Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation, six months home confinement, and 100 hours of community service, on his conviction of failing to file a report of currency received by a non-financial business, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Efraim Tuti, 42.

According to information presented to the court, Tuti, who was engaged in the jewelry business known as 2T Jewelers on Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, for the purpose of evading federal reporting requirements, failed to file an Internal Revenue Service Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business, following the receipt of approximately $11,000 in currency as partial payment for a diamond ring purchased by an undercover IRS agent for a total of $22,000. Tuti acknowledged during the plea hearing that he also sold a $13,000 pair of earrings to the undercover agent, after which he failed to file the IRS Form 8300, as required. On Feb. 22, 2013, $125,070 was seized by the IRS during the execution of a search warrant at 2T Jewelers. Tuti agreed to forfeit the money to the United States as part of his entry of a guilty plea.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 prosecution of Tuti.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating eight hours, over two days, a federal jury of five men and seven women found Michael P. Bernick guilty of nine counts of misapplication of funds by a bank director, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael P. Bernick, 51, of Pittsburgh, PA, was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch, who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Special Assistant United States Attorney Regina Sandler of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the evidence presented at trial established that Bernick, a Director of the Metropolitan Savings Bank, formerly located in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, embezzled and misapplied in excess of $350,000 from the bank between January 2005 and March 2006. Donna Shebetich, Bernick’s girlfriend and the former Director and Vice President of Metropolitan, provided him with nine monetary disbursements from the bank’s checking account in the form of seven cashier’s checks and two wire transfers payable to Bernick, himself, or to financial institutions used to pay off his loans.

Bernick did not complete any loan applications, sign notes, or provide security for the monetary advances. Metropolitan’s procedures required that all advances be approved by the Board of Directors. Neither Bernick nor Shebetich sought the authorization from the Board of Directors, either before or after the advances were extended. Shebetich is currently serving a six-year term of imprisonment for filing false quarterly reports with the FDIC, which further secreted Bernick’s conduct.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Feb. 19, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence at each count of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bernick.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Joseph Lee Ollie, 56.

According to information presented to the court, on December 5, 2012, Ollie pled guilty to falsifying statements on an application/record of sale in an attempt to purchase a firearm. In a separate case, on January 29, 2014, Ollie was found guilty by a jury of unlawfully possessing a stolen Mossberg Model 500 shotgun while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon. In addition, at the time Ollie possessed the stolen firearm, he was subject to a domestic abuse restraining order, prohibiting him from firearm possession.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ollie.

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

Kareem, 30, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer directed the sentence to run consecutive to a state prison sentence that was imposed in 2012 for heroin trafficking. Judge Fischer also imposed a five-year term of supervised release to follow the federal prison sentence.

During 2011 and 2012, Kareem, also known as “S Money”, was on bond in a state court case for heroin trafficking. While on bond in the state case, Kareem supplied hundreds of grams of heroin to other heroin dealers in Western Pennsylvania on multiple occasions. Kareem would acquire the heroin from an out-of-state source of supply he was connected with. Kareem would also invest in the heroin re-supply ventures of a large-scale heroin trafficking organization with several members from or associated with Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A Pennsylvania Roman Catholic priest was charged Thursday with engaging in illicit sexual conduct and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Pittsburgh.

Joseph D. Maurizio, Jr., 69, a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, was charged by criminal complaint with engaging in illicit sexual activity in Central America, and with possessing child pornography at the rectory at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church. Maurizio made an initial appearance in federal court Thursday and was ordered held until his detention hearing on Monday.

According to the complaint, it is alleged that every year between 1999 and 2009 Maurizio traveled from Pennsylvania to Honduras to assist a non-profit organization that provides services to children there. Each trip lasted two to three weeks.

The HSI Pittsburgh Investigation that began in February revealed that during the timeframe in which he traveled to Honduras, Maurizio engaged in various and numerous unlawful sexual activities with minors. However, after the charged illicit sexual conduct occurred in March of 2009, Maurizio did not engage in any foreign travel again until July of 2011. From July 2011 through the present, foreign travel records indicate that Maurizio has made approximately 10 separate trips to various Central American countries. On September 12, search warrants were executed at the rectory at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Central City, Pennsylvania, and a farm owned by Maurizio in Windber. Dozens of pieces of evidence were seized from the rectory including four computers, a laptop, hundreds of CDs, a loose hard drive, camera, floppy disks, thumb drives, VHS tapes and media cards. Suspected Images of child pornography were found on the loose hard drive.

HSI requests that anyone with information about this person contact the agency by calling the 24-hour HSI Tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. The public can also submit an online tip at www.ice.gov/tips/ or by downloading the Operation Predator smartphone app and submitting a tip via the app. All tips will remain anonymous.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended HSI Pittsburgh for their investigation in this case and encouraged citizens with information to call the Tip line or submit a tip online or through the app.

This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2013, more than 2,000 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.

For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page. HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Cheswick, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, the United States Attorney’s Office announced today.

Richard Allan Toney, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States Senior District Judge Donetta Ambrose. At the conclusion of the proceeding Judge Ambrose sentenced Mr. Toney to three years of probation.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 2009, and continuing thereafter to in and around September 2012, Richard Allan Toney conspired with others to hinder the prosecution or punishment of others relating to conduct surrounding a 2009 primary election for public office. Also, the court was advised that during the charged conspiracy, on or about Sept. 19, 2012, and Sept. 21, 2012, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Richard Allan Toney attempted to influence and prevent the truthful testimony of a witness before a federal grand jury. According to the government, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a federal grand jury had been investigating the 2009 election campaign for the position of Supervisor of Harmar Township, Pennsylvania. During the FBI’s investigation, individuals were interviewed and subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury in September of 2012. Toney, who at the time was employed as a Police Captain with the Harmar Township Police Department, twice attempted to prevent the truthful testimony of a grand jury witness.

The law provided for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court to 60 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, as well as violating the terms of his supervised release from a prior federal firearms conviction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Floyd Lane, 37.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 27, 2013, Lane, who was on federal supervised release as a result of a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, was found in possession of nine bricks of heroin. A subsequent search of his residence revealed an additional 69 bricks of heroin. One brick of heroin is comprised of 50 stamp bags of heroin. Additionally, Lane forfeited $6,302 in illegal drug proceeds to the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident was sentenced in federal court today in connection with his plea of guilty to filing a false income tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Periodontist Charles W. Schwimer, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to three years of probation which includes six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, a $20,000 fine, 300 hours of community service to be performed in dental facilities for the disadvantaged, and restitution in an amount yet to be determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

In connection with the sentencing Judge Schwab stated that Schwimer’s fraudulent conduct had been discovered during the course of a routine civil audit by the IRS in 2010. The court noted that the audit, and subsequent investigation, had shown that Schwimer engaged in fraudulent conduct over the period 2007 through 2009 through a pattern of deception and lies with regard to his income tax obligations. Schwimer pled guilty to filing a false income tax return for the year 2009. The return was false in that Schwimer had included approximately $29,000 in deductions for business expenses in connection with his dental practice on his tax return which were, in fact, purely personal expenditures that were not business related. The return was also false in that he failed to report cash that he had received directly from his employees who in turn had received cash payments from the patients of his dental practice.

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schwimer.

PITTSBURGH – Andrew Anderson, of Pittsburgh was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Anderson, 31, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer also imposed a five-year term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence.

For several months leading up to Feb. 9, 2012, Anderson received hundreds of bricks of heroin and then distributed them in the Pittsburgh area and paid those who supplied him back. On Feb. 9, 2012, members of the Pittsburgh Police and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a traffic stop of Anderson’s Trailblazer. Anderson and a 10-year-old child were the only occupants of the Trailblazer. The equivalent of about 40 bricks of heroin, with a value of approximately $10,000, along with unburnt marijuana packaged for re-sale, were found inside the Trailblazer. $6,600 in drug trafficking proceeds were subsequently found inside Anderson’s residence.

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

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

WASHINGTON – A federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, permanently barred Larry E. Snow from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. Snow allegedly claimed false tax deductions on customers’ tax returns.

Senior U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill for the Western District of Pennsylvania entered the injunction against Snow on Sept. 23 after Snow failed to contest the government’s claims. In 2012, Snow pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns and was later sentenced to six months of home detention and three years probation. According to the complaint, Snow repeatedly prepared returns with false deductions for medical expenses, personal property taxes, charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses. He allegedly maintained a list he referred to as “IRS Gimmies,” which were items he instructed his employees to report on each return prepared in his accounting practice, regardless of whether the customer was entitled to them.

The IRS estimated that Snow’s fraudulent return preparation for one year alone cost the U.S. Treasury more than $1.3 million in lost tax revenue. The court also ordered Snow to notify his former customers of the injunction entered against him.

Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS' Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2014. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and filing false tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

James Grimes, 35, of Lawrence, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grimes misappropriated $313,000.00 in funds belonging to clients of his brokerage firm. He also allegedly failed to report the income realized on his tax return for the years 2007-2009.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 29, 2015 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 89 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000.00, 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 James Grimes’ bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Farrell, Pa., was sentenced yesterday in federal court after pleading guilty to a charge of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

On June 10, 2014, Jashaad Coleman, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill. On Sept. 16, 2014, Judge Cohill sentenced Coleman to seven years in federal prison, to be served consecutively to the 4- to 11- year sentence Coleman is currently serving in Pennsylvania state custody for a firearm and robbery conviction.

In connection with the guilty plea and sentencing, the Court was advised that in the early morning hours of July 31, 2012, a vehicle carrying two individuals known to be associated with drug trafficking was stopped by officers employed by the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department. Coleman knew that this vehicle was carrying a quantity of crack cocaine for distribution, and upon learning that this vehicle had been subject to a traffic stop, he rode to the scene of the stop. There, Coleman pulled out a 9mm firearm, which he discharged towards the officers, with the goal of distracting the officers from the vehicle that they had stopped. Law enforcement took cover, and both the occupants of the vehicle and the crack cocaine were not recovered by the police.

In February, 2013, Coleman was tried before a Mercer County jury for unauthorized possession of a firearm as it related to the abovementioned shooting. Coleman was acquitted of this crime. Federal charges were then brought resulting in the guilty plea to the federal firearms charge.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police, the Mercer County District Attorney's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jashaad Coleman.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Tainan, Taiwan, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit crimes against the United States, money laundering, and wire and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Taimur Khan, 32 and a Canadian national, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Khan had been arrested on July 15, 2014 at Los Angeles International Airport upon his attempted entry into the United States.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 2004 to August, 2014, Javed Sunesra, Zuned Sunesra, and Bismilla Sunesra conspired amongst themselves and with others to import prescription drugs into the United States from India. The drugs sold by the Sunesras were not FDA approved, were not approved for sale in the United States, and were not authentic. Further, no prescription was required to obtain these drugs. Over the years, the Sunesras netted millions of dollars from their illegal enterprise. Zuned Sunesra has pled not guilty to the charges against him. Javed and Bismilla Sunesra remain at-large in India.

In early 2012, Khan joined the Sunesra’s conspiracy, and continued to work with the Sunesras until late 2013. At the time Khan joined the conspiracy, the Sunesras were having trouble obtaining payment processing for their illegal business. This presented a problem, as most consumers purchased the drugs over the Internet with a Mastercard or Visa. Hence, payment processing was a requirement for the business to remain in operation. As a result, Khan set up a fake website called “mygiftcard.biz.” The purpose of mygiftcard.biz was to make it appear to the payment processors that Khan was selling “gift cards” for merchants such as the Gap and JC Penny. In reality, the “gift cards” that Khan sold were being immediately redeemed for illegal drugs. This allowed consumers to continue to use credit cards to purchase illegal medications. This act also constituted wire and mail fraud.

Once the consumer paid for the gift card, Khan had the money from the purchase sent to him in Canada, and from there, after he subtracted his “commission,” he wired the remaining proceeds to Javed and Zuned Sunesra at their bank accounts located at the State Bank of Mauritius. After this transaction was completed, the consumer was shipped their drug product.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court continued the detention of Taimur Khan.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Taimur Khan.

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

Mary L. Schneir, 42, of Bethel Park, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

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

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Feb. 19, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schneir.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler, Pa., 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, returned on Sept. 9, named Kasy N. Bell, 27, as sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Bell, being an employee of the United States Postal Service, did steal, abstract and remove from a greeting card on or about Feb. 4, 2014 articles or things contained therein, that is two $20 bills and one WalMart gift card.

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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Chester County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of sex trafficking of a child, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Rasul Abernathy, 33, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

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

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Pursuant to the defendant’s plea agreement with the government, Abernathy agreed to a sentence of 10 years of imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Somerset, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Lisa M. Azzarella, 44.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Jan. 1, 2008, to Aug. 25, 2010, Azzarella did receive and convert falsely to her own use $21,124, which represents 32 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to her to which she was not entitled.

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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines 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. - Two residents of Johnstown, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of possessing counterfeit or unauthorized access devices and possession of device-making equipment, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Terretha Lynn Haga, 43, and Kristina Joanna Barney, 32.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of 500,000, 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation 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 Ebensburg, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of misapplication of funds by a bank employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Tonya Wade, 40.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Sept. 17, 2012, to Aug. 29, 2013, Wade, while employed as a teller at C & G Savings Bank in Gallitzin, Pa, removed $20,950 from customers’ accounts and thereafter converted those funds to her personal use.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Gerard Porter has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for heroin trafficking and firearms crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on August 12, names Porter, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Oct. 11, 2013, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Porter possessed heroin with intent to distribute it, he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and he possessed three firearms after having been convicted of nine felony crimes, including three drug trafficking crimes and two aggravated assaults, in eight separate prior cases.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2,500,000, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for just over ten hours, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, a federal jury of six men and six women found Michael Eugene Gorny guilty of one count of violation federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gorny, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was tried before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer in Pittsburgh.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Rebecca R. Haywood, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on or about July 4, 2012, Gorny, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .40 S&W caliber Glock pistol, and a 9mm caliber Lorcin pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 28, 2015 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a 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 is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Michael Eugene Gorny.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on Aug. 26 and unsealed today, named John Mallory, 60, of Greensburg, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Mallory was found to be in possession of visual depictions, namely, images and videos in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Because Mallory was convicted in 1992 for receiving child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment for the current charges.

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

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

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

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.

PITTTSBURGH - A Washington County man has been sentenced in federal court to nine months imprisonment, 12 months supervised release, and forfeiture of firearms on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Charles Merle Watson, 53, of Claysville, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Feb. 11, 2011, and again on June 15, 2011, Watson possessed and/or transferred a machine gun at his Washington County home which he had converted from a semi-automatic firearm. Watson can be observed handling, firing, and transferring possession of the firearms on a hidden camera.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that Watson knew his conduct was unlawful due to his employment at a sporting goods store and was conducting an “unlawful side business,” adding that Watson let his enthusiasm cloud his judgment.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Watson.

PITTSBURGH – A Lawrence County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on April 9 and unsealed today following his arrest in Texas this week, named Lemarcus Robert Cleckley, 32, of New Castle, Pa.

According to the indictment, on or about Feb. 4, 2014, Cleckley, who has a prior felony conviction, possessed multiple 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 Feb. 4, 2014, Cleckley possessed and intended to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin and, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, Cleckley also possessed a firearm. Also on or about Feb. 4, 2014, Cleckley possessed an unregistered firearm (a machinegun).

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for the various charges ranging from not less than five years to life in prison, and fines ranging from $250,000 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 of the defendant.

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

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

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.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Northern Cambria, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 12 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, and 500 hours of community service on his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Timothy S. Golby, 47.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2008 to May 9, 2011, Golby conspired to commit money laundering. In addition, evidence presented to the Court at the time of Golby's sentencing reflected that Golby conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others to conduct financial transactions involving proceeds generated through Lowmaster's drug distribution organization with the intent to conceal the source of the proceeds and with the intent to promote the carrying on of 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 Golby. 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 – The founder of a mortgage brokerage firm pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Richard Stromberg, 49, of Bethel Park, Pa., pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose.

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

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2015. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both, but the plea agreement calls for a five-year term of imprisonment. 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Mortgage Fraud Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the 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 Investigation; 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.

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

John S. Longo, 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Longo, a retired employee of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, from June 2009 through November 2010, requested another adult produce and send him digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of a child victim who was 12 years of age. The images included those produced on January 30, 2010, of the minor victim by the other adult.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Longo be detained.

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

The Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Longo.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania and a resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania, have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal explosives laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed a sentence of 3 years probation and 6 months home detention on Jarred Douglas Major, 29, and 2 years probation on Rechelle Lea Judd, 32.

According to information presented to the court, Major and Judd distributed explosive materials to a person who was not a licensee.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Major and Judd.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania and a former residence of Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chris Pomaville, 24 and Randall Keith Harries, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the defendants conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 1.5 kilograms of methylone, also known as “Molly”, which was imported into the United States from China.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 22, 2014. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for each defendant. 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 defendants.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Harries on bond.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pomaville and Harries.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment names Kia Jones, 35, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 9, 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Jones possessed a firearm after having been convicted of several felony crimes. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years’ incarceration, and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Three Pittsburgh-area residents and a New York City man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on conspiracy and counterfeiting charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count indictment charges John Viloria, 25, of Bronx, New York; Barry Robert Youger, Jr., 36, of Belle Vernon, Pa.; Cheryl Leigh Johnson, 36, of Charleroi, Pa.; and Eric Seighman, 31, of Belle Vernon, Pa., with conspiring to possess and pass counterfeit currency in the denomination of $100 dollars.

According to the indictment, Viloria obtained thousands of dollars of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100 dollars and transported the counterfeit Federal Reserve notes into the Western District of Pennsylvania. The indictment also charges that on numerous occasions, Youger, Johnson and Seighman passed and attempted to pass counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania and received legitimate currency as change.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Viloria of 45 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Youger, Johnson and Seighman 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of North Salt Lake, Utah, has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, including 10 months of home detention with electronic monitoring, 500 hours of community service, and $49,600 in restitution on his conviction of federal program theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Dr. Dennis L. Bruno, 63, the former Superintendent of Glendale School District, and now of North Salt Lake, Utah.

According to information presented to the court, from Oct. 3, 2005, to July 18, 2006, Bruno, in his capacity as Superintendent of Glendale School District, intentionally misapplied $49,600 of federal funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Education program, a program funded by the United States Department of Education.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Pennsylvania Office of the Auditor General Special Investigations Office, the United States Department of Education Office of Inspector General, and the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bruno.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 111 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Shawn I., McCrorey, 46.

According to information presented to the court, on January 5, 2013, McCrorey was found in possession of cocaine and a handgun, and a second hangun was found in his residence. Also, McCrorey obtained one of the handguns in December 2012, after lying to a local gun store about his identity and lying that he had no prior felony conviction. McCrorey, known by several aliases, was convicted in 1994 for the crime of delivery of cocaine under the name William Dean, and is therefore prohibited from firearm possession.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cohill commented on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug distribution offense. In addition, Judge Cohill found that the defendant had obstructed justice by lying to the probation officer and the court about his identity. According to information provided to the court, McCrorey has used multiple aliases throughout his criminal history, and evidence revealed that the defendant is actually Jorge Soto.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Erie Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McCrorey.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Apollo, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Hilty pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

According to information presented to the Court, Hilty devised a scheme to defraud Dominion Gas in which he falsified the quantity of gas being extracted through wells he owned.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Comber is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 years probation, 12 months home detention and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $11,471.34 on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Julie A. Wozniak, 34.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2013 to June 2013, Julie A. Wozniak devised a scheme to defraud St. Vincent’s hospital and Hilltop Beer by abusing her position as an accountant. Wozniak utilized a Saint Vincent’s purchasing card and made 62 separate unauthorized purchases for her own personal benefit and use, in the total amount of approximately $47,521.03, and increased the credit limit on the purchasing card from $12,000.00 to $30,000.00 in order to increase the volume of unauthorized purchases she was able to make. Wozniak also fabricated St. Vincent’s accounting records for the purchasing card, thereby concealing the unauthorized purchases she had made. Further, Wozniak utilized her access to St. Vincent’s bank accounts and made 22 unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) debits from Saint Vincent’s operating bank account at M&T bank, in an additional amount of approximately $32,940.65.

In addition to the fraud against St. Vincent’s, the court was advised that Wozniak operated a private accounting business called “Keeping You Balanced” and used her position as an accountant to steal money from Hilltop Beer. Wozniak advised the owner of Hilltop Beer how much money she needed to have transferred into the Hilltop Beer payroll bank account in order for her to make payroll tax payments. After transfers of those amounts would be made to the payroll account, the defendant, without the knowledge or consent of the owner of Hilltop Beer, would write checks to herself from the payroll account in the amount that was supposed to be paid to the IRS for the payroll taxes of Hilltop Beer. In order to conceal the payroll account funds she had unlawfully taken from Hilltop Beer and had not paid to the IRS, Wozniak made ACH debits from St. Vincent’s operating bank account with S&T bank, and paid the payroll taxes for Hilltop Beer out of the St. Vincent’s account.

Finally, Wozniak used her access and authority over St. Vincent’s bank account at First Niagara and made 9 ACH debits to pay on her personal Capital One credit card accounts and her personal Amazon credit account in an additional amount of $10,778.69.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini 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 Wozniak.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making false statements in matters relevant to permits issued under the Safe Drinking Water Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ronald A.Wright, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

“Documents submitted to the government must be accurate and honest,” said David G. McLeod, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in the Middle Atlantic states. “False reporting can seriously jeopardize environmental and public health protection. EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding violators accountable to support our shared commitment to protect American communities. Today’s guilty plea further exemplifies our successful collaborative efforts with the U.S. Forest Service and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.”

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 22, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Wright on bond.

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

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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wright.

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

Deborah L. Lute, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Lute conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and on March 8, 2013, she possessed two Hi Point pistols in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $5,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offences and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court revoked Lute's bond.

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 Lute.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm which had the serial number removed, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Aaron C. Spanik, 34, of Blandburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 3, 2011, Spanik unlawfully possessed a Kahr Arms pistol, which had the manufacturer's serial number removed and which had been shipped in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

Pending sentencing, the Judge released the defendant on bond.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Spanik.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Northern Cambria, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to one year and one day in prison and four years supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Casey Lex, 29.

According to information presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Lex conspired with others to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jose I. Aquino, 31, as the sole defendant.

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

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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution 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. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Keith Hightower, 29, as the sole defendant.

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

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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution 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. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Oscar Acosta-Levario, 32, as the sole defendant.

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

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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution 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. - Two residents of Warren, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal tax and currency transaction laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The eighteen-count indictment named Randall Branch, 62 and John Branch, 43, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, the defendants conspired to defraud the United States by impeding, impairing, obstructing, and defeating the lawful Government functions of the Internal Revenue Service; conspired to structure financial transactions to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements, and failed to file income tax returns for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011.

According to the Indictment, the father and son defendants owned a business through which they sold oil and natural gas through various brokers. Between 2006 and 2012, the Indictment alleges, that the defendants received combined gross income from their oil and natural gas business in excess of $6,900,000.00. It was a part of the conspiracy that despite their business income, the defendants stopped filing tax returns with the IRS after 1997, began to dispute their obligation to pay taxes, and challenged the authority of the IRS to assess and collect taxes. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants avoided the financial threshold reporting requirements on the FinCEN Form 104, Currency Transaction Report (CTR) and impeded the function of the IRS to assess and collect taxes by structuring approximately $2,649,210 in financial transactions. According to the Indictment, the defendants did so by requiring certain business receipts to be broken down and issued in checks made out in amounts less than $10,000.00. The defendants then allegedly cashed those checks, regularly doing so with multiple checks, at different bank branches, on the same day. The defendants also used their business receipt checks to obtain bank teller checks to pay certain expenses and to make purchases of various assets including real estate and vehicles. Further, according to the Indictment, the defendants used cash and business receipt checks to fund wire transfers for the purchase of approximately $484,367.00 of precious metals, further attempting to impede the function of the IRS to assess and collect taxes.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 63 years in prison, a fine of $3,300,000 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 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.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The eight-count indictment named John Paul Donico, 65, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2011, to in and around July 2012, Donico fraudulently obtained $350,000 from a Mexican construction company by promising to obtain financing for the construction of a rock crushing plant which he never obtained.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 160 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal gun laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on August 19, and unsealed today, named Gerald Szymanowski, 66, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A grocery store owner has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation and six months home detention on his convictions of wire fraud and food stamp fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Emile Bizimungu, 32, of Pittsburgh.

According to information presented to the court, Bizimungu was the owner of Dollar Grocery, a retail food store formerly located on Brownsville Road in Mt. Oliver Borough. Defendant's retail store participated in the United States Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as the Food Stamp Program. Food stamp recipients could purchase eligible food items using food stamp benefit cards at the defendant's retail store. The defendant was aware that program rules strictly prohibited the exchange of food stamp benefits for cash and/or ineligible items. Despite this knowledge, on multiple occasions, Bizimungu exchanged food stamp benefits for cash on a discounted basis, usually giving the customers only 50 cents on the dollar for their food stamp benefits. The defendant also permitted food stamp customers to purchase ineligible items with food stamp benefits and accepted food stamp benefits as payment on credit accounts and loans.

Judge Diamond also ordered Bizimungu to pay $24,000 in restitution to the USDA.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bizimungu.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison and 10 years supervised release 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 George M. Lowmaster, 44. In addition, Lowmaster was ordered to forfeit six pieces of real estate, three vehicles and $691,082 to the United States.

According to information presented to the court, from Sept. 30, 2010, to May 9, 2011, Lowmaster conspired to manufacture and distribute more than 1,000 marijuana plants. From March 2008, to May 9, 2011, he conspired to commit money laundering to hide the proceeds from the sale of his organization's drug distribution. Also, on July 23, 2008, and Aug. 21, 2010, he distributed less than 500 grams of cocaine on each occasion.

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 Lowmaster. 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 – On Aug. 14, 2014, a Pittsburgh resident was sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of a federal firearms violation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Kedrin Lee Turner a/k/a Hoody, 39, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Turner dropped his shoes and a loaded 9mm Glock pistol as he fled from police on June 24, 2010. Federal law prohibits convicted felons such as Turner from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge McVerry made several legal decisions which resulted in Turner’s guideline range being 33-41 months. The Court then sentenced Turner to 36 months of incarceration and an additional three years of supervision.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jordan Viccari, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2013, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2013, Viccari conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jordan Viccari.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months imprisonment and ordered to forfeit $1,728,021 and pay $3,832,701 in restitution on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Fotios Geivelis, Jr., a/k/a Frank Geivelis, a/k/a Frank Anastasio, 34.

According to information presented to the court, Geivelis, through operation of his Florida company, Worldwide Funding III, Ltd. (WWF), obtained approximately $3.9 million in increments of $60,000 or $90,000 from nearly four dozen investors, to each of whom he promised to obtain a $10 million “non-recourse” overseas loan for a “humanitarian” or “job-creating” project. The funds were wired into the escrow accounts of a Florida attorney Geivelis designated as the “Paymaster,” and thereafter paid out to that attorney, brokers who had referred the investors to WWF and to Geivelis, who spent his share on personal expenses such as hotels, casinos, restaurants, strip clubs, automobiles, clothing and jewelry. No loans were ever obtained for the investors, who Geivelis attempted to lull by repeated assurances that their deals would close within a short period of time.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that this very serious offense involving Internet marketing was a product of defendant’s greed; and while he had a difficult upbringing, each of his three siblings had managed to overcome it.

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

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