alien.

According to the indictment and information disclosed to courts in prior judicial proceedings, Olufemi Young is alleged to be a large-scale trafficker of cocaine and heroin in Pittsburgh. Since his release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement has collected evidence demonstrating that Young has conspired to import multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin into the Western District of Pennsylvania, with these narcotics coming mainly from California and Arizona. Young’s primary suppliers of these narcotics were, as alleged: Torres Armenta-Cardenas, and Ochoa. In April of 2014, law enforcement seized nearly $260,000 in cash from individuals associated with Ochoa in Munhall, Pa. At that time, law enforcement also recovered an “owe sheet,” indicating that Young had purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of heroin from Ochoa and his co-conspirators. In May of 2014, law enforcement seized another $660,000 in cash from Ochoa and Young in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. In the late summer of 2014, law enforcement began wiretap interceptions of telephones utilized by Young and Armenta-Cardenas, and pursuant to those interceptions, law enforcement stopped a tractor trailer, being driven by Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez, in Somerset County, Pa., on Nov. 10, 2014. This tractor trailer was carrying 19 kilograms of cocaine destined for Pittsburgh and multiple pallets of food bound for Wal-Mart. Five of the six defendants have been arrested; Tayde Torres remains a fugitive.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Young, Ochoa, Torres, and Armenta- Cardenas of up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Young and Armenta-Cardenas, who have prior federal felony narcotics convictions, face a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, while Ochoa and Torres face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez face a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Tennessee woman has been sentenced in federal court to four years probation and eight months home detention on her conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Elizabeth “Betsy” Pope, 49, of Loudon, TN.

According to the information presented to the court, Pope was in business to assist trucking companies with compliance and testing of their commercial truck drivers pursuant to the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program includes pre-employment and random testing, testing for cause and post-accident testing. The Pittsburgh based victim is InTransit, LLC, an administrative and service company for several national transport companies. InTransit used Pope d/b/a Eastgate Laboratory Testing as a third party administrator to handle the DOT drug and alcohol testing for them. DOT regulations require that a percentage of negative tests and all positive drug or alcohol tests must be reviewed by a licensed doctor, known under the DOT regulations as a Medical Review Officer (MRO), to oversee the program and determine if there were any innocent reasons why a test was positive. On all FMCSA and DOT required paperwork Pope, without authority or permission, used a computer generated signature of a doctor who had previously worked for her as an MRO for a short time predating the charges in the indictment to create the impression that he had done the necessary oversight and reviews when he had not. The fraud came to light when a commercial truck driver with 18 years of experience tried to contact the MRO after his pre-employment drug test reported as “diluted” for three consecutive tests. When he was unable to get the contact information from Pope for the MRO, he searched for the MRO on the internet. The MRO in turn contacted InTransit to report the unauthorized use of his name. InTransit did an internal investigation and referred the matter to the Inspector General for the Department of Transportation. Pope billed InTransit as though her company had actually performed the required services, causing InTransit to send her checks totaling approximately $109,000.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Department of Transportation-OIG for the successful prosecution of Elizabeth “Betsy” Pope.

ERIE, Pa. – Seven individuals from four states have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Andres Prieto, 32, of Boynton Beach, Florida; Vincent DeLaPena, 63, of Los Angeles, California; Eric Mathew Benavides, 45, of Covina, California; Trieu Phuong Nguyen, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania; Willie Hugh Joy, 44 of Alpharetta, Georgia; Yenny M. Romero, 32, of Boynton Beach, Florida; and Bart Derrick Alexander, 47, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2009, to in and around January 2013, the defendants engaged in a “loan program” in which a hierarchy of “brokers”, “managers”, “processors” and “straw borrowers” falsified bank loan documents and supporting documentation in order to obtain various auto and consumer loans and lines of credit from 21 banks and credit unions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 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.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The three-count indictment named Wesley Chase, 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Chase distributed, received and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of theft of government property and social security fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Jennifer Renee Dzera, 35, of Meadville, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from August 2011 to July 2014, Dzera, after applying to receive Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) Benefits on her son’s behalf, knowingly and willfully converted those benefits to her own use. By doing so, Dzera received payments, valuing approximately $22,250, to which she knew she was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The 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 Johnstown, Pa., was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 9, 2014, to 24 months in prison and three 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 Matthew John Claycomb, 23.

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 25, 2013, Claycomb, along with co-defendants, distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

Assistant U.S. 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 Matthew John Claycomb.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervises release on his conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Derrick Knox, 33, of East McKeesport, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Knox conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 500 grams and two kilograms cocaine. Additionally, Knox sold cocaine to an undercover agent on four separate occasions between January 2011 and April 2011. Finally, during the execution of a search warrant at Knox’s residence on April 13, 2011, agents discovered approximately two ounces of cocaine, and $4,700 in U.S. currency.

The prosecution of Knox was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, 20 defendants (including Knox) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, Pennsylvania. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Knox.

PITTSBURGH – Edward Hilts, a former resident of Fallbrook, Calif., was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison for committing several child sexual exploitation crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Hilts, age 69, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Judge Ambrose also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence and ordered Hilts to register as a convicted sex offender.

In June 2014, Hilts was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial of attempting to persuade, induce, or entice a 14-year-old child to engage in illegal sexual acts; of traveling from California to Pennsylvania with the intent to engage in illegal sexual acts with a 14-year-old child; of transporting sexually explicit images of children from California to Pennsylvania; and of possessing sexually explicit images of children. In addition to evidence of the commission of these crimes by Hilts, the prosecution presented evidence at sentencing that Hilts had previously sexually molested a 13-year-old child in Thailand; that Hilts had sexually molested another child for several years in the 1980’s; and that Hilts absconded from bond while his federal case was pending to travel to meet up with a 16-year-old child in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hilts communicated with the 16-year-old child about his desire to engage in sex acts with her 10-year- old sister.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Pittsburgh High Tech Crimes Task Force, and the Vancouver (British Columbia) Police Department investigated the case leading to the conviction of Hilts.

This case was a product of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today, December 9, 2014, that a criminal Information has been filed in federal court in Johnstown charging a United States Postal Service employee with misappropriation of postal funds.

The one-count Information named Douglas J. Kubenko, 33, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the Information filed with the court, from Sept. 28, 2012, to Nov. 7, 2013, Kubenko used a United States Postal Service credit card 21 times for purchases totaling $946.15 in gas for his private vehicle.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

A criminal Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH – Donnell Morris, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was convicted of conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Morris, age 30, pled guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing to occur on April 10, 2015, at 9 a.m.

In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, between 2011 and 2013, Morris 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. In doing so, Morris obtained hundreds of bricks of heroin at a time. He then repeatedly supplied other dealers in Western Pennsylvania with heroin.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting 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 United States Marshals Service, 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 in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $132,868.00, on his conviction of filing a false tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Keith D. Nash.

According to information presented to the court, Nash filed an individual income tax return for the calendar year 2009, whereby he failed to report $161,267 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $52,466 in income tax owed to the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Two western Pennsylvania men have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry sentenced Terrell Williams a/k/a Rel, 35, of McKeesport, Pa., to 72 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release. Josh Williams (no relation to Terrell Williams), 33, of Aliquippa, Pa., was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Terrell Williams and Josh Williams conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Additionally, from in and around June 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2012, Terrell Williams also conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.

The prosecution of Terrell Williams and JoshWilliams was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, twenty defendants (including Terrell and JoshWilliams) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants (including Terrell Williams) charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Mich., and Washington, Pa. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Terrell Williams and Josh Williams.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment on her conviction of income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Debra J. Feather.

According to information presented to the court, during the years 2007 through 2010, the defendant’s joint federal tax returns were false since they failed to declare substantial income and thus resulted in substantial additional tax owing to the United States.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that like many tax evaders, she came before him with no criminal history. But this was a serious crime since Feather had failed to declare income she had embezzled during the last 12 years of her employment at a law firm where she worked for more than 40 years.

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 Feather.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Leasher, age 44, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about August 22, 2012, through September 21, 2012, Leasher stole medical devices from his employer and sold the stolen devices online at Amazon.com.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Leasher.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Greene County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of damage of an energy facility, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Dec. 2, named Brian M. Harbarger, 35, as a defendant.

According to the information presented to the court, Harbarger damaged the Burchianti Pad, a pad of five natural gas wells operated by Chevron North America Exploitation and Production Company, a division of Chevron USA, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

Jody Schmidt, 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2005 to December 2012, Schmidt converted to his own use $71,450.00 in Social Security Title II, Disability Insurance benefit payments, which he knew he was not entitled to receive.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Schmidt on bond.

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

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Schmidt.

PITTSBURGH – An Armstrong County truck driver 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 Billy Joe Toy, 43, of Worthington, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Toy received Social Security disability insurance benefit payments based on his alleged inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity, and thereby caused $55,012 in disability payments to be paid to him and on behalf of his minor child, while he was employed as a truck driver and concealed his compensation for the payment of his wages to his wife’s business.

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

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

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

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

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

The one-count indictment named Lisa A. White, 46, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, defendant, while working as a Mail Handler at the Pittsburgh Network Distribution Center on Sept. 5, 2014, stole six Veteran’s Administration (VA) medicine parcels addressed to different Pittsburgh-area VA patients.

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 Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service and Veteran’s Administration Offices 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.