Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Drew Gordon, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on September 11, 2024, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Devon Lamont Johnson, 36, also sentencing Johnson on two separate violations of his supervised release. In both of those cases, Johnson was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, with the sentences to be served concurrently with one another but consecutively to the sentencing in the fentanyl case, for a total term of imprisonment of 11 years and one day.

According to the information presented to the Court, Allegheny County detectives were working on violent crime suppression detail in the Stowe/McKees Rocks area on April 5, 2021, when they responded to a shots fired call, possibly involving a dark SUV. Shortly after, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a black Chevrolet Blazer, the driver of which managed to evade detectives. Detectives later found the vehicle unoccupied and obtained a search warrant for the SUV, from which they seized 12 bricks (approximately 600 doses) of suspected fentanyl with bags stamped “Monster High” and “Toad.”

On April 14, 2021, agents made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Johnson. The purchased bags of fentanyl were stamped with a “Toad,” identical to the stamp bags previously found in the Chevy Blazer. Based on that information, the detectives obtained a search warrant for a Taggert Street residence, which they executed on April 21, 2021. As detectives were approaching the residence, Johnson was exiting the front door, but he closed the door and retreated inside upon observing the presence of police. Officers pursued the defendant and secured him prior to his destroying any evidence.

During the search of the residence, detectives located 12 bricks of suspected fentanyl and a drink container with a hidden compartment that contained a knotted baggie of approximately 50 tablets of fentanyl. The bricks, some of which were stamped with “Toad,” were packaged in a similar manner to the stamp bags found in the car, with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office also finding the defendant’s fingerprints on a shopping bag that contained the bricks. Johnson’s conduct violated the conditions of his supervised release for two previous criminal convictions, for escape from custody and distribution of heroin.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Allegheny County Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal fraud laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Jonathan Fry, 44, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone on September 9, 2024, to one count of fraudulently using credit cards that were issued to another person.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from November 2018 to November 2019, Fry fraudulently used unauthorized access devices—specifically, credit cards in the name of the victim and the victim’s personal identification information, including social security number and birthdate—to make purchases. After opening accounts and applying for credit cards in the victim’s name without her authorization, Fry used the credit cards to purchase multiple items, making minimum payments toward the credit card balances so that he could continue to use the cards. Throughout the period, he charged tens of thousands of dollars worth of purchases, including a firearm worth more than $1,000.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2024. The law provides for a total maximum 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in prison on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Antranette Echols, 57, was also ordered to pay restitution of $373,690 to several financial institutions and the Small Business Administration, who were the victims in the fraud.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Echols.

According to information presented to the Court, Echols prepared and submitted falsified COVID-19 pandemic relief loan applications on behalf of business borrowers, for which she took a fee. Some of the borrowers were located in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Echols.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Middletown, Delaware, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Paul Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Smith conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin. Smith was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The 19-count Indictment named Joseph Primiero, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 22, 2022, and between June 13, 2022, and June 28, 2022, Primiero produced material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. During that same time frame, Primiero allegedly coerced and enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity, received and distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and transferred obscene images and videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct to a minor. Additionally, Primiero is charged with possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years of age on May 22, 2024.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $4.75 million, 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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 (CEOS), 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.

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

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for three hours, a federal jury on September 12, 2024, found Courtney Washington of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, guilty of two counts of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Washington, 30, was tried before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand in Pittsburgh.

According to evidence presented at trial, Washington sold fentanyl to two confidential informants on April 3, 2023, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. Two weeks later, on April 17, 2023, law enforcement officers investigating the earlier fentanyl distribution executed a search warrant at Washington’s home and seized about $45,000 worth of fentanyl from a washing machine, where Washington unsuccessfully had attempted to destroy the drugs, along with a loaded and stolen .45 Glock handgun that Washington attempted to conceal in the ceiling rafters about six feet from the washing machine. Testimony established that the Glock was the same firearm that the confidential informants had observed in the console of Washington’s car during the April 3, 2023, transaction. Washington previously had been convicted of a federal drug trafficking felony and is therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Prior to trial, Washington pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl for the April 3, 2023, conduct, as well as possession with intent to distribute the fentanyl found in the washing machine on April 17, 2023. In addition to finding Washington guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the jury concluded that Washington possessed the firearm on April 17, 2023, in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, another violation of federal law. Recordings of prison calls also revealed that Washington attempted to extort and intimidate the confidential informants following his arrest.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. As Washington was on federal supervised release for his prior drug trafficking crime at the time he committed these crimes, he faces another sentence for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and V. Joseph Sonson are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Washington, with assistance from the Allegheny County Police Department and Duquesne Police Department.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bankruptcy fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Prasad Margabandhu, 48, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea to the bankruptcy fraud charge, the Court was advised that, from March 2019 to June 2022, Margabandhu engaged in a scheme to defraud the bankruptcy court by filing multiple bankruptcy petitions in the names of companies he controlled called “RSP Pittsburgh” and “Shane Tracy Enterprises” solely to delay efforts by creditors such as the mortgage holder and taxing bodies to execute on judgments against a property at 1925 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh.

With respect to the guilty plea to the charge of mail fraud, Margabandhu admitted that his insurance claim relating to a June 2022 fire that destroyed the 1925 East Carson Street property was fraudulent. In particular, Margabandhu admitted that he had made several materially false statements to the company that insured the property.

Judge Weigand scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Office of the United States Trustee conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Margabandhu.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

John M. Trabert Jr., 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on September 12, 2024.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2020 through in and around March 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Trabert knowingly and unlawfully conspired with other individuals to commit money laundering by acting as a “money mule”— a person who, at someone else’s direction, receives and moves money obtained from victims of fraud—in a variety of romance, real estate, and gold scams. The scheme consisted of a co-conspirator outside of the United States directing victims, who believed they were investing in real estate, gold, or financial support of a fictional love interest, to send funds to one of Trabert’s bank accounts. Trabert then conducted financial transactions using proceeds of the fraud scams at the direction of and in concert with his co-conspirator, with Trabert retaining a portion of each transaction as personal profit.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A husband and wife from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to obstructing law enforcement during a public gathering and protest in 2023, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Krystal DiPippa, 42, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan to one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, and her husband Brian DiPippa, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that the DiPippas participated in an April 2023 protest that occurred on the University of Pittsburgh campus, during which Brian DiPippa ignited and dropped two homemade smoke bomb containers in and around a line of people waiting to enter a building for a scheduled event featuring guest speakers. When university police officers gathered and formed a barrier to prevent protesters from entering the rear of the building, Brian DiPippa, concealed by his wife (Krystal), ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of officers, causing a loud explosion and injuries to several officers.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to prosecuting individuals who physically attack our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The DiPippas went to this event not for the purpose of having their voices heard in a protest, but instead for the purpose of using this protest as a means of cover so that they could disrupt the protest and conceal themselves in a crowd while carrying out a cowardly attack on police officers.”

“The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners want to make it clear: we will not allow the rights protected by the First Amendment to be exploited as cover for individuals to carry out violent attacks on law enforcement,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Peaceful protest is a right afforded to everyone under the Constitution, but not when used as a guise for injuring, maiming, and leaving lasting impacts to victims by launching explosives. These attacks had very real consequences, not only for these individuals, but also for the law enforcement officers who were violently targeted while trying to ensure public safety.”

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, as to each charge. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court continued the detention of Brian DiPippa, who has been in custody since his June 30, 2023, arrest.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, of which the University of Pittsburgh Police is a member; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Peoria, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court to 102 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Colby Barrow, 30.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Barrow conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Barrow was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of fentanyl that he distributed to others.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Barrow. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Ashok Panigrahy, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in November 2022, Panigrahy transported and attempted to transport material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce, as well as possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations (Pittsburgh and Chicago) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Kailin Stewart, 37, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl between May 2021 and October 2022.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stewart.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on September 3, 2024, to a charge of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Jonathan Freeze, 65, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Freeze and his co-conspirators, Robert Irey (deceased) and Kevin Carney, 62, of Euclid, Ohio, owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (AEH). The defendants informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into green energy and offered victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, Freeze and his co-conspirators solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. Additionally, Freeze informed several victims that he personally guaranteed repayment of their loans, despite having insufficient funds to cover any of the guarantees. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, approximately 22 victims loaned AEH $2,017,228.44. Freeze and his co-conspirators further told victims that their funds would be used for costs associated with building the plant and other business expenses. Instead, the defendants often split the victims’ funds three ways and used it for their personal benefit, including for gambling, high-end clothing, and restaurants. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment and personal guarantees, the co-conspirators did not repay the victims.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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.

Both Irey and Carney pleaded guilty to the same charge, with Carney’s sentencing scheduled for December 5, 2024.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lee J. Karl and Heidi M. Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Freeze and his co-defendants.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Tyland Witherspoon, 27, as the sole defendant. Witherspoon was arrested on August 30, 2024, related to this federal charge.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 19, 2024, Witherspoon, who was previously convicted of a felony, was found to be in possession of a Glock 23 40 caliber pistol along with Smith & Wesson 40 caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a total sentence of up to 15 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on August 28, 2024, to charges of violating federal drug trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. 

Giante Hilliard, 30, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. During his plea hearing, Hilliard admitted facts related to three separate incidents in late March and late May of 2023 that led to the charges in this case. 

The first incident took place on March 28, 2023, when Hilliard was involved in an exchange of gunfire outside of a McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, bar. Video of the incident shows that, moments after Hilliard and another individual left the bar and started to drive off, a third person shot at the car they occupied. Hilliard returned fire from the vehicle’s passenger seat, with several muzzle flashes visible in the video. 

In the second incident, on May 8, 2023, Hilliard was the passenger in a vehicle that law enforcement attempted to stop. Rather than complying, the driver rammed three law enforcement vehicles—allowing one of the officers to observe Hilliard with a black firearm—and sped off. Shortly after, law enforcement located the disabled vehicle abandoned near a convenience store. Nearby surveillance video showed the driver and Hilliard leaving the disabled vehicle together, and then splitting up, with Hilliard holding a black bag that he attempted to conceal under a dumpster. The black bag was recovered by law enforcement and found to contain a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and approximately 300 doses of what laboratory results later confirmed was a heroin and fentanyl mixture. Ballistic testing of the handgun against nearly a dozen 40 caliber casings from the earlier March 28 shooting determined the firearm to be a match with the one used by Hilliard in that earlier incident. The gun previously had been reported stolen. Based on evidence recovered in connection with the May 8 incident, including analysis of cell phones seized from within the disabled vehicle, the government obtained an arrest warrant for Hilliard.

Finally, in the third incident, on May 31, 2023, Hilliard posted on social media a video of himself with another firearm. Based on information from that video and other evidence gathered during the investigation, the government obtained a search warrant for a residence where Hilliard was hiding out and the vehicle that he had been driving. Law enforcement surrounded the house, but Hilliard refused to come out until several hours after officers fired multiple rounds of tear gas into the home. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a box of ammunition from a kitchen drawer and 100 stamp bags in a kitchen cabinet. The bags were marked with the same logo in the same colors of ink as those found in the black bag on May 8, and contained a heroin and fentanyl mixture similar to the May 8 drugs. In the vehicle, investigators also discovered yet another loaded firearm—a “ghost gun” without a serial number. 

Prior to these incidents, Hilliard had previously been convicted of a number of other felony offenses, including aggravated assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, and terroristic threats. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Hilliard pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with the March 28 incident; possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in relation to the May 8 incident; and being a felon in possession of ammunition on May 31. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up life in prison, a fine of up to $1,750,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas C. Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hilliard, along with officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Homestead Police Department, West Homestead Police Department, and McKees Rocks Police Department. 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Desmond Dontae Lee, also known as Desmond Donte Lee Belton, 46, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 1, 2023, Lee possessed ammunition after having been convicted of three prior felonies, including for drug trafficking and firearms charges. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Lee was found in possession of the ammunition as part of an investigation into a March 1, 2023, shooting at a McKeesport apartment complex during which two people were killed and another injured.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 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 of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for approximately five hours, a federal jury found Pittsburgh resident Durrell Waters guilty of five counts of money laundering and conspiracy in connection with the sale and interstate transportation of stolen goods, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
 
Waters, 41, was tried before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh. He was found guilty of one count of conspiracy and four counts of money laundering. 

According to evidence presented during the two-and-a-half-week trial, Waters was one of the primary owners of a series of second-hand or resale businesses called Trader Electronics, Last Call Entertainment, and The Outlet. Waters conspired with others to use these businesses as a front for a criminal fencing operation that sold over the internet a wide variety of health and beauty aids and over-the-counter medications. 

From 2013 through 2016, retailers in the greater Pittsburgh area experienced a drastic uptick in the volume of thefts occurring at their stores. The investigation into those thefts led to the discovery that Waters’s stores and similar stores in the area engaged in high-volume purchases of brand-new retail health and beauty aids and other products, such as new-release DVDs, from walkin sellers who had shoplifted the items. The evidence established that, throughout this time, Waters and his co-conspirators knew that the vast majority of the products they were buying were stolen. The health and beauty aids included items like teeth whiteners, vitamins, hair and skin care products, makeup, and other similar items. Store records reflected that Waters and his businesses purchased hundreds of thousands of brand-new items from a group of repeat shoplifters. Waters and his businesses then resold that stolen property online via several Amazon and eBay storefronts, with the proceeds from the stores’s main Amazon account totaling over $4.3 million during the conspiracy.
 
Walk-in sellers to the Trader Electronics stores, several of whom testified during the trial, were often people experiencing drug addiction who would routinely steal large amounts of the products to fund their addiction by selling them at Waters’s and his co-conspirators’ stores. In addition to knowing that the items were stolen when purchasing them, Waters on several occasions bailed some of those same so-called “boosters” out of jail following their arrests for stealing goods and allowed the individuals to repay him the bail money in the form of other stolen goods.
 
“Durrell Waters and his conspirators brazenly used their second-hand stores as a front for fencing massive amounts of shoplifted retail products—some with the store identification and security stickers still intact—that they then turned around and sold for millions of dollars to online customers across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “To pull off their scheme, they relied on desperate people deep in the throes of addiction to maintain the flow of stolen goods, using them to steal from and ultimately undercut legitimate retailers. The ‘boosters’ in this case were reportedly lined up down the street outside Waters’s stores in the morning—waiting to get their first cash of the day so they could pay their dealers. This successful prosecution is the result of a regional effort involving the cooperation of many local law enforcement agencies, as well as the IRS, FBI, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. We are committed to holding accountable those who would exploit the opioid epidemic as a way to line their pockets.”

“Today’s verdict reflects that those who commit financial crimes such as money laundering, and who steal and profit from money to which they were not entitled, will be held accountable,” said IRS-CI Philadelphia Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Denise Leuenberger. “It should also serve as notice to others not to take part in similar unlawful conduct.” 

“Legitimate businesses and the greater community suffer when fraud and money laundering take place,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The ripple effect of consequences from these criminal acts undermines the foundations of fairness and trust in the economy. The FBI and our partners continue to work diligently to investigate and bring to justice those who feel they can get ahead through criminal means.”

Waters’s date of sentencing will be determined by the Court. The law provides for a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each money laundering count. The conspiracy offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain associated with the offense, whichever is greater. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Waters’s co-defendant and co-owner of the various resale shops, Anthony Costanzo, 35, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024, to four counts of engaging in monetary transactions involving property from an unlawful act. His sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2024.

Waters is the eighth and final resale store owner to be found guilty of similar schemes that occurred during the same time and were part of the same investigation. Thach Duc Le, Milton Barr, Shane McFall, Michael McDavid, Qamar Zaman, and Aliya Zaman all pleaded guilty to similar charges related to stores affiliated either with Waters and Costanzo or another entity known as Ninja Entertainment.

Assistant United States Attorneys James R. Wilson and Benjamin C. Dobkin are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. 

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Waters. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township, and Shaler Township also assisted in the investigation.
 

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Lamar Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around August 2018 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of crack cocaine. Johnson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Following the guilty plea, Judge Gibson sentenced Johnson to 60 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 23, 2024, to two years in prison on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Conrad Troy Shearer, 50.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2017 to March 2019, Shearer possessed visual images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Molly W. Anglin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shearer.

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 (CEOS), 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 Leechburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Ernest Clinton, 42, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around August 2018 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Clinton conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Clinton was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining cocaine that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Clinton. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison on his conviction of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Quinton Pinkins, 39, also ordering Pinkins to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Pinkins previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, and 500 grams of cocaine between June 2020 to June 2021, and to distributing fentanyl within 1,000 feet of public playground and housing authority properties on May 27, 2021.

According to information presented to the Court, Pinkins was a leader of a drug trafficking organization in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and was responsible for the distribution of 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, and 500 grams of cocaine during 2020 and 2021. The Court was further informed that, by May 2021, Pinkins was aware that his fentanyl dealing had resulted in the recent death of one of his customers and the hospitalization of another, but continued dealing the drug in Mercer County and even expanded his fentanyl dealing to Erie County. Prior to 2020, Pinkins had been convicted for heroin and cocaine trafficking and sentenced to incarceration in two separate Pennsylvania prosecutions in 2009 and 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pinkins.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Rodney Smith, 68, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2021 to in and around June 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Smith conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Smith was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Keith Harris, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on June 11, 2024, Harris possessed a firearm and ammunition. Harris has a number of prior felony convictions, including a 2022 conviction as a felon in possession of firearm and/or ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 15 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After the conclusion of a non-jury trial, a federal judge on August 22, 2024, found James Taric Byrd guilty of one count of contempt of court by misbehavior that obstructs the administration of justice and one count of assault for striking his court-appointed attorney in a courtroom at the Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Byrd, 47, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville in Pittsburgh. Byrd is currently serving a life sentence plus 20 years of incarceration on a 2022 conviction for violating federal narcotics and firearm laws.

The evidence presented at trial established that, on July 18, 2022, while Byrd was in trial before another federal judge on unrelated charges, Byrd struck his attorney in the head. The defendant’s assaultive conduct disrupted and delayed the trial proceedings and obstructed the orderly administration of justice. The Court also heard evidence suggesting that the defendant’s motive in striking his attorney was to prompt a mistrial and delay the 2022 jury trial proceedings.

Four months after his January 2023 sentencing of life imprisonment, Byrd was tried and found guilty by a federal jury of one count of possession of contraband in prison. He subsequently was sentenced to an additional eight months of incarceration on that May 2023 conviction.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Byrd’s contempt of court and assault conviction for December 18, 2024. Byrd will remain in custody pending sentencing. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, a fine, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys DeMarr W. Moulton and Soo C. Song prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Byrd.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Joanna Shylock, 36, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around March 2020 to in and around April 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Shylock conspired with others to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Shylock was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shylock. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Wexford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempting to transmit obscene material to a minor and attempting to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Albert Maximillian Jeremias, 79, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on multiple occasions between January 2023 and May 2023, Jeremias made contact via internet chats with undercover agents in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Coral Gables, Florida, areas who he believed were young girls between the ages of 12 and 15. During those conversations, Jeremias sent pornographic photographs and livestream images of himself to the undercover agents and requested that the agents send sexually explicit pictures of themselves to him, even sending one of them a $50 gift card as enticement.

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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Brown is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 (CEOS), 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.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

James Pearcy, 60, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson on August 20, 2024.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2021 to in and around June 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Pearcy conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Pearcy was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pearcy. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Amanda Weidner, 40, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around June 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Weidner conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and cocaine base. Weidner was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Weidner. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Crafton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Andrew Beatty, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon: conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin, and conspiring to commit money laundering. Beatty has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from 2007 for which he was sentenced to 78 months in prison.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that communications intercepted on federal wiretaps by law enforcement between September 2013 and March 2014 revealed that Beatty was obtaining kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine from a Mexican drug trafficking organization, communicating directly with an unidentified Mexican male known only as “Guero.” Guero arranged for heroin and cocaine to be hidden in vehicles in California and then transported to Pittsburgh and several other cities via car carrier trucks. Beatty, with the assistance of conspirators, would receive the cars and unload the heroin and cocaine, and also sell the drugs to other individuals, who further distributed the drugs throughout Western Pennsylvania. Once the drugs were sold, Beatty, again with the assistance of co-conspirators, hid the money in vehicles that he shipped to the Mexican organization in California. Often, the vehicles involved were older model Acura sedans equipped with sophisticated concealed compartments with hydraulic arms that were opened through a series of actions.

In December 2013, DEA agents arranged for the Ohio Highway Patrol to conduct a traffic stop of a car carrier truck based on information obtained through Beatty’s intercepted communications. The truck was carrying a car that Beatty had shipped to the Mexican organization in California, a search of which resulted in the seizure of approximately $130,000 in U.S. currency.

On January 12, 2014, and again on February 9, 2014, an undercover DEA agent posing as a money courier received from Beatty and his associates approximately $225,000 (on each occasion). The money was then deposited into bank accounts specified by the Mexican organization.

In early March 2014, agents intercepted communications between Guero and Beatty that revealed a car containing cocaine had been shipped to Pittsburgh and left in a parking lot for Beatty. On March 5, 2014, the agents located and towed the car before Beatty had the opportunity to retrieve it. A search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of approximately six kilograms of cocaine hidden in metal containers bolted to the wheels inside of the tires.

On March 19, 2014, agents executed search warrants, along with arrest warrants for Beatty and others, and seized approximately $400,000 in cash, the bulk of which was found in Beatty’s storage locker. A search of a conspirator’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 40 bricks of heroin and $40,000 in cash. During the execution of the search warrant at Beatty’s home, Beatty showed the agents how to open the concealed compartment of a silver Acura located at the residence, the only contents of which was marijuana, and claimed that he had sold the gold Acura for which the agents also had a warrant.

The following day, agents located the gold Acura belonging to Beatty parked on a city street near a conspirator’s home. The vehicle had an anti-theft steering wheel lock, the key to which, along with the key to the car itself, was found in Beatty’s residence on March 19. The agents also had observed Beatty move the same vehicle the previous night via a pole camera they had installed outside of Beatty’s residence. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the vehicle, agents found approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin, three firearms, and four cell phones belonging to Beatty inside of a trap compartment in the door panel, which opened in the same unique manner that Beatty showed the agents on the silver Acura located at his residence the previous day. A later search of those cellular telephones revealed that they were among the cellular telephones that were intercepted during the wiretaps, as well as other incriminating evidence.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Baldwin Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Scott Township Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Duquesne Police Department, West Homestead Police Department, and Ohio Highway Patrol conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Beatty.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Eric Gerome Clancy, 38, of Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2024, Clancy knowingly possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Following a stop for traffic violations by Mt. Lebanon police and subsequent search of Clancy’s vehicle, officers discovered nine “bricks” containing a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Officers also recovered from the vehicle several ounces of crack and powder cocaine, as well as a scale, in addition to finding a large amount of U.S. currency on Clancy.

At the time of the offense, Clancy was on federal supervised release following a 90-month sentence in federal prison for a drug trafficking and firearms conviction.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Mt. Lebanon Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clint Addleman, 47, and Kris Joseph Nevling, 47, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Addleman is also charged with malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire resulting in death, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The four-count Superseding Indictment was returned today against Addleman of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, and Nevling, of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Addleman was a drug dealer operating in and around Clearfield, Pennsylvania, who obtained large quantities of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, from one or more sources of supply and sold and redistributed the methamphetamine to his customers, including co-defendant Nevling and a Clearfield resident identified as S.L.C. In and around the summer of 2019, Addleman “fronted” several hundred dollars’ worth of methamphetamine to S.L.C.—i.e., he provided the drugs to S.L.C. without an upfront payment. As alleged, S.L.C. did not repay the drug debt owed to Addleman during the following months. On multiple occasions, Addleman allegedly threatened violence against S.L.C. in connection with her failure to repay him.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that, in and around early October 2019, Nevling and Addleman aided and abetted each other in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to S.L.C. using her nickname. In the early morning hours of October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb, pictured below, was delivered to a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield, where S.L.C. rented an apartment on the first floor.

Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside S.L.C.’s apartment, killing S.L.C. and causing significant damage to the property, including by fire. A picture of the building after the fire was extinguished appears below:

“As alleged, Clint Addleman and Kris Joseph Nevling were responsible for building a bomb that was used to murder one of Addleman’s methamphetamine customers and almost completely leveled the building where she lived,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This conduct—involving lethal retaliation over nothing more than an outstanding drug debt—shocks the conscience and has no place in our communities or anywhere else. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in our shared commitment to investigate and prosecute those whose conduct presents such a clear and present danger to others, whether in the form of distributing illegal drugs, building and detonating deadly bombs, or, in this case, both.”

“Our ATF Special Agents worked tirelessly alongside our federal, state, and local partners to seek justice in this brutal murder case,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office. “The perpetrators tried to hide their crime through the illegal use of explosives, but using our unique forensic tools, we were still able to recover the evidence that ultimately indicted them.”

The law provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million for Addleman and $250,000 for Nevling, 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.

Addleman is currently incarcerated serving an unrelated state sentence, and Nevling remains detained after being arrested on his original Indictment last fall.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 15, 2024, to 12 years of prison on his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Reginald Bernard Blunt, 32.

According to information presented to the Court, an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police between August 2022 and June 2023 into a drug trafficking organization operating in McKees Rocks revealed that Blunt was a member of the organization and lived at a residence where firearms and controlled substances were being stored. On June 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant upon that residence and recovered from Blunt’s bedroom a backpack containing two prescription pill bottles bearing Blunt’s name, a loaded handgun containing 17 rounds of ammunition, and a “Glock switch” that, when attached to the handgun, would render the firearm fully automatic. Law enforcement also recovered from the residence approximately 60 grams of a fentanyl and methamphetamine mixture, 20 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, in addition to seizing $4,300.

The firearm recovered by law enforcement was determined to be the same one that Blunt—who has previous felony drug trafficking and firearms convictions—had used just before law enforcement responded to a call at Blunt’s residence nearly one month earlier, where it was reported that two individuals were fighting and that one of the individuals possessed a gun. Traffic camera footage of this May 16, 2023, incident obtained by investigators in preparation for the federal search warrant revealed Blunt repeatedly pointing a firearm at an adult male who was accompanied by a child, with the adult carrying the child while ducking behind a vehicle to avoid Blunt as he pointed the firearm. The footage further recorded Blunt permitting the adult to place the child in the vehicle before Blunt brought the individual back to his residence, where, on the porch, the two males began exchanging punches. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blunt.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 15, 2024, to 15 years of imprisonment on his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine, as well as to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Andre Nunley, 50.

According to information presented to the Court, between June 2022 and December 2023, Nunley was the subject of a joint investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County. As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 500 grams of cocaine from a mid-level drug dealer as he left a brief meeting with Nunley. In January 2023, law enforcement executed federal search warrants upon both of Nunley’s known stash houses, resulting in the seizure of approximately 15,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, 4,200 stamp bags, 40 boxes containing empty glassine bags, and bulk U.S. currency. A laboratory confirmed that the seized substances contained about 1,352 grams of fentanyl, 797 grams of a fluorofentanyl and fentanyl mixture, and 199 grams of fluorofentanyl. Fluorofentanyl and fentanyl are Schedule I and II controlled substances, respectively.

Following that seizure, law enforcement continued to investigate Nunley’s drug trafficking operation and identified a third residence used by Nunley. In December 2023, law enforcement intercepted a parcel addressed to that residence, which contained about two kilograms of fentanyl. During a controlled delivery operation of the seized parcel to the third residence, law enforcement encountered Nunley, who confessed to expecting a parcel containing drugs.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nunley.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Oxnard, California, was sentenced in federal court on August 14, 2024, to five years of imprisonment on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Christopher Andrew Salgado, 24.

According to information presented to the Court, between March 2022 and September 2022, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that a cocaine source of supply in California would mail parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine to a residence in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. After investigators seized a parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine before it reached the Aliquippa residence, the source of supply began sending the parcels to Salgado in West Virginia. Thereafter, mobile and electronic surveillance confirmed that Salgado would drive the parcels from West Virginia to the Pittsburgh International Airport, pick-up co-defendant Jose Sanchez, who would arrive on flights from California, and transport both the parcel and Sanchez to another co-defendant, Romaro Foster Sr., in Aliquippa.

Following one re-supply of cocaine to Foster, law enforcement followed Salgado as he drove Sanchez back to the Pittsburgh airport, and observed Salgado dispose of a box in the trash of a fast food restaurant parking lot. Investigators recovered the box, observing a shipping label with Salgado’s West Virginia address as well as drug packaging material within the box. A field test of the packaging revealed the presence of cocaine.

In August 2022, investigators seized a parcel sent from California to Salgado in West Virginia. The parcel contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine. Investigators conducted a controlled delivery operation of the parcel at Salgado’s residence, executing a federal search warrant at the residence in conjunction with the operation. From Salgado’s bedroom, investigators recovered a separate parcel sent from California to Salgado containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine, along with a loaded 9mm handgun, an empty pistol magazine, a box of ammunition, and a digital scale.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Salgado.

This prosecution is part of an OCDETF investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two residents of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, each were sentenced in federal court on August 13, 2024, to a one-year term of probation, including 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000 along with $403,142 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs following their guilty pleas to committing a major fraud against the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentences on Edward DiGorio Jr., 66, and Edward Kessler, 69. Both men formerly resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court in connection with the defendants’ earlier guilty pleas, DiGorio and Kessler were the owners of two construction companies, ADDVETCO, Inc., and Hi-Def Contracting, Inc., operating in Pittsburgh. DiGorio and Kessler formed the companies for the purpose of bidding on and acquiring “set-aside” contracts issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to small businesses owned and operated by service-disabled veterans of the U.S. military and pre-certified by the VA as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). Neither DiGorio nor Kessler had served in the military, nor were they service-disabled. DiGorio and Kessler executed a classic “Rent-A-Vet” scheme, in which they paid service-disabled veterans to falsely represent themselves as the primary owners and operators of ADDVETCO and Hi-Def, and to falsely attest to ownership of the companies on critical documents submitted to the VA as part of the SDVOB certification process. During the period of 2007 to 2018, ADDVETCO and Hi-Def were awarded 67 contracts that were intended for SDVOBs, 50 of which were valued at $1 million or more. The two charges to which DiGorio and Kessler each pleaded guilty in March 2024 arose from the two most recent contracts awarded to the companies, for which the defendants received more than $400,000 in profits.

“For more than a decade, the defendants in this case cheated a laudable and important program established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and designed to benefit service-disabled veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “DiGorio and Kessler profited shamelessly while defrauding the United States government and depriving many deserving veterans of the opportunity to perform lucrative construction work for the government. We are grateful for the important law enforcement partnerships that helped bring the defendants’ scheme to light and hold them accountable under federal law.”

“These sentencings hold the defendants accountable for their role in an elaborate scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in government contracts from programs designed to benefit service-disabled veteran business owners,” said Special Agent in Charge Kim R. Lampkins of the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “The VA OIG remains committed to diligently pursuing these cases in an effort to maintain the integrity of VA programs. The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FBI for their partnership in this joint investigation.”

“The actions of these two individuals to manipulate a system meant to help honest, legitimate veteran-owned businesses not only defrauded the government, but also undermines the integrity of these programs,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our partners will not tolerate the exploitation of the honor and sacrifice of those who have served for personal gain.”

In imposing the sentences, Judge Stickman emphasized the serious nature of the defendants’ offenses and their shameful disregard for the disabled servicemembers who had served their country, characterizing the defendants’ conduct as akin to “stolen valor.” Judge Stickman further opined that he viewed the defendants’ crimes as driven by “greed and pride.”

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of DiGorio and Kessler.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $40,000 and restitution of $207,378 (which has already been paid) to the Internal Revenue Service on his conviction of tax evasion and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jason R. Svonavec, 45.

According to information presented to the Court, Svonavec evaded tax liability in 2017 by illegally expensing the construction of his home in Somerset, Pennsylvania, through entities he operates called Heritage Coal and Natural Resources LLC and Banshee Crane. In 2018, he filed a tax return reporting false tax deductions for Heritage Coal.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Internal Revenue Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Svonavec.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of willfully filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Albert Boyd Jr., 53, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, for each year from 2017 to 2022, Boyd failed to report income from his company, Boyd Roll-Off Services, Inc., on the business’s tax return for the relevant tax year, causing a total tax loss of at least $1,030,000. Specifically, Boyd ensured that much of the company’s income from the sale of scrap metal went unreported by causing cash proceeds not to be deposited in the business bank account and causing checks to be deposited into accounts other than the business bank account. Boyd then failed to provide his tax return preparer with records relating to the undeposited cash and diverted checks.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense, 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 William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Boyd.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jairo Morales, 22, on August 8, 2024. Morales was one of 35 defendants charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Morales conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, from in and around April 2022 to in and around March 2023, Morales conspired with others to commit money laundering. Morales was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine that he distributed to others. The Court found that Morales was responsible for conspiring to distribute 7.48 kilograms of cocaine, 83 kilograms of fentanyl, and 72 kilograms of methamphetamine and that Morales possessed firearms in connection with that drug trafficking activity.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Morales. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to firearms charges and was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Eric Kalif Hubbard, 41.

According to evidence presented to the Court, on May 23, 2023, an officer with the New Brighton Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hubbard. In approaching the vehicle, the officer observed an open container and the odor of alcohol, as well as a black satchel bag in the vehicle. When asked by the officer to exit the vehicle due to suspicion of drunk driving, Hubbard sped away in the vehicle. Officers pursued Hubbard and, upon finding his crashed vehicle, arrested Hubbard hiding in the brush and searched the nearby Beaver River, where they recovered a black satchel floating in the water. That bag contained three pill bottles bearing Hubbard’s name and a loaded revolver.

On July 14, 2023, an officer with the Beaver Falls Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Hubbard after observing that there was no inspection sticker on his windshield. The officer, who was aware of the prior traffic stop and also knew that Hubbard had a suspended license, determined that the vehicle was a rental, that Hubbard was not on the rental agreement, and that the vehicle had to be towed. Upon conducting an inventory of the vehicle while awaiting a tow truck, the officer discovered contraband, stopped the inventory, and applied for a search warrant, with the resulting search leading to the recovery of three black ski masks, three pairs of black gloves, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun with a cut stock, and a loaded semiautomatic rifle.

At the time Hubbard possessed the firearms and ammunition seized in these instances, he had been convicted of seven felony offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the New Brighton Police Department, Beaver Falls Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hubbard.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Palestinian national was sentenced in federal court to 90 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Huthayfa Almassri, 33, who had pleaded guilty to the charge on April 15, 2024.

According to information presented to the Court, Almassri traveled from Palestine on May 31, 2022, and was admitted to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident. On June 14, 2022, Almassri initiated an online relationship with an individual he believed to be a minor but was actually a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity. In his conversations with the minor, Almassri lied about his age and real name. On October 16, 2022, Almassri arranged to meet with the minor for sex. Almassri was arrested when he arrived to meet with the minor. In conjunction with his guilty plea, Almassri agreed to the judge’s entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Almassri.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Clinton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 124 months of imprisonment, to be followed by lifetime supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Roderick T. Long, 59.

According to information presented to the Court, on March 9, 2020, Long—who had previously served a 121-month federal sentence of imprisonment for receiving material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor—was found in possession of more than 500 videos and still images in computer graphics and digital files depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of whom had not attained the age of 12 years. The Pennsylvania State Police had obtained a search warrant for Long’s home, where they found the sexually exploitive material saved in his laptop computer and cellular telephone.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that the nature of Long’s offense, the harm and trauma caused to the child victims, and Long’s previous conviction for receiving sexually exploitive imagery of children warranted a significant term of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Long.

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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Jamaican national was sentenced in federal court on August 6, 2024, to life imprisonment for his conviction on six counts, including violating the federal “Kingpin” statute for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, as well as federal offenses involving cocaine trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Racoco Williams, 43. A Pittsburgh jury found Williams guilty of the six counts in September 2023 following a three-week trial.

Evidence introduced at trial established that Williams, who is originally from Jamaica, was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed more than 150 kilograms of cocaine between 2012 and 2018. Williams obtained cocaine from near the Southwest border through a base of operations in Phoenix, Arizona. He then arranged to transport the cocaine to various cities on the east coast of the United States, including Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; New York City; and Pittsburgh. Although he relied on a variety of methods for transporting bulk cocaine, he regularly used young women—including a 16-year-old—as couriers, directing them to travel by bus or on domestic airlines with checked luggage filled with drugs. Williams then used many of these same women, who often faced dire financial circumstances, to transport cash proceeds of his cocaine trafficking back to Phoenix concealed in secret compartments in suitcases. To ensure the couriers’ obedience, Williams threatened them with violence, including threatening to kill one courier and her entire family if she cooperated with law enforcement.

“Racoco Williams orchestrated a years-long, cross-country drug trafficking and money laundering organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in various cities throughout the country, including communities in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Williams stayed behind the scenes, using couriers to transport bulk cocaine and cash to fuel his enterprise, and he maintained obedience through threats of violence, including a threat to kill a courier and her family. This prosecution makes clear yet again that our office and our law enforcement partners, here and across the country, are dedicated to identifying the most dangerous offenders and holding them accountable to the fullest extent of federal law.”

“This sentence is the culmination of years of investigative and prosecutorial work, diligence, and expertise,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “As a result of this investigation, special agents and prosecutors were able to dismantle a vicious transnational drug trafficking organization and free the young women who Racoco Williams controlled through threats of violence. The partnership that HSI Pittsburgh has developed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania is truly remarkable and continues to work to ensure the safety of communities in western Pennsylvania.”

During the conspiracy, Williams was associated with multiple seizures involving large quantities of drugs, cash, and jewelry, with a total of approximately $895,000 in cash seized from Williams and his associates throughout the investigation. In 2012, for example, a search of the home he used for a drug transaction revealed $337,000 in cash concealed in secret compartments in eight suitcases. Although he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal syndicate and received a sentence of two years of probation, Williams’s drug trafficking continued unabated. In 2014, he was again arrested in Arizona, and a search of two suitcases in his vehicle revealed approximately $160,000 in cash.

Evidence at trial further established significant trafficking activity in 2017. In April of that year, a search of an acquaintance’s home in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, uncovered six kilograms of cocaine and $78,500 in cash. Williams previously had arranged for a courier to travel with the same suitcase filled with cocaine from Las Vegas two days earlier. Less than a month later, in May 2017, a traffic stop by the Swissvale Police and later search of Williams’s car and hotel room revealed approximately $120,000 in cash and valuable jewelry. About three months later, a search of Williams’s Monroeville, Pennsylvania, hotel room revealed 17 kilograms of cocaine concealed in two suitcases, and approximately $192,000 in cash and $150,000 in jewelry concealed in another suitcase. Williams’s cross-country operation involved other individuals, including co-conspirators working out of the Penn Hills area of Pennsylvania who distributed cocaine supplied by Williams.

The evidence presented at trial further established that, even after he was incarcerated, Williams continued to arrange for shipments of cocaine from Phoenix to the Pittsburgh area. One such shipment in March 2018 comprised five kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a BMW sport utility vehicle on a car carrier destined for Pittsburgh that was seized by Arizona law enforcement officials. At trial, the jury further concluded that approximately $400,000 in cash, $200,000 worth of jewelry, and that BMW sport utility vehicle were forfeitable to the government.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams. Numerous other law enforcement agencies and departments in Pennsylvania and Arizona assisted in the investigation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Allegheny County Police Department, Swissvale Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office, and Yavapai County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 6, 2024, to 23 years of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Andrew Kalyl Foxx, a/k/a James Andrew Liles, a/k/a Andrew James Liles, 43. Foxx pleaded guilty to two counts on May 15, 2024.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about March 3, 2023, Foxx secretly recorded himself sexually abusing a minor. On March 9, 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed this video file depicting the child sexual exploitation.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Allegheny County Police Department, and Mt. Lebanon Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Foxx.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Youngstown, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distributing fentanyl resulting in death and conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Eliot Gentry, 27, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of an individual in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on January 23, 2022, and conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine from May 2021 to October 2022.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Gentry.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

George Mazey, 53, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Eight of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mazey conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing heroin, and quantities of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Further, in and around April 2021, Mazey possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and fentanyl. Mazey was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 11, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mazey. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury on August 2, 2024, found Erie, Pennsylvania, resident Joseph Leonard Stratton-Kiehlmeier guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the transfer of unregistered fully automatic firearms, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Stratton-Kiehlmeier, 36, was tried before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone in Pittsburgh.

According to evidence presented during the four-day trial, in January 2020, law enforcement learned that Stratton-Kiehlmeier was offering to broker the sale and transfer of illegal, unregistered machineguns. Those firearms – a Yugo rifle with an obliterated serial number and a Tikkakoski submachine gun – were both operable and fully automatic. Pursuant to the National Firearms Act, machineguns must be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. In January 2020, a confidential source, acting under the direction and supervision of federal law enforcement, traveled with Stratton-Kiehlmeier to a barn in Erie County to receive the illegal weapons. During the meeting, which was recorded, the source paid $2,000 for the machineguns, which he turned over to law enforcement after the meeting.

“Joseph Stratton-Kiehlmeier brokered the unlawful sale and transfer of two fully automatic machineguns—weapons that are capable of unleashing devastating violence with a single pull of the trigger,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The defendant sought to fuel the dangerous black market in illicit firearms, indifferent to who was acquiring these unregistered weapons and what they might do with them. This conduct poses a grave danger to the citizens of Western Pennsylvania, and our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take these illegal weapons off of our streets.”

“High-powered weapons in the hands of criminals endangers our community and increases the risk for deadly violence,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Public safety is a shared mission, and the FBI and our partners stand committed to protecting the lives of innocent citizens everywhere.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Molly W. Anglin and Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2024. 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 is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stratton-Kiehlmeier. A specialist from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also testified during the trial.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 210 months of incarceration on his conviction for a series of pharmacy robberies throughout Western Pennsylvania and distribution of the narcotics from those robberies, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

In March, following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, a Pittsburgh jury found Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea, 26, guilty of seven crimes: one count each of conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy robbery and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, three counts of armed pharmacy robbery, and two counts of pharmacy robbery.

Evidence introduced during the trial established that Jamea participated in a conspiracy to rob pharmacies of Schedule II controlled substances—that is, highly addictive opioids and stimulants—between September 2018 and July 2019. This conspiracy included the robberies of pharmacies in Beaver, Bridgeville, Edinboro, Erie, and the Oakland area of Pittsburgh. During three of the robberies, Jamea and his co-conspirators brandished a firearm to threaten the lives of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and to intimidate them into opening the locked safes where the controlled substances were kept. Evidence also established that Jamea returned to the Columbus area to sell these stolen drugs to both prescription drug abusers and other traffickers.

“Jamea’s armed robbery spree across western Pennsylvania risked the lives of pharmacy employees and ordinary civilians who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time—all so he and his co-conspirators could steal dangerous drugs and later sell them on the street,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This sentencing reflects both the serious and violent nature of these robberies, which have no place in this district or anywhere. Our office is grateful as always for the exceptional work of our law enforcement partners and for the resolve of the victims during the course of this important prosecution.”

In imposing sentence, Judge Schwab specifically noted Jamea’s use of a silver handgun to threaten employees at a pharmacy in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, while a co-conspirator stole thousands of Schedule II controlled substances such as opioids and amphetamines from the store’s safe.

Jamea is currently serving a separate sentence of more than 40 years following a conviction in Ohio for eight counts of felonious assault with a firearm. Judge Schwab ordered that the 210-month sentence in this case be served consecutively to Jamea’s term of imprisonment in Ohio.

Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Erie Police Department, Edinboro Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Bridgeville Police Department, and Ohio Highway Patrol for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jamea.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Nineteen individuals from the New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Detroit, Michigan, areas have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for their participation in a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating throughout and between those regions, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of oxycodone from August 2023 to July 2024. The Indictment and a related search warrant were unsealed today. A complete list of the defendants is included at the bottom of this release.

According to the Indictment and information provided to the Court, the defendants operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Detroit and New Castle that was responsible for the acquisition of kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, including in the form of crack, as well as other controlled substances such as oxycodone, via interstate sources of supply. The DTO distributed those drugs to other dealers throughout and beyond Western Pennsylvania, and several members of the DTO regularly travelled back and forth between New Castle and Detroit in furtherance of the illegal drug activities. A number of the defendants have extensive criminal records, some stretching back more than three decades, including prior felony drug-trafficking and firearms convictions.

The search warrant affidavit alleges that, in March 2024, one of the leaders of this DTO, Christian Frierson, was arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in the vicinity of Omaha, Nebraska. Frierson, who was driving eastbound from California, was found in possession of a safe containing over 1,000 grams of fentanyl and nearly 250 grams of heroin. Frierson was charged with drug crimes in Nebraska state court and released on bond. The affidavit asserts that he promptly resumed his large-scale drug trafficking activities in furtherance of the Detroit/New Castle DTO.

According to the search warrant affidavit, agents utilized confidential sources and informants, extensive surveillance and analysis of phone records, controlled purchases of drugs, search warrants, and eventually court-authorized wiretaps from May 2024 to the present (among other investigative tools) to gather evidence in an effort to ascertain the scope of the illegal drug activities. Intercepted wiretap calls and text messages revealed that several members of the DTO in Detroit recruited individuals to work at “trap houses” (i.e., drug processing and distribution locations) in New Castle. The DTO, on an ongoing basis, distributed large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl/oxycodone pills.

“This conspiracy involved a tight-knit network of family and friends—many of whom previously have been convicted of felony drug and firearms crimes—who allegedly trafficked large quantities of lethal narcotics, like fentanyl and heroin, between Detroit and Western Pennsylvania, supplying them to other dealers along the way,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Dismantling large-scale drug-trafficking organizations in order to keep our communities safe is at the center of what our office does, and we could not accomplish this critical mission without the support of the public and the strength of our partnerships at all levels of law enforcement here in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

“Multi-state and multi-jurisdictional operations like what took place today show that the FBI and our partners stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to keeping this poison out of communities everywhere,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The message to those who want to peddle illegal drugs and guns is clear: we will not stand idle while our neighborhoods are held hostage by crime.”

The law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Vincent Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment unsealed today.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

List of Defendants

Name

Age

Place of Residence

Christian Frierson

33

Detroit, MI

Devail Adams

54

Oak Park, MI

Christopher Barton

24

New Castle, PA

Patrick Brown

32

Detroit, MI

Roy Brown

55

Westland, MI

Frank Christian

51

Youngstown, OH

Tyrone Davis

35

Detroit, MI

Edward Dietrich

59

New Castle, PA

Alexis Donnell

29

New Castle, PA

Dedric Higginbotham

55

Detroit, MI

Kiara Jones

24

New Castle, PA

Quinten Jones

38

Detroit, MI

Kenneth King

37

New Castle, PA

Jermaine Lett

52

Detroit, MI

Marcus Mason

32

New Castle, PA

Daniel Rasnick

27

New Castle, PA

Kendra Sager

32

New Castle, PA

Jauan Searcy

42

New Castle, PA

George Wyatt

61

New Castle, PA

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 30, 2024, to charges of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Dylan Adams, 29, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

According to information presented to the Court, on July 9, 2021, surveillance footage from a Monessen, Pennsylvania, bank recorded a male wearing a baseball cap, a mask, and white sneakers walk into the bank and slide a note to the teller demanding $15,000 and threatening to “shoot” if the police were called. In response, the teller provided the male $3,731, and the male fled before law enforcement’s arrival.

Forensic evidence identified Adams as the individual who committed the bank robbery, with investigators also finding a photograph of Adams on his social media account that showed the same white sneakers worn during the bank robbery.

Following the July 9 bank robbery, law enforcement released still images of the surveillance footage. On July 23, 2021, an employee of a credit union in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, contacted law enforcement indicating that he recognized the male from those still images as someone who had entered the credit union and then left after observing that all of the tellers were occupied with other customers. An employee of the credit union quickly locked the door behind the man, who attempted to re-enter the bank through that and another door, but was told that the bank was closed. Law enforcement again identified Adams as the individual who attempted to commit this bank robbery.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2024. The maximum penalty at each count is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Adams.