Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation with a condition of six months home detention, and restitution in the amount of $33,988.33 on his conviction of conspiracy to use counterfeit credit cards, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Devin Alexander Murphy, 24, of Duquesne, Pa.

According to the information presented to the court, between June, 2010 through June, 2011, Murphy, along with his co-defendants Rayvon Oscar Kyles and Janie Beys used counterfeit credit cards at Walmart stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase merchandise.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service along with agents from the United States Secret Service who, as part of the Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Murphy. 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, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Murphy.

PITTSBURGH - A Mt. Washington couple pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of recklessly damaging a computer and password trafficking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jonathan Cunningham, 29, and Alyson Cunningham, 25, both of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts of the five-count superseding indictment before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 28, 2011, Alyson Cunningham had been fired from a law firm located in Pittsburgh, referred to as "VG," In retaliation for the firing, Matthew West, acting at Alyson and Jonathan Cunningham's encouragement, logged into VG servers using an internal company password provided to him by Alyson Cunningham over Facebook. West utilized a VPN proxy server located in Germany to use the password to access VG servers, so as to shield his identity. Once West accessed the server, he installed software on the server which could be used to capture passwords of anyone on the firm’s network.

On Nov. 29, 2011, West sent a partner at VG law firm an email from the account anonymous.pittsburgh.page@gmail.com that stated that the firm’s web servers had been compromised, and that their backup files had been copied and deleted. This email, which was used to notify the victim company of the hack caused by the usage of the illegally trafficked password, electronically traveled from West's computer in Pennsylvania, to Google's servers in California, before arriving back at VG's server in Pennsylvania. The email further stated that “we are not interested in ruining your business, but routinely checking that business is fair and just. Our motive is to solely capture and record 100% of Pittsburgh business records and operations and protect it or use it against you as we could if Anonymous had a reason and needed to.” Anonymous is a loosely connected network of computer hacker/activists who are known to intrude upon computer networks for political purposes.

According to the victim company, neither Alyson Cunningham, Jonathan Cunningham, or Matthew West had authority to access their computer server, nor did they have authority to place malware onto VG's servers.

Internet chats indicate that Jonathan Cunningham was actively communicating with West during the hack into VG's servers, providing instruction and suggestions, including suggesting the use of specific VPN servers. When IM chatting with West on the night of the hack, Jonathan Cunningham and Alyson Cunningham alternated in their use of Alyson’s Skype account when communicating with West about the hack.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Oct. 15, 2013, 2013 at 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $200,000, 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the Cunningham's on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jonathan and Alyson Cunningham.

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

Joshua V. Bradley, 36, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Bradley conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. In addition, evidence presented to the court at the time of Bradley's guilty plea reflected that Bradley conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others to facilitate and promote Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Bradley on bond.

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

A joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bradley. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office; the Cambria County District Attorney's Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department and the Paint Township Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - One resident of La Jolla, Calif., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of sending a threat via email, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 7 and unsealed last week, named Karthikeyan Natarajan, 26, of La Jolla, California, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about April 5, 2013, Natarajan sent an email to L.S. threatening to rape her.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Carnegie Mellon University Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of escape from custody, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Alfonso Evans, 23, 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 Sept. 29, 2012, Evans escaped from federal custody at the Renewal Center in Pittsburgh, while serving a 39-month term of incarceration for a previous federal conviction for conspiracy and identity theft in 2010.

Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for Sept. 12, 2013. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Alfonso Evans.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Norman Warren, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 4, 2012, Warren, being a convicted felon as a result of a prior firearms conviction, illegally possessed a Hi- Point, .380 caliber 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 Conti scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Norman Warren.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Elizabeth, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to make counterfeit United States currency and making counterfeit United States currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Justin S. Holliday, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

Holliday was charged with two counts alleging conspiracy and the making of counterfeit currency during the period June 21, 2012 through June 24, 2012.

Judge Hornack scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2013, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both for Holliday. 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Justin S. Holliday.

PITTSBURGH - On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, a resident of Washington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal firearms and narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Richard Brown, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts - two narcotics counts and one firearms count - before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in August 2009, and then again on Sept. 18, 2009, Brown distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. In addition, in August 2009, Brown, who has prior felony convictions, possessed 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.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Sept. 18, 2013 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of between 15 years to life in prison, a fine of $4,250,000, 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 Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richard Brown.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced in federal court to 188 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Jimmie McLaughlin, 36.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 8, 2011, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, McLaughlin possessed with intent to distribute between 80 and 100 grams of heroin.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Robinson Township Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jimmie McLaughlin.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of distributing crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kevin L. Scott, 37.

According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 12, 2009, Scott distributed less than five grams of crack cocaine.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Michigan woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Megan Holton, 27, of Detroit, Mich., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from the spring of 2011 to May 15, 2012, Holton, along with co-defendants, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and 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 Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Holton. Other agencies participating in this investigation included the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A convicted felon from Pittsburgh pled guilty to unlawfully possessing a pistol despite his six prior felony convictions, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Byron Stevens, 33, pled guilty before United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. Sentencing is scheduled to occur on Sept. 4, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Prior to May 30, 2012, Stevens had been convicted of at least six felony crimes in several different state cases some of which resulted in state prison sentences. On that date, Stevens possessed a .380 caliber AMT pistol. He discarded the pistol while attempting to run from Pittsburgh police officers during a traffic stop.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, 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 Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Charleroi, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for failing to register as a convicted sex offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 23, and unsealed yesterday, named Kerry McFeely, age 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, McFeely was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act after having been convicted in 1993 in Vermont Superior Court, Chitteden Criminal Division of the felony sex offense of Sexual Assault of Minor Under the Age of 16. The indictment states that from around April of 2011 through May 23, 2013, McFeely traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update a registration, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, 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 Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Marshals 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, Pa. – A Washington, Pa., man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for coercing and enticing a minor and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania David J. Hickton, and Special Agent in Charge John Kelleghan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Philadelphia, announced today.

Jeffrey W. Herschell, 54, pleaded guilty in January before U.S. District Judge David Cercone. According to a statement of facts entered into the record by the government and agreed to by the defendant, Herschell sent money to the Philippines in February 2010 for a live, online sex show that included a 12-year-old minor female engaging in sexual activity. Herschell also admitted to possessing child pornography videos at his Pennsylvania residence.

This case was investigated by ICE-HSI Pittsburgh and the ICE-HSI Attache’s Office in the Philippines with significant assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines) and the Philippine National Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Bonnie L. Kane of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. 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 rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, restitution of $27,926 and 50 hours of community service and a $100 special assessment on his conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Douglas Ward, Jr., 37.

According to information presented to the court, Douglas Ward, Jr., converted to his own use over $27,926 in Supplemental Security Income Benefits from December 2006 through July 2010.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent Kenneth Grubb, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ward.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Loveland, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to one year plus one day imprisonment followed by two years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit internet extortion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Alexander Waterland, 25.

According to information presented to the court, on April 25, 2012, Waterland downloaded a large amount of data from the University of Pittsburgh server, which was located in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Waterland downloaded this data, which included identifying information of students and faculty, at the suggestion of Brett Hudson, who was his co-worker in Ohio, who sent him the weblink where the information could be downloaded from. The purpose of this download was to include it in an Internet threat that they would send to the University of Pittsburgh.

On or about April 26, 2012, using a YouTube account they had created in the name of AnonOperative13, the conspirators in Ohio created and posted a video onto YouTube claiming to be members of the hacking group Anonymous, which a loosely connected international network of computer hackers that have increasingly become associated with international hacktivism, usually with the goal of promoting Internet freedom and freedom of speech. The video claimed that the University's servers containing confidential student and instructor information had been compromised, that the University's Hydrogen server had been compromised with 200 gigabytes of data stolen, and that unless the University of Pittsburgh altered their webpage domain to include an apology from the Chancellor of the University, such confidential information would be released. This video threat was received by the University of Pittsburgh staff in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

On or about April 26, 2012, an email was sent by the conspirators in Ohio from an email account they had created at anonoperative@gmail.com, to the email address at the University of Pittsburgh at webmaster@pitt.edu which contained the weblink to AnonOperative13's YouTube extortionate threat.

On or about April 27, 2012, Brett Hudson set up a Twitter account in the name of AnonOperative13, which was associated with the anonoperative@gmail.com email account and the AnonOperative13 YouTube account.

On or about April 28, 2012, Brett Hudson, from Ohio, posted a weblink to the April 26, 2012 YouTube video threat against the University of Pittsburgh by AnonOperative13 onto the Twitter account of AnonOperative13. This tweet was received by the administration of the University of Pittsburgh.

On or about May 2, 2012, the conspirators in Ohio posted a comment to the YouTube video of April 26, 2012, which was still up on YouTube. The comment, which was posted in response to numerous other comments posted by other viewers of YouTube who had seen the threat video against the University of Pittsburgh, stated "we are NOT going to release this information unless Pitt admins don't follow our very simple request! We are giving Pitt until Monday, May 6, 2012 and should remain posted for no less than 15 days. To help determine if this threat is real or not, we have posted very little and near useless information, but should prove our point!! We also would like to mention that we have no ties with the current bomb threats as we do not condone violence or harm to any person. This would directly violate our rules of engagement. Enjoy the information and Pitt can stop the release of information; however, the morning of Monday." The bomb threats referenced by Hudson and Waterland in the posting were a series of high profile bomb threats which were sent over the internet to the University of Pittsburgh administrators from March 30 until April 21, 2012. Similar to Hudson and Waterland's internet demands of the administration of the University of Pittsburgh beginning five days later, the perpetrator of the bomb threats also extorted the administration of the University of Pittsburgh. As proof of their seriousness, the conspirators posted personal data they purported to have stolen from the University of Pittsburgh servers.

On May 6, the purported deadline, Hudson texted Waterland stating "Dude scan Pitt.edu we need something to post," indicating the need to download more data from the University of Pittsburgh server in order to make good on their threat.

On or about May 14, 2012, the conspirators in Ohio sent an email to both police@pitt.edu and webmaster@pitt.edu, received on servers in the Western District of Pennsylvania from their email account at anonoperative@gmail.com, which was entitled "proof of recent breech." The email stated "do what's best, time is of the essence, so you have seven days to have the public apology to the students released...otherwise user names and passwords are next! We are anonymous! We are legion! We are your brothers and sisters! We are the students and faculty of Pitt! We are your worst nightmare! The internet is here! You will now Expect us!" Again, the email included attachments which purported to be personal information stolen from the University of Pittsburgh's computer servers in order to prove their credibility.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Waterland.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A McKees Rocks woman was sentenced to imprisonment today on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Carol Combs, 55, to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, on her conviction for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Combs conspired to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone between Aug. 24, 2010 and Jan. 20, 2012. Combs purchased oxycodone tablets from runners who filled fraudulent prescriptions, and she also obtained oxycodone prescriptions from Dr. Oliver Herndon, who was sentenced last year to 135 months imprisonment for violating the federal narcotics laws.

In imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated, "Prescription drugs are ruining more lives than crack cocaine today."

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Combs.

Prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - On May 23, 2013, a resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Montez Ricardo Holland, 51.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 4, 2013, Holland possessed a Sturm, Ruger & Company, Model P95DC, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. On Apr. 27, 1998 , Holland was convicted in Lycoming County, Pa., of a drug trafficking crime, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines 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 leading to the indictment in this case.

According to Mr. Hickton, Holland 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. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Carlos Alberto Prieto, 47, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Mar. 19, 2013, Prieto was in possession of heroin.

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

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Pedro Vidal-Garcia, 41, formerly from Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on May 3, 2013, Pedro Vidal-Garcia, an alien, who had been removed from the United States on Sept. 28, 2004, and on April 5, 2009, was found in Pittsburgh without having been given permission to re-enter the United States.

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

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.

PITTSBURGH. Pa. - A resident of Tarentum, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 151 months imprisonment on his conviction of federal drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Curtis Veasley, 35.

According to information presented to the court, Veasley stored and sold both crack cocaine and heroin from the Tarentum residence where he lived with his girlfriend Kayshala Lincoln and two small children ages 9 and 3. When police searched the home they found drugs, guns, ammunition, a bullet-proof vest and $7,540 in cash. As a felon, the defendant is precluded from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge McVerry stated that the illegal drug trade is the "root of evil" and that the defendant had harmed his children by involving himself in drug trafficking.

Veasley has charges from Lower Burrell pending before Westmoreland County Judge Alfred Bell for an alleged armed home invasion from 2008.

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

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

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

The six-count indictment named Mark Beres, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on July 1, 2008, Aug. 30, 2008, Feb. 1, 2009, Dec. 20, 2010, and April 11, 2011, Beres knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct by computer and the United States Mail. In addition, the indictment charges that on or about April 23, 2013, Beres knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 110 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar 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.

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

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

The one-count indictment named Antonio Valencia-Martinez, 26, formerly from Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, Antonio Valencia-Martinez, an alien, was removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Nov. 1, 2007 and Sept. 19, 2009. Antonio Valencia-Martinez was found on May 3, 2013 in Pittsburgh.

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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Pittsburgh man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of filing false income tax returns, submitting false writing or document to the government and making a false statement to government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment named Wayne R. Lieberman as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Lieberman submitted false personal income tax returns to the IRS for the years 2007 and 2008. He also allegedly made false statements to the IRS in matters relating to income tax returns filed for clients of his business as a Tax Return Preparer.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 16 years 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Special Agents Robert Kickbush of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and Rob Lasich, TIG/TA, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Lower Burrell, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics, firearms and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 79-count superseding indictment named Omali McKay, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around 2006, and continuing thereafter to on or about Aug. 25, 2012, McKay conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. Additionally, on or about Aug. 25, 2012, McKay possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessed an assault-type rifle in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

The superseding indictment further charges that from in and around May 2011, and continuing thereafter to on or about Aug. 25, 2011, McKay conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking. McKay then laundered the proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking and engaged in monetary transactions in property derived from the illegal drug trafficking.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Lower Burrell Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Atlanta, Ga., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of interstate transportation of stolen property, fraudulently transmitting postal money orders, and making, uttering and passing counterfeit security, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment named Shawn S. Foote, 46.

According to the indictment, Foote traveled to Pittsburgh from Atlanta Georgia, to sell counterfeit U.S. Postal Money Orders and counterfeit bank checks to another for the purpose of being fraudulently negotiated.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 35 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

Jaamayl Crosby, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 14, 2012, Crosby, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Walther, Model PK380, .380 ACP caliber 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 Bloch scheduled sentencing for Aug. 22, 2013 at 12:30 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jaamayl Crosby.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty to escaping from federal custody while serving a prison sentence, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tyrenzo Morton, 23, pled guilty before United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch.

On December 23, 2012, Morton escaped from federal custody at Renewal, Inc., in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was serving the remaining portion of a federal prison sentence.

Sentencing is scheduled to occur on Aug. 22, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, 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 Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police investigated this case leading to the capture and conviction of Morton.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County was indicted on May 7, 2013, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, unsealed on May 17, named David Dzermejko, 64, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about January 11, 2013, Dzermejko possessed visual depictions, namely, still images 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 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 Carolyn J. Bloch 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County has been sentenced in federal court to a year and a day of incarceration, a $3,000 fine, and full restitution of $132,445 on his conviction of tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Sherman W. Friend, of McClellandtown, Pa.

According to the information provided to the court, Friend, while driving his vehicle in southwestern Pennsylvania in December of 2009, happened to notice that a truck passed him at 11:27 a.m., and then noticed that another truck passed him that had "7211" on it. With $60 in cash in his pocket, he drove to West Virginia and hit for $1,600 on a slot machine. He decided that when he returned to Pennsylvania, he would play that number again. But how would he play that number? The answer came from a vow he made two years earlier in 2007, when Friend won yet another game of chance. In 2007 he entered a raffle sponsored by a Maryland fire department and won a new PT Cruiser convertible. From that raffle win he owed the IRS $8,000, but had to be chased to pay. When he finally settled with the IRS for $3,000, he vowed to never pay taxes on winnings again. So when Friend returned from West Virginia to play 1127, he purchased 208 fifty-cent lottery tickets, all betting on his new lucky number. It hit and he instantly won $520,000. Instead of simply claiming his winnings, Friend made good on his vow not to pay the IRS by not personally cashing in any of the 208 tickets. Instead he used about 40 people, most of whom were unemployed and destitute, to present the winning tickets for payment. He accompanied them to the lottery stations, waited outside and then paid most of them a fee of $250 per ticket. Many of these individuals, whose names were on record with the Pennsylvania Lottery as having received the lottery winnings, were later taxed in spite of having been told by Friend that they would suffer no consequences from "helping" him. Some of tickets were cashed in 2009 and the bulk of them were cashed in 2010. In 2009 Friend had $101,818 in income and owed $22,229 in taxes. In 2010 he had $378,779 in income and owed $110,216 in taxes.

Judge Schwab stated that even though Friend was 71 years-old and had health issues, his "criminal activity impacted others, and the sentence reflects the need for every citizen to pay their income taxes." Judge Schwab also stated that he had intended to fine Friend $30,000, but because Friend presented to the court at the sentencing hearing $93,981 in restitution, the fine imposed was $3000.

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sherman W. Friend.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - An individual found by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of false statement under oath in a proceeding or matter related to naturalization and re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ernesto Ivan Lazo-Rodriguez a/k/a Daniel Mancero, 35, formerly from El Salvador, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

Ernesto Ivan Lazo-Rodriguez, an alien, was admitted to the United States as a permanent resident on Dec. 2, 1993. Under the alias of Daniel Mancero, Lazo-Rodriguez was arrested and convicted of aggravated robbery and robbery by the State of Texas. Lazo-Rodriguez, under the alias of Daniel Mancero, was removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on June 27, 2000. Ernesto Ivan Lazo-Rodriguez ultimately returned to the United States and lived here pursuant to his permanent resident card. Lazo-Rodriguez subsequently applied for naturalization. During the naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service learned that Lazo-Rodriguez was Daniel Mancero. At his naturalization interview on July 18, 2012, Lazo-Rodriguez denied ever being previously arrested and denied ever being previously removed or deported.

Judge Hornack scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2013, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ernesto Ivan Lazo-Rodriguez a/k/a Daniel Mancero.

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

The two-count indictment named Rogelio Valencia-Sanchez, 42, as the sole defendant. According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about April 22, 2013, Valencia-Sanchez was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Valencia-Sanchez had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on December 6, 1990 and was removed from the United States on March 29, 2005. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Valencia-Sanchez also possessed a fraudulent Permanent Resident card.

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 Christine A. Sanner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Chiapas, 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 Alejandro Perez-Diaz, 30, as the sole defendant. According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about April 22, 2013, Perez-Diaz was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Perez-Diaz had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on March 18, 2010 and was removed from the United States on August 20, 2012. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of 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 Pennsylvania State Police 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.

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

The one-count indictment named Gerod Maurice Jarrett, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Jarrett possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon.

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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Yoro, Honduras 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 Mario Roberto Villatoro-Castro, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about April 12, 2013, Villatoro-Castro was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Villatoro-Castro had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on July 22, 2002 and was removed from the United States on August 8, 2002. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission from 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 Kirtland Hills, Ohio 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 - A resident of Cranberry Township, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of union embezzlement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Duane Rill, 51, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Rill, a Secretary-Treasurer of the Berry Metal Employees’ Association, an independent union, stole approximately $13,496 from the union by writing and cashing unauthorized union checks and by making an unauthorized cash withdrawals during the period from March 23, 2007 to Nov. 20, 2009.

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 Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, 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 York, Pa., and a resident of Mahanoy City, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conspiracy to defraud the government and filing false and fictitious federal income tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 11-count indictment named Wendell Parker, 40, and Kimberly Lynn Snyder, 37.

According to the indictment, from April 2008 to Oct. 2010 Parker and Snyder conspired to file 72 false and fictitious income tax returns where they claimed tax refunds totaling $210,581, and from Dec. 15, 2008, to May 26, 2010, Parker prepared and filed federal income tax returns claiming refunds knowing the claimant's address, wage information and withholding information was false and fictitious.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $2,750,000, or both, for Parker; and 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Snyder. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - Three residents of New Castle, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Thomas Klingensmith, Sr., age 58; Bobbi Jo Klingensmith, age 35; and Shannon Viggiano, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the court was advised that between September 2008 and June 2011, a drug ring operated in the New Castle area, selling highly-addictive narcotic pills containing oxycodone on the street to drug users. Larry Dorsey, a former New Castle resident who was living in Florida during the conspiracy, was the supplier of nearly 50,000 pills to Chris Klingensmith and the others charged in this indictment. Thomas Klingensmith, Sr. - the father of Chris Klingensmith - Bobbi Jo Klingensmith, and Shannon Viggiano sold oxycodone in New Castle. In September 2010, co-defendant David Wooley was stopped by police in North Carolina, on his way to Florida. A search of his car turned up $158,409 in cash, hidden inside a door. The evidence showed that the oxycodone purchased for $14 a pill in Florida was being resold in New Castle for up to $25 a pill. Approximately a half million dollars in cash was seized in this investigation.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Sept. 6, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. for Thomas Klingensmith, Sr.; Sept. 17, 2013 at 9 a.m. for Bobbi Jo Klingensmith; and Nov. 18, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. for Shannon Viggiano. 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas Klingensmith, Sr., Bobbi Jo Klingensmith, and Shannon Viggiano.

PITTSBURGH - Two Pennsylvania men and a resident of Texas have 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 three-count indictment named William E. Wilson, Jr., 42, of Penn Hills, Pa.; Leland Ty Cobbs, 42, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Faustino Rodriguez Hernandez a/k/a David Chavez Carbajal, 36, of Conroe, Texas, as defendants.

According to the indictment, on or about April 23, 2013, the defendants conspired with one another, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about April 23, 2013, the defendants distributed and possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The indictment also charges that on or about April 23, 2013, Wilson, Jr., being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Glock, .40 caliber pistol and a Springfield XDm .45 caliber 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.

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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the District Attorney's Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET), the Swissvale Police Department and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Warren, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Matthew Hosey, 61, of Warren, Ohio.

According to the indictment, on or about April 24, 2013, Hosey possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Southwest Regional Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count indictment named Juan Raymundo Martinez-Alba, 28, of Altoona, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on April 10, 2013, Martinez-Alba, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Dec. 4, 2008, was found in Altoona, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this country without receiving permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to do so.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Sandy McNeal, 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 21, 2012, McNeal possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, 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 Katherine A. King is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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.

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

The one-count indictment named Miguel Cortez-Cagal, 32, of Altoona, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on April 10, 2013, Cortez-Cagal, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Jan. 19, 2010, was found in Altoona, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this country without receiving permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to do so.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former employee of the Drug Enforcement Administration pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Holly A. Cook, 44, of Monongahela, Pa., pleaded guilty to one felony count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2012, Cook embezzled $1,800.00 in cash from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, knowing that she was not entitled to this money.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Sept. 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The court released Cook on a $10,000 unsecured bond pending sentencing.

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

The United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 51 months in jail on her conviction of mail fraud and tax evasion and ordered to pay $1,106,403.78 in restitution to Abbott Furnace Company and $428,595.84 to the Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin imposed the sentence on Sandra Ann Prechtel, 51.

According to information presented to the court, Prechtel was an employee of the Abbott Furnace Company who from the period between 2002 and April 2007, engaged in a scheme and artifice to defraud the company and embezzled and spent more than $1,106,403.78 of company money. The Court was further advised that Prechtel engaged in the fraud and stole the money from the company by engaging in a variety of schemes. Prechtel prepared bi-weekly payroll reports reflecting the deductions and pay of employees of the company, but direct deposited or wrote thousands of dollars in additional payroll checks to herself that were not reflected on the company payroll reports; she managed the payroll deductions that would be credited to employee credit union savings accounts and inflated the amount of company funds to be deposited into her own credit union account without regularly deducting those amounts from her pay; she utilized company funds to pay off more than $570,000.00 in personal credit card balances for her personal expenditures; she prepared false W-2 wage forms for herself, understating her income from the company; she manipulated the company's bank and checking account records; and finally, Prechtel concealed these transactions by not properly documenting, or by altering, the company's books, records and accounting system. Also in connection with the guilty plea, the court was further advised Prechtel willfully evaded the payment of income taxes by failing to report as income the money she stole from Abbott Furnace for calendar years 2004, 2005 and 2006. According to information presented at the sentencing hearing, examples of Prechtel's spending of the company money included a $15,500.00 purchase a 2004 Cherokee recreational vehicle, a Harley Davidson motorcycle with custom paint job, a vacuum cleaner for approximately $1,400.00, and multiple trips to Disney World.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge McLaughlin commented on the impact Prechtel's crime had on Abbott Furnace and its employees, and stated that the sentence imposed reflected the seriousness of her stealing from a company that trusted her and treated her as a friend and member of the Abbott Furnace family. Judge McLaughlin commented further that Prechtel's deception and commission of the offense over so many years became her method of operation and means of livelihood. Judge McLaughlin rejected Prechtel's claim that her health and family responsibilities warranted a sentence reduction. Further, Judge McLaughlin commented that Prechtel's claim that she supposedly used some of the money to buy things for her family rather than for herself was also not a basis for a reduced sentence.

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

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

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

Bonnie M. Gardner, 55, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Gardner participated in a massive fraud scheme involving more than $15 million in losses to more than 100 victims. The investigation has subsequently determined that Gardner and Frank Guzik, Jr., through various investment and development groups, such as East Haven Investments, East Haven Development, East Haven Realty, etc., devised and implemented an elaborate Ponzi scheme through which they successfully solicited investors.

The purported business of East Haven was to purchase properties, make various improvements to the properties, and then to sell them. In order to secure the investments, Guzik and Gardner made a series of misrepresentations to the investors, including the interest rate, that the investments would be secured by mortgage, and various other misrepresentations. As collateral for the investments, Guzik and Garnder provided the investors mortgages on various properties. The investors believed that East Haven would be unable to sell the properties on which they held mortgages unless the mortgages were satisfied. Many of these mortgages were never filed, which the investors later learned.

The investigation has also revealed that the satisfaction pieces on some of the mortgages were forgeries. Guzik and Gardner also provided multiple investors with mortgages on the same properties. Thus, the purported value to the mortgagees was well in excess of the property's value. The investors were, of course, unaware that other investors held mortgages on the same properties.

Some of the investors received, if requested, monthly interest payments on their investments. Others chose to roll their monthly interest over into the investment, having been erroneously told by Guzik and Gardner that no tax was due on the accrued interest if it was rolled over. The investment never really earned any interest, despite the investors statements indications to the contrary and despite the payment of interest payments. In other words, Guzik and Gardner used new investor funds to pay interest to individuals who had invested earlier, and also to support the lifestyles Guzik and Gardner were living.

Beginning in April of 2005, Guzik and Gardener needed to sell some of the properties to generate cash flow and to show investors that East Haven was profitable, but they could not sell the properties. Thus, Guzik and Gardner convinced a number of individuals to act as straw purchasers of the properties. The mortgage documents falsely reported that the purchasers made substantial down payments from their own funds to purchase the properties. In fact, Guzik and Gardner deposited investor funds into the straw purchasers' bank accounts and then the straw purchasers would withdraw the money in the form of a certified check that they would bring to the closings as if they had made the down payment from their own funds. In addition, Guzik and Gardner paid the straw purchasers, using investor funds, the mortgage and utility payments for those properties. Guzik and Gardner then prepared a glossy pamphlet reporting the sales of the properties for use in inducing further investors.

Beginning around November 2007 and continuing until in or around March 2008, Guzik began withdrawing funds from the East Haven accounts by cash and check. By the end of March 2008, East Haven's National City accounts, into which investor checks had been deposited and from which investor interest checks had been drawn, had minimal or zero balances. During the same time period, Guzik withdrew $200,000 to purchase untraceable gold coins from International Precious Metals in Texas. Guzik also received two short-term loans totaling $475,000 in early March 2008, promising to repay them at 20% interest by March 18, 2008.

On or about March 17, 2008, Guzik disappeared, and has not been heard from since. He did not repay the loans, stopped making interest payments on investments totaling approximately $15 million, and never accounted for the principle investments. His whereabouts are still unknown.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2013 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Gregory Melucci are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, with assistance from the Monroeville Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gardner.

PITTSBURGH - A Maryland resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to transport stolen motor vehicles across state lines, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Rodney D. Deminds, Jr., 23, of Belcamp, Md., 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 at least 14 occasions between July of 2011 and April of 2012, Deminds, along with Harvey Leemore, Collin D. Powell and Trea C. Powell, and at least one other individual, traveled from Baltimore, Md., to various retail dealerships in Pennsylvania and Virginia for the purpose of stealing motorcycles and tractors from those retail dealerships. After stealing these items, the thieves took the items back to Baltimore and sold them. The items were stolen from retail dealerships located in Gibsonia, Ebensburg, Gaines and Altoona, Pa., and in Purcellville, Va. The value of the stolen items exceeded $200,000.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Aug. 15, 2013, at 10:30 a.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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, Western PA Auto Theft Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and detectives from Harford County, Maryland, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Deminds.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Eight current and former residents of Allegheny County have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics trafficking laws on a major scale, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, unsealed today, charges Eric Ewell, 30; Canaan Bey, 26; William Fielder, 30; Terrious Harper, 29; Khalid Kareem, 29; Donnell Morris, 28; Donnie Morris, 29; and Brandon Thompson, 31, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, between January 2011 and June 2012, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; and, on June 27 and June 28, 2012, Donnell Morris and Donnie Morris attempted to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $1.2 million in heroin trafficking proceeds, a Porsche automobile, and a residence located in Pittsburgh.

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

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to manufacture and possess marijuana plants, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Judy A. Bender, 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the spring of 2011, Bender conspired to manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 marijuana plants but less than 1,000 marijuana plants. In addition, evidence presented to the Court at the time of Bender's guilty plea reflected that she conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others to grow marijuana plants with the intent to facilitate and promote George M. Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Bender on bond.

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

A joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bender. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office; the Cambria County District Attorney's Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department and the Paint Township Police Department.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Blairsville, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Clifford Bernard Camut, Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from the spring of 2011 to May 15, 2012, Camut, along with multiple co-defendants, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison and a fine of $4,000,000, 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 Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Camut. Other agencies participating in this investigation included the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.