Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Guanajuato, Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Alfredo Ramos-Gallegos, 40, as the sole defendant. According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about February 8, 014, Ramos-Gallegos was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Ramos-Gallegos had been previously deported and removed from the United States on May 8, 2000. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of either the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 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 Christine A. Sanner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Mentor Police Department and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection 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 – On Feb. 28, 2014, after deliberating approximately one hour, a federal jury of nine men and three women found Thomas David Steiner guilty of one count of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Steiner, 39, formerly of Charleroi, Pa., was tried before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that 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.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, to a maximum of life, 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 Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Steiner.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lee Michael, 25, waived prosecution by indictment and pleaded guilty to a one-count information before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2013, Michael attempted to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methylone, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 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 Attorneys Katherine A. King and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lee Michael.

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

Lashara Martia Holmes, 28, of Monessen, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, Holmes conspired with other persons to use an unauthorized credit card at a retail store in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2014, at 12 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Holmes. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.

ERIE, Pa - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Peter Jerard Turk, 61, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Turk convinced an acquaintance to send him over $700,000 by falsely claiming that the money would be used to pay the Nigerian government certain fees related to a five million dollar Nigerian government contract that Turk had been awarded. The contract never existed. Turk then kept over $100,000 for himself, unbeknownst to the victim, and forwarded the balance of the victim’s money to bank accounts and individuals across the world.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for August 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of twenty 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 Turk on bond.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Turk.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of filing false tax returns on April 14, 2008, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Zenford A. Mitchell, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mitchell filed false tax returns on April 14, 2008, for calendar year 2006 and for 2007, by deliberately underreporting his income from his law practice and from withdrawals from his individual retirement account.

Judge Ambrose scheduled to sentencing for June 30, 2014. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of three years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for each count of conviction. 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 Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Zenford A. Mitchell.

PITTSBURGH – On March 6, Terrious Harper was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Harper, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pled guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing to occur on July 29, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.

In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, during 2012 and up to May 2013, Harper was supplied with bricks of heroin on credit by members of a drug-trafficking organization based out of Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood after the members of the organization received the heroin from their out-of-state sources of supply. Over the course of that time period, Harper received hundreds of bricks of heroin and then distributed them in the Pittsburgh area and paid those who supplied him back.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five and 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 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 in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh-area family doctor has been sentenced in federal court to one year of probation with 200 hours of community service and a $5000 fine on his conviction of the unlawful sale of pharmaceutical drug samples, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Douglas Dunham, 77, of McDonald, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Dunham operated a family practice medical office in McDonald, Pa., for over 20 years. In his practice, Dunham received free samples of prescription drugs from pharmaceutical drug company representatives. The free samples were not intended to be sold, and were intended to be given free-of-charge to patients to promote the sale of the drugs. For roughly the past eight years, Dunham received the drug samples free-of-charge from the pharmaceutical drug company representatives and then sold the samples to his patients for a fee, instead of providing the samples free-of-charge.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that he considered the defendant’s voluntary surrender of his medical license to be part of the defendant’s punishment in this case.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Federal Agents with the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dunham.

PITTSBURGH – Two former-enlisted Guardsmen at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa., have been charged with defrauding the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard of hundreds of thousands of dollars in military pay and benefits, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

A 110-count indictment, charging conspiracy, honest service wire fraud, false claims and theft of government property, named Gerard J. Mangis, 59, of Glenshaw, Pa., (Shaler Twp.), as the sole defendant.

According to the government, Mangis, a Colonel and former Vice-Wing Commander at the 171st Air Refueling Wing, conspired with Robert St. Clair, a contract employee at the National Guard Bureau at Andrews Air Force Base, to defraud the United States Air Force in false claims for military pay between 2002 and 2011. Mangis is also charged with a scheme to defraud the United States Air Force by enlisting St. Clair in a “no show” job at the 171st, for which in exchange, Mangis received military workdays.

In an Information filed by the government, Robert St. Clair, 50, of Bel Air, Maryland, is charged with one count of conspiracy, eight counts of false claims, and one count of theft of government property. According to the Bill of Information, between 2002 and 2011, St. Clair conspired with Mangis at the 171st Air Refueling Wing to defraud the United States by accepting a ‘no show” enlistment position as a “contracting specialist” at the 171st in exchange for St. Clair providing military work days to Mangis.

“These cases involve two public officials, who engaged in a corrupt, mutually beneficial scheme for personal gain,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “Investigating and exposing corruption, wherever it occurs, is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, and we are fully committed to prosecuting violators of the public trust regardless of position, title or rank.”

“The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue allegations of government fraud in order to root out those who are in the position to abuse their power and defraud the Unites States, “said SAC Perdue. “The indictment of Colonel Mangis demonstrates Pittsburgh FBI’s commitment in that endeavor.”

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

The indictment charging Gerard J. Mangis was returned under seal on March 4 and unsealed today following Mangis’ arrest this morning at his home. He made an Initial Appearance before a federal magistrate judge Wednesday afternoon. He was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.

The Information charging Robert St. Clair was filed today. He will be ordered to appear before a U.S. District Judge at a date and time not yet determined.

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

The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the charges in these cases.

An indictment is an accusation. An Information is a determination that probable cause exists to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John M. Chapman, 33, pleaded guilty to 26 counts before David S. Cercone, United States District Judge.

According to the information presented to the court, between 2007 through 2011, Chapman stole identities of other persons, including their names and social security numbers, which he then used to file fraudulent electronic federal income form 1040 tax returns in their name, in which he sought tax refunds, and then instructed that the refunds be directed to bank accounts which he controlled. Losses from the scheme totaled approximately $113,000.

Judge Cercone scheduled the sentencing for July 11, 2014, at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 515 years in prison, a fine of $6,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County man has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Jerome C. Pryor, Jr., 27, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

According to information provided to the court, Pryor conspired with others to use unauthorized credit cards to purchase gift cards and merchandise at stores in Western Pennsylvania. At sentencing, Judge Diamond emphasized the seriousness of identity theft crimes, and the impact upon victimized accoutholders.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Wilmerding, Pa., resident has been sentenced in federal court to 64 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Monte Blair, 40.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Sept. 28, 2012, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police obtained a warrant for Blair’s arrest on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault stemming from an incident that occurred on Sept. 9, 2012. Shortly after the warrant was issued, Blair was arrested as he exited a residence on Brushton Avenue in Pittsburgh. A search of Blair incident to arrest revealed a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol that had been previously reported as stolen. Blair, who has several prior felony convictions, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. As to the attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges stemming from the incident on Sept. 9, 2012, Blair was recently convicted of aggravated assault and acquitted of attempted homicide in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Sentencing in that matter is scheduled for April 2, 2014.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle 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 Blair.

PITTSBURGH - A Tarentum woman has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on her conviction of bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Suzanne Czwalga Andre, 48.

According to information presented to the court, from July 2011 to November 2011, Andre negotiated fraudulent checks at various branches of Citizens Bank that she knew would not be honored by the banks on whose accounts the checks were drawn.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A California resident has been sentenced in federal court to 240 months imprisonment followed by 10 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ruben Mitchell, 45, of Antioch, Calif.

The IRS Criminal Investigations section joined the Drug Enforcement Administration as major partners in the investigation of the current case with the valuable assistance of multiple other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. In part, the investigation relied upon search warrants, court orders, consensually-recorded conversations, surveillance and information supplied by confidential sources, as well as records and documents obtained by Grand Jury and Administrative subpoenas. The investigation revealed a major cocaine distribution conspiracy which resulted in cocaine being transported to Pittsburgh and other areas from 2000 through 2010.

The investigation revealed that the conspiracy involved over 2000 kilograms of cocaine and millions in laundered drug money. Over time, the conspiracy involved enough cocaine for every current man, woman and child resident of Pennsylvania to have their own $20 rock of crack cocaine. Conspiracies commonly change both members and mechanisms to adapt to changes, and this conspiracy is no different. Aside from changing cocaine sources over time, the conspiracy changed its common manner of doing business over time, as well. For example, prior to the summer of 2007, the conspiracy utilized packages of cocaine being shipped by the US mail or various common carriers from California to recipients in Pittsburgh. Documents and evidence reveal the large number of packages of cocaine shipped to the conspirators, as well as the packages of drug money being shipped back. Multiple seizures of both money and cocaine packages occurred. For example, on June 7, 2007 Postal Inspectors intercepted six kilograms of cocaine from the mail that was earmarked for the conspiracy. On Aug. 5, 2007, Postal Inspectors also seized a package containing $99,850.00 intended for one of Mitchell’s co-defendants.

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

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

The evidence revealed that Mitchell flew cocaine from California to Pennsylvania five times during 2007-2008 for this massive drug conspiracy. District Judge Cercone noted the connections between Mitchell and other defendants and held that Mitchell’s actions make him responsible for 69 kilograms of cocaine. Testimony from a narcotics expert has revealed that this much cocaine would be worth over $7 million on the street and results in over 350,000 doses of cocaine or crack. Judge Cercone held that Mitchell’s 20-year jail sentence and 10-year period of supervision was sufficient, but not greater than necessary given Mitchell’s prior felony cocaine conviction.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Indiana resident has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years supervised release, on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Mark M. Palombaro, 55, of Carmel, Indiana.

According to information presented to the court, Palombaro was the Senior Vice President of Development at Simon Property Group, Inc., which had a principal place of business in Indianapolis, Indiana. Simon Property Group, Inc., entered into two contracts with R.E. Crawford Construction, Inc., located in Springdale, Pa., one in September of 2006 for the construction and redevelopment work on the Northgate Mall in Seattle, Washington, and one in November of 2007 for the construction and redevelopment work on the Laguna Hills Mall in Laguna Hills, Calif. Robert E. Crawford paid approximately $766,000 to Palombaro, who in turn used his authority and influence at Simon Property Group to select Crawford's company to be the general contractor for those jobs.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court to three years probation and restitution of $10,513.80 on her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge Gustave Diamond imposed sentence upon Sherrie Williams, 65.

According to information presented to the court, Williams fraudulently received federal housing subsidies totaling $10,513.80 during the period from March 2009 through May 2011. During this period, Williams was the tenant of record at a federally subsidized apartment located in Staten Island, New York, and received rent subsidies for this apartment. Throughout this same period, Williams was living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in other federally subsidized housing.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the New York City Housing Authority, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Williams.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Leisenring, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of threats against the President and the members of the immediate family of the President, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on Feb. 25, named Joseph H. Savage, 34.

According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 26, 2012, while incarcerated and awaiting disposition on state charges, Savage wrote a graphic letter to the White House threatening to kill the President and the President’s family.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months in prison and three years supervised release 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 Gerald G. Lowmaster, 67.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2008 to May 9, 2011, Gerald G. Lowmaster conspired to commit money laundering. In addition, evidence presented to the Court at the time of Gerald G. Lowmaster's sentencing reflected that he conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others to conduct financial transactions involving proceeds generated through George M. 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 George M. Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gerald G. 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 - A resident of Aliquippa, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on February 25, named Peter A. Kalemon, 45, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Kalemon defrauded his former employer of $359,389.32 over approximately three years by submitting 126 fraudulent invoices which were paid to Kalemon’s fictitious transportation company via 81 checks mailed to his P.O. Box in Wheeling, West Virginia.

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

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

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

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

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

The one-count indictment named Deborah E. Matthews, 69, of Verona, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, from December 2004 to September 2012, Matthews converted to her own use $57,621.40 in Social Security Title XVI, Supplemental Security Income benefits of another individual, benefits she knew she was not entitled to receive.

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.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Former Pittsburgh Police Chief Nathan E. Harper has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and one year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $31,986 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy and willful failure to file income tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Harper, 60, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Harper was the Chief of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. From 2009 to 2012, he caused checks received by the Special Events office of the Department to be diverted to two “off the books” accounts at the Greater Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union. Using Visa debit cards, Harper obtained over $31,000 in ATM withdrawals and debit purchases, all for his personal benefit. Harper also failed to file federal tax returns for the years 2008 to 2011.

“The vast majority of elected and appointed officials serve their constituents with integrity an honor,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “But when those whom the public entrusts with authority place greed over good, they must be held accountable. It is our hope that through this prosecution we can shape the future of Pittsburgh by deterring other officials from stealing from taxpayers and by attracting honest public servants to office.”

Gary Douglas Perdue, Special Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said, “Stemming public corruption is the FBI’s top criminal investigative priority. It will not be tolerated in our community – no matter the level, the amount, or the individuals involved. We invite the public to report information concerning public corruption to the FBI through the public corruption hotline at (412) 432-4122.”

“No public official gets a free pass to ignore the tax laws,” added Asst. Special Agent in Charge Ed Wirth of the IRS-Criminal Investigation. “The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, together with our partner agencies and the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system to ensure that everyone pays their fair share.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Beaver Falls, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jesus Espinoza-Fernandez, 30, of Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Espinoza-Fernandez, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 6, 2009. Espinoza-Fernandez was found to be illegally present in Beaver Falls on Feb. 6, 2014.

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

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 12 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Marguerite G. Lowmaster, 67, of Carrolltown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Marguerite G. Lowmaster conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 10 kilograms, but less than 20 kilograms, of marijuana. In addition, evidence presented to the Court at the time of Marguerite G. Lowmaster's sentencing reflected that she conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others with the intent to facilitate and promote George M. Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marguerite G. 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 - A resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months in prison for her conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora B. Fischer imposed the sentence on Jill Eisenshtadt, 36.

According to information presented to the court, Eisenshtadt served as a “runner” for Jason Weitzner, the leader of a large oxycodone distribution ring. Weitzner procured fraudulent prescriptions from doctors in Florida, and then used runners to fly to Pittsburgh and fill these oxycodone prescriptions at various pharmacies in the metro Pittsburgh area. Weitzner then sold the obtained oxycodone pills to local Pittsburgh drug dealers. Eisenshtadt, a one-time paramour of Weitzner, repeatedly obtained fraudulent prescriptions in Florida, filled these prescriptions in Florida, and then, when Weitzner realized that he could maximize profits by filling the prescriptions in Pittsburgh, flew to Pittsburgh on multiple occasions to further the drug conspiracy. In exchange for obtaining the oxycodone, Weitzner paid for all of Eisenshtadt’s personal expenses. Weitzner has pled guilty to the charges against him, and is due to be sentenced in April, 2014.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Allegheny County Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lawrence Weitzner.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Suwanee, GA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, with home detention for the first 12 months, on his conviction of laundering of monetary instruments, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Steve Park, 56, of Suwanee, GA.

According to information presented to the court, between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 10, 2010, Park, while the owner of The SunSet Health Spa, located on Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, Pa., conducted financial transactions which involved proceeds derived from the unlawful interstate transportation of individuals for illegal sexual activity. By conducting these financial transactions with the illicit proceeds, he intended to engage in conduct constituting a violation of Sections 7201 or 7206 of the Internal Revenue Code.

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 Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Park.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Georgia woman has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, with home detention for the first ten months, on her conviction of transportation for illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Yon Park, 61, of Suwanee. Ga.

According to information presented to the court, on Feb. 14, 2011, Park, while the owner of The SunSet Health Spa, located on Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, Pa., caused an individual to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce, with the intent that such individual engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.

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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Park.

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

The three-count indictment, returned on Feb. 18, named Michelle M. Frizzell, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Frizzell, being an employee of the United States Postal Service, did steal, abstract and remove gift cards from greeting cards on two separate occasions. In addition, she was also charged with embezzling a greeting card on another occasion.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Powers, 65, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on or about June 21, 2013, Powers knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - The leader of a drug ring that brought kilograms of methamphetamine and 10,000 narcotic pills into the Western District of Pennsylvania for sale has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ incarceration.

United States District Judge Davis S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Joshua Shaffer, 36, of Hiawatha, Iowa.

Judge Cercone also imposed a two-year period of incarceration on co-conspirator Joe Cesa, 26, of Kersey, Pa., and accepted a guilty plea from a third conspirator, Keith Alfred Hayes, 48, of Sykesville, Pa.

According to evidence presented to the Court, between February 2010 and September 2011, a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone tablets and methamphetamine existed in Jefferson County in Northwestern Pennsylvania and surrounding counties. Shaffer was the source-of-supply for the conspiracy, sending methamphetamine and oxycodone to Pennsylvania from his Florida home, utilizing couriers traveling by car and mailed packages.

Shaffer generally sold the oxycodone tablets for up to $25 each, and the methamphetamine wholesaled for $5,600 an ounce. The pills would then be sold to drug addicts for $35 or $40 apiece, and the methamphetamine would be packaged for individual use and sold. Oxycodone is a highly-addictive narcotic drug that is frequently abused in Western Pennsylvania.

Cesa was a street seller of oxycodone provided to him by Shaffer or one of the other seven co-defendants. Hayes drove shipments of drugs from Florida to Pennsylvania at Shaffer’s direction. All nine defendants charged in the indictment have now pleaded guilty.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2014 at 10:00 am for Hayes. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 for Hayes. 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 Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Joshua Shaffer, Joe Cesa, and Keith Hayes. The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office also assisted in a related investigation targeting other oxycodone distributors.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six months imprisonment, six months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $56,000, on his conviction of unlawfully selling drug samples, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Lawrence A. Swanson, 54.

According to the information presented to the court, from in and around January 2005, to in and around May 2011, Swanson sold prescription drug samples such as samples of Allegra, Avalide, Avapro, Avelox, Benicar, Celebrex, Crestor, Cymbalta, Diovan, Diovan HCT, Evista, Janumet, Januvia, Lexapro, Lovaza, Lyrica, Micardis HCT, Namenda, Nexium, Plavix, Prevacid, Prilosec, Seroquel XR, Singular, TriCor, Vytorin, Zetia, Zyprexa, Benicar, Lipitor, and Pristi Q, to two local pharmacists. Those pharmacists were separately charged. Swanson met his supplier in various grocery store parking lots late at night to receive garbage bags filled with the samples. The samples had the lot numbers and expiration dates removed from the pill packaging making it impossible to know if the drugs had expired or had been recalled. There was a possibility of harm to patients, but no harm or injury to any patient was ever reported. Over the time period charged, Swanson collected a total of $181,108.07.

Judge Bissoon stated that engaging in the black market sale of sample drugs is a serious crime that threatens the integrity of our medicine distribution system, and in order to deter others and to properly punish this defendant a jail sentence is necessary.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lawrence A. Swanson.

PITTSBURGH - A Hampton Township resident was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 24 months imprisonment and a fine of $30,000 on his conviction of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Martin R. Bujaky, 65, of Gibsonia, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, between approximately 2000 and 2007, Bujaky, an accountant, conspired with others to harbor out-of-status aliens employed in the hotel housekeeping industry in the Pittsburgh area, as well as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, Ohio, by knowingly preparing false tax returns on behalf of their employers, which failed to report their wages as income. Bujaky assisted in the preparation and presentation of false quarterly tax returns for portions of 2005 and 2006 for B&M Best Consulting Co. by understating the size of the payroll and the employment taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service. These false returns accounted for approximately $9 million in unreported wages. United States Attorney Hickton stated that the entire scheme, over the course of seven years, resulted in a tax loss of approximately $3.7 million.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge McVerry stated that Bujaky’s role in the conspiracy enabled his co-conspirators to conceal their true earnings and continue to victimize the workers.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Department of Labor for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bujaky.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of criminal contempt of court, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Feb. 18, named Marquetta Lavelle Mitchell, 41, as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for an unlimited period of incarceration and/or a fine, at the discretion of the Court. 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. Court records reveal that before Mitchell refused to testify at the trial of her co-defendant Andre Williams, Mitchell herself was prosecuted for federal drug charges and is serving a 10-year sentence.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee 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 convicted felon was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court to 18 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on William Kent Bricker, 56, of Uniontown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Sept. 2, 2012, Bricker, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .32 caliber revolver. Bricker was convicted of armed bank robbery in 1993 and illegal firearms possession in 2004. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bricker. This case was 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.

PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Federal Employees’ Compensation Fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

William J. Miller, Jr., 52, of Munhall, Pa., pleaded guilty to one felony count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Miller, in connection with the application and receipt of federal employees' compensation moneys and benefits, concealed and covered up the fact that he was self-employed and involved in a business enterprise. Miller's fraudulent conduct resulted in compensation checks totaling approximately $18,104.57 being issued to him during the period from March 13, 2011, to November 19, 2011, checks he knew he was not entitled to.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2014, at 1:30 p.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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Miller on bond.

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

The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

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

The three-count indictment, returned on Feb.18, named Eugene Allen Morgan, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 12, 2013 and Sept. 19, 2013, Morgan distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Additionally, on or about Jan. 30, 2014, Morgan, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

A task force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The task force also included several other federal, state, and local agencies from multiple states, including the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Stanton Heights man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of smuggling goods from the United States, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Feb. 18, named Tarek Mohamed Chok, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the Court, on or about Sept. 18, 2012, Chok knowingly and fraudulently attempted to export and send a Springfield, Model 1911, .45 caliber pistol from the United States to Lebanon.

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

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The two-count indictment, returned on Feb. 18, named Jeremiah Pashuta, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to court filings, on Aug. 6, 2013, Pashuta possessed a sawed-off shotgun and two semi-automatic pistols on the day Pittsburgh Police Officers executed a search warrant at his residence. Police also located approximately 649 stamp bags containing a total of 49.84 grams of heroin, thousands of dollars in cash, a drug scale and records of drug debts. Pashuta has had multiple state court convictions for drug dealing, illegal gun possession and threats in the past. Federal law makes it illegal for a person to possess a firearm or ammunition after a state court conviction for an offense carrying a maximum penalty of more than one year in prison.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH – A convicted felon from Penn Hills, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for a second time on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Feb. 18, named Michael Tyrone Waller, a/k/a Maurice Murray, a/k/a Donald Maurice Murray, a/k/a James Woods, a/k/a Stickman, 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Feb. 4, 2013, Waller, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic Springfield Armory pistol and ammunition after his release from federal prison on a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute it. Waller also has been convicted of felony crimes in Allegheny County for providing weapons to inmates and being a fugitive in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both, as well as an additional period of incarceration for committing the crime while under the supervision of the United States Probation Office after his release from jail. 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 of the Violent Crimes Section of the United States Attorney's Office is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment of Waller. 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 an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH – Ricco Sears of Pittsburgh, Pa., was sentenced for heroin trafficking while he was on federal supervised release following a prior conviction and sentence for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Sears, 28, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to serve 60 months in federal prison, consecutive to the 18-month prison sentence Sears recently received for violating his supervised release for his prior federal heroin trafficking conviction. Judge Fischer also ordered Sears to serve six years of supervised release following his release from prison and to forfeit the $20,910 in United States currency that was seized from Sears in August 2012.

In October 2013, Sears pled guilty to possessing heroin with intent to distribute it in August 2012 and to distributing heroin in April 2012. Sears was on federal supervised release during that time period.

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 City Police Department, the Blair County District Attorney's Office, and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Oaklyn, New Jersey, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of probation on his conviction of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Raymond Hasaan Matthews, 37.

According to the information presented to the court, Matthews used a counterfeit American Express credit card in November 2011 at Casa D'Oro Jewelers to purchase two watches totaling approximately $15,605.00, as well as at other stores including Dicks Sporting Goods and Home Depot where he purchased additional merchandise.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci 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 Raymond Hasaan Matthews.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Finleyville, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to ten years of imprisonment on his conviction of wire fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on David McCloskey, 49.

According to information presented to the court, McCloskey operated a mortgage broker company called First Atlantic Financial that brokered more than $30 million worth of fraudulent loans. The loans were fraudulent because the loan applications contained false representations related to the borrowers’ income and assets, which were supported by bogus documents prepared by McCloskey and his co-conspirators. Fraudulent appraisals were also part of McCloskey's conspiracy. Most of the fraudulent appraisals were prepared by co-conspirator Kenneth Cowden, who was not licensed to prepared appraisals. His appraisals also drastically overstated the values of the properties serving as collateral for the loans.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Mortgage Fraud Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McCloskey.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Tire Hill, Pa, has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first three months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Nichole L. Rankin, 26.

According to information presented to the court, from Nov. 2011 to July 18, 2012, Rankin conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Safe Streets Task Force initiative comprised of the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Blair County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Somerset County Drug Task Force, the Roaring Spring Borough Police Dept. and the Paint Township Police Dept. for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rankin.

PITTSBURGH – An Indiana, Pa., resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and forge checks, as well as charges of mail fraud and tax fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Larry Dean Winckler, 53, pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between 2007 and 2012, Winckler, the Chief Operating Officer at Falcon Drilling Company in Indiana, Pa., conspired to embezzle nearly $9,020,687 from his employer by creating forged checks and fake company invoices. The government represented to the court that Winckler conspired to defraud Falcon through embezzlement of company funds by using forged checks, fake invoices to fictitious or real vendors, and false statements to auditors.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 74 years in prison, a fine of $1,300,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Winckler.

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

The two-count indictment named Graham K. Yahn, 26, as the sole defendant.

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

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

Assistant United States Attorney 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 or information 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Windber, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation, the first six months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Peter Donato, 31.

According to information presented to the court, from November 2011 to July 18, 2012, Donato conspired to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Safe Streets Task Force initiative comprised of the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pa. Attorney General's Office, the Blair County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Somerset County Drug Task Force, the Roaring Spring Borough Police Dept. and the Paint Township Police Dept. for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Donato.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Western Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Maurice Davis, Jr., 28, of Sharon, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on April 12, 2012, Davis, a career offender, possessed with the intent to distribute 180 grams of crack cocaine. In addition, Davis, together with others, sold crack cocaine out a “stash house” located in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Maurice Davis, Jr.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 80 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Michael Jerod Manning, 23.

According to information presented to the court, Manning possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Christine A. Sanner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

According to Mr. Hickton, 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Jason Moreno, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Moreno committed and conspired to commit wire fraud from November 2005 to November 2007. Moreno owned and operated a company called Platinum Appraisal Services that regularly prepared fraudulent appraisals that overstated the values of the properties serving as collateral for the loans. He was convicted in connection with two complex mortgage fraud schemes. The primary actor in the first scheme was Robert Arakelian, who operated Pittsburgh Home Loans. The primary action in the second scheme was James Platts, who operated Easy Realty Solutions. Both schemes involved overstating the sales prices of the properties, falsely representing that the borrowers had the financial wherewithal to make a significant down payment associated with the purchase of the properties and to make the mortgage payments. In fact, the borrowers, many of whom were unsophisticated and had poor financial conditions, did not make down payments associated with the purchase of the properties and could not make the mortgage payments.

Moreno’s role was to provide fraudulent appraisals that overstated the values of the properties serving as collateral for the loans. The appraisals often reported that the conditions of the properties were vastly superior to their actual conditions. Many of the properties were, in fact, in deplorable condition. Moreno, who was not even licensed to prepare appraisals, also falsely represented that a licensed appraiser prepared the appraisals.

Moreno also participated in the schemes as an investor in some of the properties. In that role, not only did Moreno prepare fraudulent appraisals, but he also misled the borrowers and the lenders on numerous other aspects related to the transactions. Some of those transactions involved his own family members, including his mother, his aunt, and his uncle.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Mortgage Fraud Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moreno.

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

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

Joshua Michael Falk, 22, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2014 at 1:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Falk on bond.

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

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

Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of making false statements in matters relevant to permits issued under the Safe Drinking Water Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Ronald A. Wright, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, between in and around September 2009, to in and around April 2011, Wright falsified Certificates of Well Plugging, falsely claiming that he had properly plugged abandoned oil wells, when he had not properly done so. These forms were relied upon by the EPA in regard to permits issued for Class II injection wells. 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 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.

“When individuals knowingly submit false reports or data to the government as alleged in this case, our ability to protect public health and the environment is undermined,” said David G. McLeod, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program for the Mid Atlantic States. “Anyone thinking about submitting false information should seriously consider today’s indictment. EPA and its partner agencies will not hesitate to seek prosecution of those who violate our nation’s environmental laws.”

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 leading to the indictment in this case.

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