Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Arnold, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 132 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Milton Paschal, 44.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around September 2021 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Paschal conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Further, in and around December 2022, Paschal possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Paschal was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine 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 Paschal. 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 Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on his conviction of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Nicholas Ostheimer, 26. Judge Bissoon also ordered Ostheimer to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Ostheimer previously pleaded guilty in this case to (1) conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021; (2) distributing cocaine on November 18, 2020; and (3) possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base on June 17, 2021. According to information presented to the Court, Ostheimer conspired to and did distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout much of 2020 and 2021, with $58,375 in drug trafficking proceeds, 859 grams of cocaine, and wrappers for kilograms of cocaine among the items found in his residence on June 17, 2021.

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 Ostheimer.

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 Greenville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Devon Smith, 26.

According to information presented to the Court, on December 22, 2021, Smith unlawfully possessed two pistols and ammunition after having been convicted of drug trafficking and aggravated assault crimes through two state prosecutions in 2020 as well as several other crimes through prior state prosecutions. Smith was on parole for the drug trafficking and aggravated assault convictions at the time of his 2021 offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

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 Sarasota, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of assaulting federal officers, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Steven M. Seitz, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about July 9, 2024, Seitz entered the Joseph F. Weis, Jr., U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh looking for the Central Intelligence Agency and refused several requests from Courthouse Security Officers to leave the building. When Courthouse Security Officers attempted to escort Seitz from the building, Seitz unlawfully and forcibly assaulted, resisted, and opposed the officers, resulting in bodily injuries to at least two of the officers. Seitz remains detained since his arrest under a federal criminal complaint for these charges on July 9, 2024.

The law provides for a maximum 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 Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal jury in Pittsburgh convicted Rodney Blake, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Robert Morrisey Jr., 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of possessing forged securities in federal court in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

According to evidence introduced during the four-day trial, from March 2019 to March 2020 and again from June 2021 to April 2022, the defendants orchestrated a fraudulent check scheme in which they and their conspirators stole mail to obtain valid business checks, which were then used to create large numbers of forged checks drawing on the businesses’ bank accounts. The fraudulent checks were made payable to individuals—many of whom were homeless or struggling with addiction—who had been recruited by Blake and Morrisey to cash the checks in exchange for a small share of the proceeds. At trial, the government introduced evidence concerning 115 fraudulent checks with a combined value of more than $225,000, drawn on the bank accounts of over 20 Pittsburgh-area businesses and organizations.

“Robert Morrisey Jr. and Rodney Blake used people addicted to drugs and otherwise living on the margins to cash hundreds of thousands of dollars in counterfeit checks drawn on the business accounts of more than 20 victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This prosecution and the jury’s verdict brought the defendants out of the shadows, shining a light on their conduct and holding them accountable for a brazen fraud scheme. Businesses in this district should be able to mail checks without fear that this simple act will lead to financial ruin, and this office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to ensuring that they can.”

Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, said: “As a primary focus of our mission, Postal Inspectors worked aggressively on this case to track down and identify the subjects involved with stealing mail and committing fraud. It’s our job to protect the sanctity of the mail and ensure the public’s trust in using it. I commend the collaborative efforts of all the agencies involved to bring these individuals to justice.”

“The investigation of Rodney Blake and Robert Morrisey Jr. highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ focus on dismantling financial fraud networks. Together with our partner agencies, we have successfully removed two predators who preyed on business owners and struggling citizens alike,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan R Abel. “This investigation and prosecution is a testament to the power of interagency cooperation and the strength of our partnership with the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of
Pennsylvania.”

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Possession of a forged security is punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, and Richland Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Thomas Hyatt-Baney, 21, formerly of Wampum, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Hyatt-Baney, on or about May 28, 2023, and June 25, 2023, produced visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Indictment also charges Hyatt-Baney with possessing, on or about September 9, 2023, videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent and under the age of 12 years.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years or more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. 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.

The United States has filed a civil complaint under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) against National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, National General Insurance Company, National General Lender Services Inc. and Newport Management Corporation (National General), alleging that, for over a decade, National General erroneously force-placed its Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) product on vehicles financed through Wells Fargo, despite borrowers already having insurance through other carriers.

“Companies must deal fairly and honestly with consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s lawsuit demonstrates that the department will use all of the tools at its disposable to protect the American public against deceptive and fraudulent business practices.”

“Today’s complaint alleges a long-running scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of car buyers,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “For years, these defendants saddled ordinary Americans, including residents of this district, with allegedly unnecessary insurance, leading to dire real-world consequences like repossessed vehicles and other unwarranted collection activities. This enforcement action reinforces an important message: our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will take decisive action to combat fraud in the insurance industry, protect consumers and hold companies accountable for their wrongdoing under federal law.”

The government’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleges that, from at least 2008 and through the latter part of 2016, National General systemically failed to accurately track whether cars financed by Wells Fargo had the requisite insurance coverage from an outside carrier, and thereby knowingly or recklessly force-placed its own, much costlier CPI on at least 655,000 vehicles that already had outside insurance. In particular, the United States alleges that National General’s tracking efforts were deficient for a variety of reasons, including that National General repeatedly mailed letters seeking insurance information to borrowers at addresses that had previously been returned as undeliverable; in many instances, National General made no phone calls to insurance carriers, agents or borrowers to obtain outside insurance information, despite internal requirements to make a certain number of phone calls; and National General often failed to match insurance information in its possession to financed vehicles.

According to the complaint, National General knew for years that its so-called tracking system was wholly ineffective and that it was routinely imposing force-placed CPI on hundreds of thousands of borrowers in error. National General allegedly received thousands of complaints from borrowers and tracked and reported, both internally and to Wells Fargo, its high “false placements” rates throughout the relevant period.

The complaint further alleges that, as a result of falsely placing CPI, borrowers were charged duplicative and unnecessary CPI premiums in connection with their loans, often without adequate notification to the borrowers. The United States also contends that National General’s conduct had a range of additional negative consequences for borrowers, including improper charges for late fees and interest, negative effects on credit scores and improper repossession of some financed vehicles.

FIRREA authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action for penalties for violations of certain criminal predicate offenses — as established by a preponderance of the evidence — that involve financial institutions or particular government agencies. The United States’ complaint alleges that National General violated FIRREA by committing the predicate acts of mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud.

The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. The United States is represented in this matter by Trial Attorneys Lindsay DeFrancesco and Laura Hill of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Fischer for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Peter Williams was convicted of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Williams, age 57 of Northfield, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. He pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base on January 5, 2021. Judge Conti scheduled sentencing to occur on December 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

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.

Joshua Edmonds, 31, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson on July 23, 2024.

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, Edmonds conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. Edmonds was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for November 26, 2024. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of at least 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, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edmonds. 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.

ERIE, Pa. - An Indian national has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years in jail and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Upendra Aduru, 32.

According to information presented to the court, from September 20, 2022, to October 6, 2022, Aduru, an Indian national in the United States on a student visa, communicated via social media with a detective posing as a thirteen-year-old girl. During the communication, Aduru repeatedly expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the purported thirteen-year-old and even sent the undercover detective several images of adult pornography. Aduru also repeatedly sought to meet with the girl and eventually traveled to a park in Millcreek Township after setting up a meeting with the girl. He was arrested after his arrival and a search of his phone revealed the social media communications between Aduru and the undercover detective.

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.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department, the Millcreek Police Department, the Erie County Detectives, the Shaler Township Police Department and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aduru.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, PA, a resident of Monroeville, PA, a resident of Penn Hills, PA, and a resident of Murrysville, PA have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, and federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The eight-count Indictment names the following four individuals as defendants:

- Derrick Lyman, 58, of McKeesport, PA.
- Kenneth Hamlin, Jr., 59, of Murrysville, PA.
- Daniel Jackson, 47, of Penn Hills, PA.
- Devlin Clifford, 46, of Monroeville, PA.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 27, 2024, Lyman is alleged to have unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin. Further, on June 27, 2024, Lyman, Hamlin, Jackson, and Clifford are alleged to have unlawfully possessed a firearm as convicted felons. Hamlin and Jackson are further alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and Clifford possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on the same date.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

The conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Tampa, Florida pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Thomas Edward Grossman, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grossman transported a minor female from Pennsylvania to West Virginia with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Grossman also persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. The Court was also advised that the parties agreed as part of the plea agreement that the appropriate sentence in this case is a twenty-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

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.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years and not more than life, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the West Virginia State Police and the Summersville, West Virginia Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Grossman.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 7 years in jail, 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution on his conviction of receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Aaron Ray McClelland, 29.

According to information presented to the court, in and around October 2020 and July 2021, McClelland received images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and Indiana County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McClelland.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing and attempting to distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Michael Paul Ambrose, 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around November 2022, Ambrose distributed and attempted to distribute images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Court was also advised that the parties agreed as part of the plea agreement that the appropriate sentence in this case is a twelve-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

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.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ambrose.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of New Castle, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Kevin Tulla Torres, age 28, pleaded guilty to distributing and conspiring to distribute cocaine. Luis Rivera Otero, age 37, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Tulla Torres, with the help of Rivera Otero, managed a drug trafficking operation that sold drugs in Western Pennsylvania, specifically in the New Castle/Lawrence County area. The arrests of Tulla Torres, Rivera Otero, and another co-conspirator, as well as 14 others charged by separate Indictment, were the result of a 13-month investigation into drug trafficking in and around Lawrence County.

According to information presented to the Court, members of the group utilized the United States Postal Service to receive drug shipments from a supplier in Puerto Rico. Tulla Torres, Rivera Otero, and others then worked together to sell the cocaine as part of an ongoing criminal drug-trafficking conspiracy within Western Pennsylvania.

With regard to Tulla Torres, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both for the most serious offense. The total maximum sentence for Rivera Otero is not more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments in this case in close collaboration with the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Castle City Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Department of Agriculture, Union Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police.

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.

Lawrence County is one of six western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on July 23, 2024, to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Darnell Maurice Manson, 23.

According to information presented to the Court, Manson possessed a firearm after being convicted of several felonies for conduct that occurred in or around October 2018 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

On or about August 8, 2021, pursuant to a search warrant following a traffic stop, Brentwood Borough Police Department discovered a Smith & Wesson Model 9 M&P Shield, 9mm caliber pistol, and 9mm ammunition, as well as stamp gangs of heroin in the vehicle that Mason was driving.

On February 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Manson for this conduct. On October 4, 2023, Manson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of federal firearms law.

Manson’s federal sentence will be imposed consecutively to his state sentence of 24 months for violating his conditions of state parole.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Brentwood Borough Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Manson.

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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – On July 18, 2024, a resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 27 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of federal supervised release, on his convictions for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marcus Valenzi, 35.

According to information presented to the court, between August 2022 and November 2023, federal and state law enforcement conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating within the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation identified Valenzi as a member of the conspiracy, and federal search warrants executed upon residences used by the conspirators in McKees Rocks, PA, resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, firearms, and cellular phones. A subsequent federal search warrant executed upon Valenzi’s residence resulted in the seizure of over $16,000, multiple cellular phones, and xylazine, a dangerous substance used as a cutting agent for fentanyl. A search of Valenzi’s phones revealed communications with a drug customer, who requested the return of his firearm. Valenzi responded that he threw the gun in the river after the “fed raided that house in rocks.” At the time Valenzi possessed his drug customer’s firearm, he had been convicted in Florida of robbery, a felony. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – On July 18, 2024, a former resident of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Andrew Brent Steel, 33.

According to evidence presented during a prior hearing, federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County conducted a joint investigation into a drug trafficking organization from Detroit, Michigan, that was distributing controlled substances in and around Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Several controlled purchase operations revealed that drug customers would call a cellular telephone to purchase drugs. After negotiating the sale, the dealer would direct customers to one of several drug runners from apartments in Ambridge or New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified the members of the conspiracy through the interception of members transporting controlled substances from Detroit into Beaver County, in addition to controlled purchase operations. In total, law enforcement seized 130 grams of acetyl fentanyl, 330 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture, and 200 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. At the time of Steel’s arrest, he was found in possession of the cellular phone used in all controlled purchase operations.

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 the Attorney General, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Steel and his conspirators.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A total of twelve individuals from the Pittsburgh area have been charged with narcotics and firearms charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a three-count Indictment naming Cody Duncan, 33, of Verona; Ronell Cathie, 30, of Pittsburgh; Melvin Gaines, 29, of Oakmont; Curtis Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh; Malik Martinez, 27, of Pittsburgh; Cayce Williams, 22, of Pittsburgh; Devaughn Faulk, 27, of Pittsburgh; and Antonio Arrington, 22, of Pittsburgh, as defendants. The Indictment was unsealed today following their arrests.

According to the Indictment, the defendants were members and associates of the Zhoove street gang that operated in and around the Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, and Mount Washington neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. From March 2024 until July 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, both Schedule II controlled substances. The Indictment also alleges that Arrington and Curtis Williams each possessed a 9mm handgun and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of federal law.

Indictments against three related defendants—Morisee Williams, 41; Syere Franklin, 24; and Charles Stephens, 60; all of Pittsburgh—were also unsealed today, charging each defendant with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Finally, Oneal Olive, 31, of Pittsburgh, was arrested this morning during execution of search warrants in this investigation and charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. These defendants allegedly possessed a variety of firearms, including, as to Williams, an AR-style semiautomatic rifle, and, as to Stephens, a Polymer-80 privately made firearm or “ghost gun.”

“Street gangs like the so-called Zhoove gang terrorize our law-abiding neighbors who simply want to live in communities free of deadly drugs and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s arrests demonstrate our ceaseless commitment to protecting the people of western Pennsylvania, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our partners at the FBI who stand shoulder to shoulder with us every day.”

“Armed traffickers who funnel this poison into our neighborhoods act with utter disregard for human life, and today’s arrests should send a clear message there are serious consequences for this illegal activity,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who are a danger to our communities.”

The drug-trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. The felon-in-possession charges carry a maximum sentence of 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 or complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Saints Marys, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Gary James Murray, 44, as the sole defendant and was unsealed on July 15, 2024, following his arrest.

According to the Indictment, from October 1, 2022, to April 4, 2024, Murray conspired with individuals in Canada to conceal and ship Glock pistols from the United States to Canada without the required license and contrary to exportation regulations. The firearms Murray allegedly smuggled across the border were prohibited weapons in Canada. Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Murray communicated with multiple buyers in Canada who were interested in purchasing firearms from him and arranging to have them smuggled over the border. Murray, who communicated with the buyers using the encrypted Telegram messaging application, allegedly purchased numerous Glock handguns from local dealers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, disassembled the weapons, and concealed the parts inside household objects such as glue guns, camping kits, and staplers. Murray then allegedly packaged the items and shipped them to British Columbia via the U.S. Postal Service and UPS. As alleged, Murray provided the buyers with instructions on how to reassemble the firearms after they had received the packages in Canada. In exchange for purchasing and smuggling the firearms, Murray allegedly received payments from buyers via Cash App, including more than $20,000 in payments during a two-week period in late January and early February 2024.

“Gary Murray allegedly used his ready access to firearms in the United States to pursue a lucrative cross-border trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This prosecution demonstrates once again the resolve of our office and our partners at the ATF to track down and put a stop to illicit firearms sales—including those that span international borders—as well as our commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.”

“Stopping firearms trafficking, which puts guns in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people, is a top priority at ATF,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Far from being a victimless crime, trafficking presents a grave threat to public safety. Through enhanced cooperation and coordination with Canadian authorities, including expanded access to the eTrace systems, we disrupted this international firearms trafficking operation, keeping many illegal guns from criminals in the U.S. and Canada.”

Murray is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit firearms smuggling, unlawful transfer of a firearm to an out-of-state resident, and firearms smuggling. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with critical assistance from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit from British Columbia, Canada.

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

Butler, Pennsylvania, based Armstrong Group has agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly violating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules governing the agency’s High-Cost Program and submitting improper costs in order to inflate the subsidies it received from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

The FCC established the USF to help ensure that all people in the United States have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges. The High-Cost Program is one of four programs that comprise the USF and aims to ensure that consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to modern communications networks capable of providing reasonably comparable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. In pursuit of that goal, the High-Cost Program provides federal funds to qualified eligible telecommunications carriers, including incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), that receive subsidies to expand connectivity infrastructure within the United States.

The United States alleged that, between 2008 and 2023, five ILECs owned by Armstrong Group (Armstrong Telephone Company – Maryland, Armstrong Telephone Company – New York, Armstrong Telephone Company – Northern Division, Armstrong Telephone Company – Pennsylvania, and Armstrong Telephone Company – West Virginia) failed to comply with FCC regulations that governed what costs they were allowed to report for purposes of claiming subsidy payments from the government, and as a result these companies received greater subsidy payments than those to which they were entitled.

“Telecommunications providers that seek to participate in important FCC programs like the High-Cost Program must comply with applicable rules, including those governing how they report the costs used to calculate their subsidies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the FCC’s operations and services.”

“When providers like the Armstrong Group fail to follow federal law and FCC regulations, they jeopardize not only critical government programs but also consumers’ ability to access a modern lifeline — rapid, reliable, and efficient telecommunications services,” said U.S.  Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our office’s dedication to ensuring the business community plays fairly, particularly with respect to public funds, and further assures our rural neighbors throughout the district that we will work vigorously to protect their access to essential services that many people take for granted.”

“In the digital age, it is critical for everyone, everywhere to have access to reliable, high-speed broadband, including in rural and underserved areas. That is why we are laser-focused on pursuing waste, fraud, and abuse in these critical programs and ensuring that available funds flow to companies that play by the rules,” said General Counsel Michele Ellison for the FCC. “I applaud the continuing collaboration among the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Justice toward this important objective.”

“Carriers receiving support from the USF or any FCC benefit program must understand that actions undermining the claims process will not be tolerated and will be investigated vigorously,” said Inspector General Fara Damelin of the FCC. “The FCC Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the FCC to ensure the integrity of the FCC’s programs. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania for their unrelenting dedication to this case.”

Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Armstrong Group has entered into a robust corporate compliance agreement with the FCC, requiring Armstrong to adopt concrete changes in the company’s internal controls and implement comprehensive oversight and monitoring mechanisms.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by James Ranko, Armstrong Group’s former Controller. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any subsequent recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ranko v. Armstrong Group of Companies, et. al., Case No. 17-1052 (W.D. Pa.). The whistleblower will receive $1,267,500 as his share of the recovery.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FCC’s Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the FCC’s Office of General Counsel.

Senior Trial Counsel Benjamin C. Wei and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. Investigative Attorneys Elliot Lowenstein and Peter Feinberg of the FCC Office of Inspector General provided investigation support.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

Butler, Pennsylvania, based Armstrong Group has agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly violating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules governing the agency’s High-Cost Program and submitting improper costs in order to inflate the subsidies it received from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

The FCC established the USF to help ensure that all people in the United States have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges. The High-Cost Program is one of four programs that comprise the USF and aims to ensure that consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to modern communications networks capable of providing reasonably comparable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. In pursuit of that goal, the High-Cost Program provides federal funds to qualified eligible telecommunications carriers, including incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), that receive subsidies to expand connectivity infrastructure within the United States.

The United States alleged that, between 2008 and 2023, five ILECs owned by Armstrong Group (Armstrong Telephone Company – Maryland, Armstrong Telephone Company – New York, Armstrong Telephone Company – Northern Division, Armstrong Telephone Company – Pennsylvania, and Armstrong Telephone Company – West Virginia) failed to comply with FCC regulations that governed what costs they were allowed to report for purposes of claiming subsidy payments from the government, and as a result these companies received greater subsidy payments than those to which they were entitled.

“Telecommunications providers that seek to participate in important FCC programs like the High-Cost Program must comply with applicable rules, including those governing how they report the costs used to calculate their subsidies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the FCC’s operations and services.”

“When providers like the Armstrong Group fail to follow federal law and FCC regulations, they jeopardize not only critical government programs but also consumers’ ability to access a modern lifeline — rapid, reliable, and efficient telecommunications services,” said U.S.  Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our office’s dedication to ensuring the business community plays fairly, particularly with respect to public funds, and further assures our rural neighbors throughout the district that we will work vigorously to protect their access to essential services that many people take for granted.”

“In the digital age, it is critical for everyone, everywhere to have access to reliable, high-speed broadband, including in rural and underserved areas. That is why we are laser-focused on pursuing waste, fraud, and abuse in these critical programs and ensuring that available funds flow to companies that play by the rules,” said General Counsel Michele Ellison for the FCC. “I applaud the continuing collaboration among the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Justice toward this important objective.”

“Carriers receiving support from the USF or any FCC benefit program must understand that actions undermining the claims process will not be tolerated and will be investigated vigorously,” said Inspector General Fara Damelin of the FCC. “The FCC Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the FCC to ensure the integrity of the FCC’s programs. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania for their unrelenting dedication to this case.”

Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Armstrong Group has entered into a robust corporate compliance agreement with the FCC, requiring Armstrong to adopt concrete changes in the company’s internal controls and implement comprehensive oversight and monitoring mechanisms.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by James Ranko, Armstrong Group’s former Controller. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any subsequent recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ranko v. Armstrong Group of Companies, et. al., Case No. 17-1052 (W.D. Pa.). The whistleblower will receive $1,267,500 as his share of the recovery.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FCC’s Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the FCC’s Office of General Counsel.

Senior Trial Counsel Benjamin C. Wei and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. Investigative Attorneys Elliot Lowenstein and Peter Feinberg of the FCC Office of Inspector General provided investigation support.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

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

Frank T. Poerio, Jr., 62, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Poerio used sensitive, material non-public information (MNPI) obtained from a Dick’s Sporting Goods (Dick’s) employee to engage in 160 trades of the company’s securities on the New York Stock Exchange. These transactions included the purchase of individual shares and call option contracts and occurred between August 2019 and May 2021, when the insider worked in a data analytics role at the company’s corporate offices in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The trades netted approximately $823,000 in profits for Poerio, who often spoke with the employee about finances and investing. Several of the trading incidents occurred in the days immediately preceding Dick’s release of periodic earnings statements—so called “blackout” periods, when Dick’s employees were prohibited from trading in the company’s securities.

“Frank Poerio admitted to gaming the system by using material non-public information from a company employee to conduct well more than a hundred trades over the course of several years that resulted in nearly a million dollars in profit,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Our office is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners and fellow agencies to protect the integrity of our public trading systems and ensure that anyone who cheats those systems to score easy profits is held accountable under the law.”

“Insider trading erodes the foundation of our economy and undermines public trust in our institutions. This is not simply a casual, petty crime,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI will persistently pursue those who believe they can abuse their position to unfairly reap financial gains at the expense of others. The FBI and our partners remain vigilant in fighting for fairness and integrity in our financial system.”

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2024. At each count, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $5 million fine, 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, among other factors.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of cocaine trafficking within 1,000 feet of a public housing location, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Cleo Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Johnson possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of public housing on October 29, 2021.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than one year and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 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, among other factors.

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

The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Ellenwood, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring and traveling interstate to commit extortion, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Richard W. Long, 50.

According to information presented to the Court, in July of 2022, Long participated in a conspiracy to extort money from victims in Western Pennsylvania. Conspirators who had access to cell phones while incarcerated in a Georgia prison called victims and falsely represented themselves as sheriff’s deputies who had arrest warrants for the victims. Victims were told that these warrants were the result of their purported failure to appear for a court hearing pursuant to a subpoena that had supposedly been served on them. The callers convinced victims that, to avoid arrest, they needed to appear at bail bond agencies in Pittsburgh, where victims then paid cash “bonds” or “fines” to Long when he met them in the parking lot. Three victims paid a total of approximately $39,750 to Long and his co-conspirators.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman spoke to the “reprehensible” conduct of the conspirators, noting that they specifically targeted good, hard-working citizens to get their money.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Sheriff's Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Long.

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

The one-count Indictment named Thomas James Clark, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 20, 2024, Clark—who has prior felony convictions—possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

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 Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is 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. – A Saint Martin citizen unlawfully residing in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 60 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 crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Hector Concepcion, 35.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2019 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Concepcion conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base in the form commonly known as “crack” and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Further, in and around July 2021, Concepcion, an illegal alien who is unlawfully in the United States, possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States, or who is an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa, from possessing a firearm. Concepcion was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine that he distributed to others.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon 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 Concepcion. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included 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, was sentenced in federal court on July 2, 2024, to 15 years in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Kevin Rucker, 53.

According to information presented to the Court, over the course of nearly a year, Rucker supplied multiple kilograms of cocaine to other drug traffickers in the Pittsburgh area. During the conspiracy, Rucker was responsible for the possession or distribution of at least 35 kilograms of cocaine. Rucker was previously convicted in 2015 in federal court in Pittsburgh of conspiring to distribute heroin.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted that Rucker was a recidivist drug trafficker responsible for large-scale trafficking in the Pittsburgh area, and that Rucker served as a ringleader in the conspiracy. In addition to the term of incarceration, Judge Stickman also ordered Rucker to serve 10 years of supervised release following his release from prison.

“The successful investigation and prosecution of Kevin Rucker was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office and multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the Western District of Pennsylvania from drug traffickers—particularly large-scale, repeat offenders like Rucker—and the harm their criminal activities inflicts on our communities.”

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rucker.

This prosecution is part of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. 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 Duquesne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on July 1, 2024, to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of distributing fentanyl resulting in death, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Rahde Williamson, 28.

According to information presented to the Court, from December 2018 through August 2019, Williamson supplied over 400 grams of fentanyl to Monessen-based narcotics dealer Delmar Pritchett. In June 2019, Pritchett distributed some of that fentanyl to a 21-year-old woman, T.H., who died from an overdose of the drugs. Both Williamson and Pritchett accepted responsibility for T.H.’s death during the course of their prosecutions. In imposing Williamson’s sentence, the Court also considered Williamson’s participation in a separate conspiracy to distribute suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic, while awaiting trial at the Butler County Prison. Williamson previously was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in 2014 and was on federal supervised release at the time of his conduct in this case.

On May 17, 2024, Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer sentenced Pritchett to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the death of T.H. and the drug conspiracy with Williamson.

“Today’s sentencing is yet another reminder that the distribution of fentanyl can lead to tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Rahde Williamson was responsible for the fentanyl that found its way into the hands of a 21-year-old victim, and even after T.H.’s death, the defendant continued to deal drugs—this time, suboxone—while detained and awaiting trial. This office and our partners in law enforcement are dedicated to holding accountable those who distribute deadly substances on the street or inside the walls of a jail.”

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williamson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Laurel, Maryland, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and restitution of more than $50,000 following her conviction for theft of government funds from two federal agencies, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Briayell Moore, 43.

In connection with Moore’s guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from approximately June 2010 until approximately May 2017, Moore misrepresented her household circumstances and eligibility for two different federally funded programs designed to assist lower income citizens. This involved Moore providing false information about her household composition, income, and marital status to receive Housing Assistance Payments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as to qualify for and receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Moore would neither have been eligible for nor received these benefits based on her actual household composition, income, marital status, and other factors.

Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Conti noted that Moore’s conduct deprived other deserving community members of the benefits to which they were entitled. As part of her sentence, Moore was ordered to pay restitution to both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Allegheny Housing Authority’s Investigations Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moore.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 25, 2024, to a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Mark Kriss, 64, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Kriss made contact with a 14-year-old minor over an online adult dating site targeted at extramarital affairs and, on May 22, 2021, received digital photographs from the minor depicting her sexual exploitation. Kriss also acknowledged responsibility for meeting the minor for the purpose of engaging in sex acts at a local motel.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and 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.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kriss.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Tre Robert Goins, 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 24, 2024, Goins was found to be in possession of a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, which he intended to distribute. A previously convicted felon, Goins also knowingly and unlawfully possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and 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 offenses 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. - A resident of the Bronx, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of interstate transportation of stolen money, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Rolando Jose Pena, 47.

According to information presented to the Court, between April 2022 and March 2023, Pena and his co-defendants broke into and stole cash from skilled gaming machines located throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia, then transported the stolen money back to New York. In total, Pena and his conspirators stole more than $800,000 from over 40 establishments.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and various law enforcement departments throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pena.

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

John Christopher Bisbee, 44, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson to Counts Two, Three, Thirteen, and Fourteen of the Superseding Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around July 2019 to in and around June 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Bisbee conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Bisbee, who led and directed the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Erie and surrounding areas, including New York, was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining kilogram quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others. Through a source of supply in Atlanta, Bisbee imported dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine at a time, packaged it for final distribution, and provided it to a network of distributors below him to distribute and collect proceeds from the drugs.

During the execution of a search warrant at Bisbee’s residence in June 2020, law enforcement agents seized two handguns and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. Under federal law, Bisbee is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition based on previous felony convictions for drug trafficking. In this case, Bisbee also pleaded guilty to possessing these firearms in furtherance of the instant federal drug trafficking crime.

Bisbee additionally acknowledged that, from in and around July 2019 to in and around June 2020, he conspired with others to commit money laundering by using drug proceeds to purchase real estate with cash.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history 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 Bisbee. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on June 18, 2024, to 52 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two separate violations of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Raesean M. Wilson, 22.

According to information presented to the Court, Wilson was convicted of a felony in March 2022 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On or about September 21, 2022, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police observed Wilson in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with an extended magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood. On January 3, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Wilson for this incident and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On or about January 26, 2023, following his indictment for the previous incident, Wilson was stopped by Pennsylvania State Troopers in downtown Pittsburgh for a moving traffic violation and found to be in possession of a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with an extended magazine and 23 rounds of ammunition, which he possessed in connection with the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine. On February 28, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Wilson for this second firearms offense.

Wilson pleaded guilty to both crimes in December 2023.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wilson.

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.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 13, 2024, to a violation of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Ryan Mendoza, 31, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 25, 2021, members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police recovered over 6,400 stamp bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl from a hotel room in Pittsburgh. The room had been rented by Mendoza the previous night. Mendoza was ultimately taken into custody and admitted to possession of the recovered drugs.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum 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 Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mendoza.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment on his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin and 10 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fluorofentanyl and fentanyl, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Darnell Wynn, 44.

According to information presented to the Court, on February 15, 2021, Wynn was identified by law enforcement as the shooter in an incident that had prompted multiple reports of shots fired. A search warrant executed upon Wynn’s Butler residence resulted in the seizure of Wynn’s wallet and a key to a car that was parked behind the residence. A separate search of that car’s trunk resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber handgun loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition, additional .40 caliber ammunition, pistol magazines, approximately 170 grams of heroin, approximately 39 grams of a fluorofentanyl and fentanyl mixture, and Wynn’s debit card. A laboratory later confirmed that the shell casings recovered from the scene of the shooting had been discharged by the same firearm.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the City of Butler Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wynn.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty in federal court to a drug trafficking charge, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Adelin Hernandez Amparo, 31, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County conducted a joint investigation into the Kijana Lowe drug trafficking organization. On November 8, 2021, law enforcement conducted a surveillance operation at the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Pittsburgh, and observed Hernandez Amparo and another individual exit the bus station with two suitcases and get into a vehicle driven by a co-defendant. Mobile surveillance followed the vehicle to a motel in Coraopolis.

Surveillance observed Lowe enter the motel room occupied by Hernandez Amparo and the two co-defendants, and then back outside, accept one of the suitcases transported from the bus station. Law enforcement detained the individuals and executed search warrants on the suitcase, the motel room, and Lowe’s vehicle. The suitcase contained nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Lowe’s vehicle contained over $280,000 that was to be used to purchase the seized cocaine. A search of cell phones revealed text messages from Lowe in which Lowe complained about having to pay three people for the drug re-supply, referring to Hernandez Amparo and his associates.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for October 16, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court remanded Hernandez Amparo to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hernandez Amparo.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court on June 11, 2024, to 46 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Anthony Cook, 55.

According to information presented to the Court, Cook supplied over five kilograms of cocaine to two cocaine distributors based in the Western District of Pennsylvania after personally transporting the drugs from Chicago.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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, was sentenced in federal court on June 10, 2024, to 180 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $26,583.43 in restitution on his conviction of robbery and firearms violations, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Richard James, 33.

According to information presented to the Court, in April and May of 2021, James committed a series of armed robberies of cellular phone stores in the Pittsburgh area, during each of which James brandished a pistol at store employees. During one robbery, James ordered a store employee to the ground at gunpoint before demanding that the employee put cell phones in his bag. At another robbery, James rushed an employee as she was entering the back storage area of the store and then dragged her into the room. While holding that employee at gunpoint, James demanded that a second employee fill his bag with cell phones. The Court was also informed that James was found in illegal possession of a firearm in August 2021. As a previously convicted felon, James is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

“The successful investigation and prosecution of Richard James for his commission of several violent armed robberies was a collaborative effort between our office, the ATF, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Swissvale Police Department, and Wilkinsburg Police Department,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Among the results of that collaboration is that James will be spending the next decade and a half in federal prison. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to help protect our communities from gun violence and prosecute those who attempt to carry out such crimes.”

“Stopping firearms-related violent crime and bringing justice for its victims is core to ATF’s mission,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “I hope the sentencing of Richard James brings closure and helps restore a sense of security to his victims and the communities he terrorized.”

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Swissvale Police Department for the investigation leading to the prosecution of James.

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

Dontae Blackshear, 25, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between May 2021 and October 2022.

Blackshear was charged as part of a drug-trafficking crew operating in Mercer and Lawrence counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. As part of his plea agreement, Blackshear stipulated that he was responsible for conspiring to distribute 20 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of cocaine. Blackshear has a prior state court felony drug-trafficking conviction from 2021 involving fentanyl and heroin, for which he was sentenced to one to two years in prison and was on parole when he committed the federal drug-trafficking crime.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Blackshear remains detained pending sentencing.

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 conviction of Blackshear.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Dimetrius Morris of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for committing drug trafficking and firearms crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Morris, 39, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville, who also ordered Morris to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Morris previously pleaded guilty in this case to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine on February 20, 2020, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Prior to that date, Morris had been convicted in federal and state courts of several drug trafficking and weapons crimes throughout the previous 15 years, and spent nearly 10 of those years in prison serving the various sentences imposed for those crimes and corresponding supervised release/parole violations.

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

The Sharon Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Farrell Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Morris.

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 resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 37 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, following his federal drug trafficking conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jose Santiago Hernandez, 32. In February, Hernandez pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 28, 2021, Hernandez attempted to take possession of two parcels that contained a collective weight of over 5,000 grams of cocaine. Hernandez was attempting to pick up these parcels from an apartment complex in Monroeville when he was apprehended by law enforcement.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the serious nature of Hernandez’s conduct, noting the harm to the community that could have resulted but for law enforcement’s intervention. She also expressed concern regarding the quantity of cocaine Hernandez attempted to possess.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hernandez.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Guatemala has been sentenced in federal court to three months of incarceration to be followed by immediate deportation after pleading guilty to fraudulently using a social security number and improper entry into the United States by an alien, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Abel Castillo-Monrroy, 36.

According to the information presented to the Court, on or about June 23, 2021, Castillo-Monrroy used the date of birth and social security number of a Texas resident to unlawfully obtain a Pennsylvania identification card. Further, on or about August 1, 2023, while incarcerated on other charges, Castillo-Monrroy was found to be unlawfully present in the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Border Patrol for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Castillo-Monrroy.

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

Shawn Workman, 45, 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 June 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Workman conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Workman was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for October 10, 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 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 Workman. 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 South Park, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on June 3, 2024, to 130 months of incarceration, to be followed by seven years of supervised release, on his convictions of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Michael Moran, 66, after he pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2022.

According to information presented to the Court, Moran uploaded more than 200 images of child sexual assault material to Flickr/SmugMug in August 2018. Subsequent investigation by the FBI and Allegheny County Police led to the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force executing a search warrant at Moran’s South Park residence. There, law enforcement officers seized multiple computers, tablets, phones, hard drives, and other electronic equipment, many of which contained child sexual abuse material including photos and videos. Law enforcement also determined that Moran had publicly posted sexually explicit images of minors to his Flickr accounts that were then marked as favorites by other users.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer noted the seriousness of Moran’s conduct and that Congress had purposely made penalties for child pornography offenses harsh. She also stated that use of a computer makes the crime easier to perpetrate but more difficult for the public to know of a defendant’s wrongdoing. In determining the sentence, the Judge also considered Moran’s admission that he had sexually assaulted a minor with autism decades earlier.

Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Brown prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moran.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Lake City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $4,000 and to pay a $5,100 special assessment 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 William Joseph Leuschen, 39.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around May 2020 to in and around February 2022, Leuschen received and possessed images depicting prepubescent minors, some as young as infants and toddlers, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Erie County Detectives Bureau, and Erie County Adult Probation and Parole Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Leuschen.

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.

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

The two-count Indictment named James Michael Hendricks, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about May 8, 2021, to on or about May 16, 2022, Hendricks received images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Hendricks also possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material in and around June 2022.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police 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. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of conspiring to violate export laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence of one year of probation and a $2,500 fine on Derby Clerfe, 44.

According to information presented to the Court, Clerfe purchased nine handguns and provided them to another individual who would arrange for their export to Haiti without filing the export information required by federal law.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement’s New York Field Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clerfe.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Justin Nichols, 30, pleaded guilty before United States Senior District Judge David Stewart Cercone to committing the following crimes on July 3, 2023: (1) possession with intent to distribute of 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and of a quantity of cocaine at an address in Sharon, Pennsylvania; (2) possession with intent to distribute of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, of 100 grams or more of heroin, and of a quantity of cocaine at a second location in Sharon; and (3) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 3, 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 $5 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 Mercer County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nichols.