Western District of Pennsylvania

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

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Charles Howard, III, 34.

According to information presented to the court, that on or about March 28, 2012, and again on May 20, 2013, Howard, who has prior felony convictions, possessed firearms. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm. Also on or about March 28, 2012, Howard possessed and intended to distribute crack cocaine.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two former Butler County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 15-count indictment, returned on July 29, 2014 and unsealed today, named Robert W. MacVittie, 33, and Jennifer MacVittie, aka Jennifer Dinwiddie, 31, formerly of Cranberry Twp., Pa., as defendants.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 65 years in prison, a fine of $3,750,000, 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

An indictment is an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

John D. Malden, 40, 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 April 25, 2013, Malden distributed less than 28 grams of crack cocaine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 15 months of which must be served by a condition of home confinement, and a $500,000 fine on his conviction of filing false tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Michael Herman.

According to information presented to the court, Herman filed two individual income tax returns for the calendar years 2007 and 2008, whereby he failed to report $9,873,745 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $655,934 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 Herman.

PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today that the Western District of Pennsylvania collected $52,907,460.41 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $48,907,638.51 was collected in criminal actions and $3,999,821.90 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Western District of Pennsylvania worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $11,552,124.98 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Western Pennsylvania, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $18,795,930.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Attorney General Eric Holder announced last week that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.

“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy.”

U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “The $52.9 million collected in FY 2014 is roughly five times the amount of money the federal government allocates us to operate our office, and represents a five-fold increase over the amount of money recovered in FY 2010 when we reorganized the office to improve our collections performance.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Springdale, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft from an employee benefit plan, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jennifer Gent, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, during a two-year period while she was employed as the office manager for the Journeyman-Apprentice Training Fund (JATF) for the Sheet Metal Industry of Western Pennsylvania, Gent embezzled from her employer by writing and cashing approximately $30,297.70 in unauthorized JATF checks.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant’s bond.

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

The Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards and the Employee Benefit Security Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gent.

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

The three-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named Andrew Patterson, 45, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about June 15, 2014, to on or about June 16, 2014, Patterson distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that on or about Sept. 8, 2014, Patterson received videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Lastly, the indictment alleges that on or about Oct. 16, 2014, Patterson knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty after the first witness’s testimony in today’s trial in federal court in Pittsburgh on a charge of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lahbib Hannoune, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

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

Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 11, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years and a mandatory order rescinding his citizenship. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigation-Immigration Customs Enforcement and the Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lahbib Hannoune.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating approximately four hours, a federal jury found Nicole Murphy guilty of deprivation of rights under color of law, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “Law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold and obey the law. Nicole Murphy did neither when she used a dangerous weapon to subdue a handcuffed defendant, thereby violating his civil rights.”

Murphy, 30, was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Cindy Chung, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Murphy, on Sept. 21, 2012, while acting under color of law as a police officer with the Millvale Police Department, deprived an individual identified as Thomas Smith of the constitutional right to be free from unreasonable force, by deploying a taser in both drive and probe-stun modes on Smith’s person while he was handcuffed behind his back and seated on the floor of the squad room at the Millvale Police Department.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.

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

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Lawrence County and current resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named Antron Jamal Talley, a/k/a Marvin Talley, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Talley possessed a firearm and/or ammunition on or about August 28, 2013, after having been convicted at eight different case numbers of crimes punishable by more than two years in prison. Those convictions include two separate prior firearm charges and seven different Aggravated Assault counts. Previously filed Court documents indicate that Talley was caught inside an apartment by police after a civilian observed him breaking in the door. Police located two loaded guns during the incident.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Defendants who have three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses face a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named William Garry Snowden, 47, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 29, 2014, Snowden, who has previously been convicted of aggravated assault and kidnapping, was found to be in possession of multiple firearms. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. The defendant was arrested on October 29, 2014, and has been detained since that date.

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

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny county resident has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 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 Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Eric Roller, 49.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Feb. 22, 2013, Roller possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphics 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, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Roller.

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

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

Scott D. Hamilton, aka Art Follage, aka Michael Lewis, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hamilton defrauded CNX Gas Company of $440,216.35 by filing assignments of lease interests that contained forgeries and imaginary persons. The lease interests were located in Christian County, Illinois, and in Fayette County, WV. These lease interests entitled the owner to royalty payments for oil and gas extracted from the land. Hamilton used a fake company and a post office box to pull off the scheme.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 25, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – Clifford Green was convicted of conspiring to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Green, 29, of Turtle Creek, Pa., pled guilty before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing to occur March 16, 2015, at 11 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, 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 and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail and ordered to forfeit firearms involved in the offenses on his conviction of conspiracy to possess firearms by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Francis Anthony Milliard, 57.

According to information presented to the court, Milliard entered into a conspiracy with David Allen Blashaw in order for Milliard to possess firearms 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Milliard.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 24 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 Jarrid Brewer, 25.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around April 2013, to in and around May 2013, Brewer was in possession of contraband, namely, marijuana and oxycodone hydrochloride.

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 Brewer.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised 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 Keith Malone a/k/a K- Rizz, 39.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Malone conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The prosecution of Malone 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 Malone) 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, 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 Malone.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 24 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 Keith Hightower, 29. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Hightower is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about May 9, 2014, Hightower was in possession of contraband, namely, a weapon.

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 Hightower.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 1 month 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 Jose I. Aquino, 31. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Aquino is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 14, 2014, Aquino was in possession of contraband, namely, a cell phone.

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 Aquino.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 14 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 Oscar Acosta-Levario, 32. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Acosta-Levario is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 10, 2014, Acosta-Levario was in possession of contraband, namely, a weapon.

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 Acosta-Levario.

PITTSBURGH - A Washington, Pa., resident has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months (12 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Eric Everett a/k/a Fifty, 29.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Everett conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Additionally, on June 28, 2012, Everett possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The prosecution of Everett 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 Everett) 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, 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 Everett.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of the State of Utah has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ken Barton Burrows, 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

According to information presented to the court, Burrows was recruited to fly a plane loaded with approximately 242 pounds of marijuana from Woodland Airport in Northern California to the East Coast. Customs and border patrol agents apprehended him when he landed at the New Castle municipal airport.

Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 20, 2015, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, along with the Union and Mahoning Township Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of Burrows.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, which includes two months in a community confinement center, 150 hours of community service, and a $2,000 fine on her conviction of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Cecelia Yauger, 56.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2012, to in and around December 2012, Yauger, being an agent of the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (“IU4”), did knowingly steal property worth at least $5,000, which was owned by and under the custody and control of IU4.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Yauger.

PITTSBURGH – Dustin Petry, an Allegheny County resident, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Petry, 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge David S. Cercone. Judge Cercone also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Moon Township Police Department, the North Fayette Police Department, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Cranberry Township Police Department, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - A Beechview resident has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by six years supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Brandon L. Johnson, 32.

According to information presented to the court, in November 2011, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County was sentenced yesterday in federal court to three years probation and six months home detention on his conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on William Thomas Holiday, III, 27, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, in 2012 Holiday and others used victim identities to obtain unauthorized Discover credit cards which were later used to purchase merchandise at department stores, or to obtain cash at ATMs in Western Pennsylvania. Losses from the conspiracy exceeded $50,000.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Thomas David Steiner, 39, formerly of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, in and around August of 2007, Steiner, a convicted felon, possessed assorted ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Jane Dattilo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

Watson L. Maloy, Jr., 74, of Finleyville, Pa. pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2012 and continuing thereafter to in and around February 2014, Maloy, Jr. and persons and entities known and unknown to the United States Attorney, conspired to defraud the United States.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Jonathan B. Ortiz are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Transportation, Officer of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Watson L. Maloy, Jr.

PITTSBURGH – United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard presents US Attorney David J. Hickton (WDPA) with the A. Philip Randolph Award for his support of the APR Institute’s “Breaking the Chains of Poverty” Program on October 30, at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh. The BTCP Program gives underserved individuals the opportunity to work in careers that are a new wave of the future – green jobs. APRI partners with the United Steelworkers, the Housing Authority of the University of Pittsburgh, GTECH Strategies and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., to recruit and train men and women in green jobs and prepare them for employment in the building trades. Since the program’s inception in 2009, 184 Pittsburgh residents have competed the training and over 100 have received job placement.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, making counterfeit currency and passing counterfeit money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count indictment named Robert W. Jackson, Jr., a/k/a Flacc Rob, a/k/a Black Rob, 25.

According to indictment, in and around May 2013, Jackson and others conspired to make and pass counterfeit currency, and from on or about Jan. 14, 2014, Jan. 23, 2014, and Jan. 26, 2014, Jackson passed counterfeit money.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 105 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident was charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count superseding indictment named Montay King, 39, of Penn Hills, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, on or about Dec. 20, 2012, King, being a convicted felon, knowingly possessed a Yugoslavian, Model 59/66, 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, a Bulgarian, Model SLR-107FR, 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, and a North American Arms, Model NAA22, .22 caliber revolver. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm. Additionally, on or about Dec. 20, 2012, King possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, while possessing the three firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $3,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in 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.

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

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

The two-count indictment named Graling Arnold, 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about Aug. 30, 2014, Arnold robbed the Allegheny Valley Bank, located at 875 Greentree Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, with a dangerous weapon. The Allegheny Valley Bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 45 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Green Tree Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Washington County man has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years imprisonment on his conviction of receipt and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on David Luke Cunningham, 42.

According to information presented to the court, Cunningham was detected sharing videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children by the Pennsylvania State Police in an undercover online investigation of peer-to-peer networks in May and June 2007. More than 50 videos, including sadomasochistic images and violent sexual assault of children appearing as young as two years of age, were later recovered from Cunningham's computer following a search warrant. Evidence presented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song at sentencing revealed that at the time of the investigation in 2007, Cunningham was on probation for a sexual offense involving a 4-year- old child in Washington County.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon emphasized that the defendant’s “actions speak louder than words,” noting that despite denials of a sexual interest in children, the defendant’s criminal conduct formed the basis for his state and federal convictions for sexual crimes against children.

Assistant United States Attorneys Soo C. Song and Jessica Leiber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cunningham.

PITTSBURGH -A Mercer County resident has been sentenced in federal court to one day in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service, followed by 12 years supervised release, the first 14 months of which is to be served in home confinement, with electronic monitoring, 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 Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Joseph L. Bryer, 53, of Grove City, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Bryer possessed in excess of 10 videos in computer graphics files, which depicted prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The videos were downloaded and shared using peer-to-peer software installed on Bryer’s computer. The videos included those depicting prepubescent females engaging in sexual intercourse with adult males.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak granted the defendant’s request to depart from the Sentencing Guidelines applicable to the case, that is 63-78 months imprisonment, due to the defendant’s very low I.Q.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Homeland Security Investigations - Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bryer.

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 – Romulus Bryant has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for heroin and marijuana trafficking and manufacturing, as well as for possessing over 200 rounds of ammunition after several felony convictions, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment, returned on Oct. 28 and unsealed today, charges Bryant, 34, of Pittsburgh, with possessing heroin and marijuana with intent to distribute, and with manufacturing marijuana, on Jan. 10, 2014. The indictment also charges Bryant with possessing over 200 rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of committing 10 felony drug trafficking crimes in seven separate cases in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $3,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the 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 resident of Downey, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Dwayne Blackwell, a/k/a Kevin Campbell, 46, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around March 2009, and continuing thereafter to on or about Sept. 13, 2009, Blackwell conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50, but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine and that he was also responsible for the distribution of more than one, but less than three kilograms of heroin. The Court was also made aware that in September 2009, FBI agents seized approximately 54 kilograms of cocaine and approximately one kilogram of heroin that were attributable to Blackwell. In addition, law enforcement officers seized over 90 kilograms of cocaine in June of 2009, at least some of which was intended for delivery to Blackwell. On Sept. 13, 2009, FBI agents seized a large amount of marijuana, two money counters, plastic packaging materials, a digital scale, $10,178 in cash, four firearms, two firearm silencers, a handgun conversion kit, and multiple boxes of ammunition from Blackwell’s residence in California.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the McKeesport Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Blackwell.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months 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 Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Terry Robert Cousins, Jr., 34, of Natrona Heights, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, in and around January of 2012, Cousins knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Lilburn, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, the first eight months of which shall be served in home detention; restitution in the total amount of $47,815.15 and special assessment of $100 on her conviction of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Monica Mason, 49.

According to the information presented to the court, Mason was involved in a Nigerian "Mystery Shopper" scam whereby her coconspirator Shawn Foote knowingly prepared and addressed fraudulent mail containing counterfeit instruments to victims, who believed they were acting as mystery shoppers. The victims unwittingly received the counterfeit commercial and Postal money orders and checks and cashed them to make small purchases for purposes of evaluating the commercial services provided. They then wire transferred excess funds back to Mason, Foote, and others. After these transactions, the money orders and checks were returned as counterfeit by the victims’ banks and they were left to repay the bank from their own funds.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Fayette County resident was sentenced on Nov. 5, 2014, in federal court to 200 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years supervised release, on her conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Lisa A. Renze, 49, of Uniontown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 30, 2010, Renze used and coerced a 12-year-old minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing digital photographs of the conduct. The sexually explicit digital photographs taken on Jan. 30, 2010, and other occasions between 2009 and 2011, were then distributed by Renze to her friend and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission co-worker, John Longo. Longo entered a guilty plea to a similar charge of production of child pornography on Aug. 28, 2014. The sentencing for John Longo is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2015. Longo has been detained pending that sentencing proceeding.

The defendant was remanded to the Bureau of Prisons.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Renze.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Washington County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Oliver W. Herndon, 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Herndon was the medical director for Horizons Hospice, LLC. In that position, he defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by falsely certifying that patients were appropriate for hospice care.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar and Senior Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Baxter are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Medicaid Fraud Control Section of the Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Oliver W. Herndon.

PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In that capacity AUSA Sweeney is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Hickton said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 4, 2014, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney David Hickton stated that AUSA/DEO Shaun E. Sweeney will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (412) 894-7516.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (412) 432-4000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

United States Attorney David Hickton said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

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

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Mark Beres, 54, formerly of Slippery Rock, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on July 1, 2008, Beres knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct by computer and the United States Mail. In addition, or about April 23, 2013, Beres 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 United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Beres.

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 Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months in prison on her conviction of health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on Mary Monica Wilson-Lefler, 64, of Sewickley, PA.

According to the information presented to the court, Wilson-Lefler was a salesperson who offered two durable medical equipment companies in the Pittsburgh area a business arrangement involving special air mattresses, known as powered pressure reducing mattresses or PPRAMS. PPRAMS are designed to reduce serious skin ulcers on patients who are essentially bedridden. She visited long term care (LTC) facilities to find patients, and handled all of the paperwork necessary to enable the DME companies to bill Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield's Security Blue Medicare Program. In order to qualify for Medicare coverage for these PPRAMS, a doctor must order the item in writing. In this case, Wilson-Lefler prepared and sent by fax to attending physicians requests for orders for the PPRAMS. The faxed information included patient skin condition reports that falsely reported that the patients all had serious skin ulcers. Some of these patient skin condition reports contained forged signatures of the LTC staff and some had forged signatures of physicians. In reality, none of the patients had serious skin ulcers or any other qualifying conditions that would meet the Medicare coverage requirements. There were about 83 patients from four facilities in whose names the false claims were made. The total billed was approximately $400,000, and the total paid to the two DME companies was about $200,000.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mary Monica Wilson-Lefler.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Cambria County resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 18 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, and 750 hours of community service on his 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 Paul X. Strittmatter, 32, of Elmora, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Strittmatter conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; from July 2008 to May 9, 2011, he conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; and from Sept. 30, 2010, to May 9, 2011, he conspired to manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants. In addition, evidence presented to the Court at the time of Strittmatter's guilty plea reflected that Strittmatter conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others in order to facilitate and promote 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 Strittmatter. 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 - An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Rahde Williamson, 19, of Duquesne, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January of 2014, and continuing thereafter to in and around April of 2014, Williamson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and of possession with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Feb. 20, 2015 at 3 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williamson.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Indianapolis has been sentenced in federal court to 120 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 Charles J. Gooch, Jr., 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana.

According to information presented to the court, on May 25, 2007, Gooch and a co-defendant possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset Turnpike Barracks, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gooch.

Johnstown, Pa. - A Detroit resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ probation and 100 hours of community service, on her 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 Megan Holton, 29, of Detroit, Michigan.

According to information presented to the court, from the spring of 2011 to May 15, 2012, Holton, along with co-defendants, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 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, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Holton. Other agencies participating in this investigation included the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, the Indiana County Drug Task Force and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.

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

The one-count indictment returned on October 28, named Gregory Kavalec, 68, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from on or about Oct. 3, 2013, to on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kavalec unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, OASDI Social Security benefits in the amount of approximately $17,985.

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. Bond has been requested at $10,000 unsecured.

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

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

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

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

The three-count indictment returned on October 28, named Kristyn Mazinski, 46, as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 15 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Bond has been requested at $10,000 unsecured.

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

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

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

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

The one-count indictment returned yesterday named David Tindell, 52, of Industry, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in or around January 2005, to in or around March 2014, Tindell unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the amount of approximately $70,654.80.

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. Bond has been requested at $10,000 unsecured.

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

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

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