Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 25 years of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release for robbery, attempted robbery, and firearms violations, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Eric Jones, age 34.

According to information presented to the court, Jones committed four armed robberies of several Pittsburgh-area businesses in a nine-day period in March 2022. On March 6, 2022, Jones robbed the Fox’s Pizza on Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont, PA. During that robbery, he shot the owner of this business several times. The victim from this robbery suffered serious injuries. On March 10, 2022, Jones robbed the Sunoco gas station and convenience store on Hulton Road in Verona, PA, again using a firearm during the robbery.

On March 15, 2022, Jones attempted to rob the Family Dollar on Frankstown Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA. During this robbery, Jones fired a round from his pistol toward the rear of the store. On March 15, 2022, around 30 minutes after the attempted robbery of the Family Dollar, Jones attempted to rob the Edgewood Avenue Express on Edgewood Avenue in Edgewood, PA. During this attempted robbery, Jones shot the store owner once and attempted to shoot him again, but his gun jammed. The bullet grazed the store owner, but it did not cause serious injury.

Jones is a convicted felon and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Wiegand emphasized the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, and the impact it had on the victims and their families.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the Allegheny County Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Penn Hills Police Department; the Oakmont Police Department; the Edgewood Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for their extensive and collaborative investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jones.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Shantell Griggs was sentenced to 27 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Griggs, age 45, formerly of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered Griggs to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Griggs pled guilty earlier this year to conspiring to distribute cocaine between July 2019 and November 2021 in Sharon, Mercer County. Griggs also pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine on September 1, 2021, in Sharon. He stipulated to being responsible for the distribution of 300 grams of cocaine.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence 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 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Clinton Dudley, age 36, of Johnstown, PA pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about August 11, 2021, Dudley knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to facts presented to the court, Dudley attempted to possess a United States Postal Service parcel found to contain 622 grams of cocaine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2024. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dudley.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Darren Steven George Akers, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse material before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 9, 2023, Akers received and attempted to receive images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Akers also possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material from in and around May 2022, to in and around March 2023.

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 March 19, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Akers on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of a Firearm with an obliterated serial number, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Raymond Young, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 12, 2022, Allegheny County detectives were working in the Homestead area on a violent crime suppression detail when they retrieved a loaded Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun with a round in the chamber from Young’s pants. The serial numbers on the slide and frame of the weapon had been removed, and the weapon had been reported stolen. It is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 18, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Young.

A native resident of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty in federal court to two drug trafficking counts, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

On Monday, November 20, 2023, Habys Omar Meran pleaded guilty to both the heroin trafficking and criminal conspiracy counts in the 2016 federal Indictment, before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 26, 2016, Meran was driving a van containing a sophisticated, hydraulically activated, hidden compartment when stopped on Route 80 by a Pennsylvania State Trooper who specializes in drug interdiction. The compartment was found to contain over 4 kilograms of heroin - an amount valued at over $2 million once packaged and sold on the street. Meran’s passenger, his relative Juan Wilquin Hernandez-Bourdier, was convicted of all charges by a jury on December 13, 2018, and is currently serving his ten-year sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. But Meran had removed his ankle monitor and fled the country before trial on November 23, 2017. The United States Marshal Service initiated a fugitive investigation and Meran was arrested in the Dominican Republic in 2023. Meran was subsequently extradited back to the United States under an international treaty with the government of the Dominican Republic .

Judge Colville scheduled Meran’s sentencing for April 2, 2024, at 10:00am. Federal law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Meran also faces the imposition of restitution for the ankle monitor, and the forfeiture of the van he was driving. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded Meran back to federal custody.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and James Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of both Meran and Hernandez-Bourdier, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police Interdiction Team, the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab, the Department of Homeland Security Crime Lab, the United States Marshal Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

PITTSBURGH, PA – Jammar Shelton was sentenced to 36 months in prison for cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Shelton, age 44 of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered Shelton to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Prior to sentencing, Shelton pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between June 2020 and June 2021, and to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and public housing on May 17, 2021.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the convictions and sentence in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Turtle Creek Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and supervised release for 2 years on his conviction of violating federal laws regarding escape from imprisonment, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Sean Johnson Jr., age 29, formerly of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Johnson was serving the last portion of his 37-month federal prison sentence at the Renewal House, a half-way house designed to assist inmates’ re-integrate into society. Johnson received a work pass on July 20, 2022, but he did not return to the Renewal Center. He absconded from custody and eluded capture until October 19, 2022, when he was arrested by the McKeesport Police Department in connection with an unrelated matter.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Marshal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson Jr.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 300 months’ imprisonment followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for conspiracy to receive and distribute, as well as distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Court Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Robert Pacek, age 52.

According to information presented to the court, Pacek, while on probation for a prior state conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material, was an active participant in a chat room on the Tor network dedicated to the discussion and exchange of child sexual abuse material. On February 28, 2021, Pacek distributed five images depicting the sexual exploitation of young girls, who appeared to be between the ages of 4 and 6 years old, in that chat room. Pacek later admitted to accessing the Tor network using his neighbor’s router and sharing links to this material. A subsequent search of Pacek’s cell phone revealed approximately 100 videos and 3,000 images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including more than 100 images depicting the abuse of toddlers or infants.

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman explained that there is no more important government interest than “the protection of the innocence, safety and integrity of our children.” Judge Stickman noted that Pacek played more than a “passive role” in distributing images, noting that Pacek made “callous” comments when posting these images, and regularly greeted new members to the chat room. Judge Stickman emphasized that the use of computers contributes to the widespread distribution of this material and that these offenses involve real minors. Referring to the content of the images Pacek possessed, Judge Stickman noted that there is “no crime more serious in our district than the violation of the innocence of toddlers.”

Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Hornak imposed the sentence on Nicholas Lamont Carter, age 33, formerly of Detroit, Michigan.

According to information presented to the court, Carter was found in possession of 216 grams of fentanyl during a routine traffic stop that he intended to distribute. Carter has a significant criminal history that includes prior violent offenses and prior drug-related offenses, and he was on parole for offenses in West Virginia and Pennsylvania at the time of his possession of the 216 grams of fentanyl.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak noted the harm fentanyl has caused to the community and the need to protect the public from further crimes by this defendant.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Allegheny County Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.

PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for less than one hour, a federal jury found Norberto Castillo-Lopez guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Castillo-Lopez, 34, of Columbus, Ohio was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The evidence introduced during the three-day trial established that, beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was trafficking kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Columbus, Ohio into the Western District of Pennsylvania. Castillo-Lopez was intercepted agreeing to supply kilograms of cocaine to his coconspirator. That coconspirator redistributed Castillo-Lopez’s cocaine to lower-level distributors for resale in the cities of New Castle and Farrell. In September 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Castillo-Lopez’s residence and recovered cocaine, bulk United States currency, and a kilogram wrapper.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for February 15, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Castillo-Lopez remains in custody pending sentencing.

DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Castillo-Lopez.

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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Yusuf Adekunle, age 29.

According to information presented to the court, Adekunle and three other individuals chartered a private plane and transported six kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Pittsburgh International Airport. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the plane and seized the cocaine from two pieces of luggage. The court was further advised that the defendant obtained and distributed between 20 kilograms and 40 kilograms of marijuana between July of 2020 and August of 2021. Agents seized approximately 700 grams of marijuana and a firearm during a search of Adekunle’s residence.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Adekunle.

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 Olanta, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Brent Shaffer, age 39.

According to information presented to the court, Shaffer received parcels that were shipped from California to the Western District of California containing a total of between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators searched Shaffer’s residence on August 31, 2021, pursuant to a federal search warrant and seized over 200 grams of methamphetamine and three firearms.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaffer.

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- Two residents of Clearfield County, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and federal program fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The five-count Indictment named John “Herm” Suplizio, 63, and Roberta Shaffer, 58, both of DuBois, PA, as the defendants. The Indictment was unsealed after the defendants were arrested today.

According to the Indictment, from 2014 to 2022, Suplizio, the City Manager of DuBois, and Shaffer, a city employee, conspired to divert and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in city funds. As the full-time, salaried City Manager, Suplizio maintained substantial authority in DuBois, where he ran the city’s day-to-day operations. As alleged, beginning as early as 2008, Suplizio and Shaffer used the city’s tax identification number to establish secret bank accounts into which they diverted city money, including approximately $60,000 in annual administrative fees from the city’s waste management contract. During the alleged conspiracy, Suplizio and Shaffer made large cash withdrawals from these unaudited accounts, wrote checks to themselves and others, and obtained cashier’s checks with themselves listed as payees—totaling more than $350,000. The defendants also allegedly spent more than $450,000 from the accounts toward payments on Suplizio’s personal credit card, which he used to pay for personal vacations, utility bills for his residence, department store purchases, and jewelry store purchases, among other personal expenses.

“Herm Suplizio allegedly funneled city money into secret bank accounts that he and Shaffer controlled and that he could use for his personal benefit, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal credit card payments,” United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan said. “Our communities entrust public officials like Suplizio with tremendous authority, and when that trust is violated—as is alleged here—this office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As alleged, the suspects abused their public positions and betrayed the public’s trust all while lining their own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “The FBI will always root out any and all forms of public corruption. We remain committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable.”

“I wish to thank our federal partners, who have adopted this prosecution and will work with an attorney from our office who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “This federal indictment further validates our joint efforts to hold public officials accountable to the constituents they serve.”

The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 45 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Robert S. Cessar and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer F. Carroll are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on her conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Amy Bortot, age 53.

According to information presented to the court, Bortot was a United States Postal Service mail carrier who used her position to identify multiple addresses on her mail route that she provided to Derek Hillebrand, who instructed his Oregon-based supplier to send parcels containing methamphetamine and marijuana to those addresses. Bortot then either delivered the parcels directly to Hillebrand or to one of his associates rather than to the listed mailing address. In total, Bortot delivered at least one parcel containing approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple parcels containing approximately 80 kilograms of marijuana to Hillebrand or his associates.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bortot.

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 – A federal jury convicted a Pittsburgh man today for possessing modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of child celebrities. United.States Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on two separate occasions, James Smelko, 56, of Pittsburgh, possessed pictures that digitally superimposed the faces of child actors onto nude bodies and bodies engaged in sex acts. Smelko possessed the pictures at his home in Pittsburgh, and law enforcement discovered the pictures during a search of Smelko’s computer. Smelko was then charged for possessing CSAM. While pending trial, Smelko was found to have violated his conditions of release by again possessing such images, after concerning searches and images were detected by court-mandated monitoring software on his cell phone.

The jury convicted Smelko of two counts of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Mitchell and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A federal jury in Pittsburgh convicted a Pennsylvania man today for possessing modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of child celebrities.  

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on two separate occasions, James Smelko, 56, of Pittsburgh, possessed pictures that digitally superimposed the faces of child actors onto nude bodies and bodies engaged in sex acts. Smelko possessed the pictures at his home in Pittsburgh, and law enforcement discovered the pictures during a search of Smelko’s computer. Smelko was then charged for possessing CSAM. While pending trial, Smelko was found to have violated his conditions of release by again possessing such images, after concerning searches and images were detected by court-mandated monitoring software on his cell phone.

The jury convicted Smelko of two counts of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

Davin Gower, age 30, of Morrisdale, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson on November 14, 2023. In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Gower did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2024. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of up to $10,000,00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gower. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Oil City, Pennsylvania, plead guilty and has been sentenced to 96 months in prison on his conviction of Hobbs Act robbery and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Mark Daniel Fenstermaker, 39.

According to information presented to the court, on or about October 14, 2021, Fenstermaker committed a robbery of Spanky’s Tobacco World in Venango County, Pennsylvania and used or carried a firearm which was brandished in furtherance of the robbery.

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Oil City Police Department, and Venango County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fenstermaker.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Monessen, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months of incarceration followed by four 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 Douglas Smith, age 41.

According to information presented to the court, Smith obtained over three kilograms of cocaine from a Chicago-based supplier, which Smith then redistributed.
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, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

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 McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months of incarceration followed by two 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 Robert Botti, age 43.

According to information presented to the court, Botti supplied between 400 grams and 500 grams to another individual, Douglas Smith during the course of a conspiracy. On June 15, 2021, investigators seized approximately three ounces of cocaine from Botti’s residence.

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, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Botti.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Cheswick, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Bill Rana, age 43.

In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.

Investigators identified Rana, as a “fully patched” member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and Sergeant of Arms for the Pittsburgh Chapter. Over the course of the conspiracy, Rana obtained and redistributed over one kilogram of cocaine and over 140 grams of methamphetamine from multiple sources of supply that Rana redistributed. Additionally, Rana’s residence was searched on December 8, 2020, and investigators seized a variety of ammunition, which Rana was precluded from possessing due to a prior felony conviction.

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, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rana.

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 Sachse, TX, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 months of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Tien Nguyen, 34, of Sachse, TX.

According to information presented to the court, individuals involved in the scheme convinced elderly or otherwise vulnerable persons, through deceit, to send their funds to accounts set up at various banks and brokerage houses. The accounts were created in the names of other victims whose personal identification information had been stolen (PII accounts). Nguyen, as part of the money laundering aspect of the scheme, accessed the PII accounts, used a portion of the money to make payments on his credit cards and mortgage, and then sent the bulk of the funds to the leader of the money laundering portion of the scheme, Thien Phuc Tran. The Court ordered Nguyen to pay restitution to the victims who lost money in the sum of $259,122.16.

Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman and Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nguyen.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Sykesville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction for violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Christina Shaffer, age 55.

According to information presented to the court, Shaffer was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Shaffer then redistributed. Additionally, Shaffer’s residence was searched on July 20, 2021, and approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine was seized.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaffer. 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 – Sahire Walker was convicted of committing crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Walker, age 45, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone. Walker pled guilty to committing the following crimes on June 4, 2020: (1) possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, and (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing to occur on March 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 5 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $2,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The New Castle Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions 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 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 Kersey, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Melvin Shelander, age 33.

According to information presented to the court, Shelander was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Shelander then redistributed.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shelander. 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 Hyde, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Peters, age 68.

According to information presented to the court, Peters was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over two pounds of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, which Peters then redistributed. Additionally, 46 grams of methamphetamine was seized from Peters’ vehicle during a traffic stop on April 6, 2021.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peters. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Christian Maldonado, age 35.

According to information presented to the court, Maldonado packed for shipment at least 280 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from the Stockton, California area to the Western District of Pennsylvania. Maldonado also received parcels containing over $1,000,000 in United States currency as payment for the methamphetamine. At the time of Maldonado’s arrest, seventeen firearms, jewelry, a large amount of marijuana, and $212,907 was seized from his residence.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Maldonado. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Armando Razo Jr., age 34.

According to information presented to the court, Razo supplied approximately one hundred pounds of methamphetamine to Christian Maldonado in Stockton, California, which Maldonado then packaged for shipment to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Razo. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Abel Perez, age 36.

According to information presented to the court, Perez was a courier who transported methamphetamine to post offices in the Stockton, California area that were shipped to individuals in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perez. 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 Dubois, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Chad Gasbarre, age 37.

According to information presented to the court, Gasbarre was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained over a pound of methamphetamine from Ryan Schoening, which Gasbarre then redistributed.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gasbarre. 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 Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Transporting an Illegal Alien within the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Blake Thomas Babin, 59, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Babin, a Lieutenant with the Bethel Park Police Department, from on or about October 20, 2022, through on or about December 30, 2022, provided funding to an 18-year-old Venezuelan female living in Colombia for her transportation from Colombia to the border between Mexico and the United States so that she could cross illegally into the United States. After two unsuccessful attempts, the female was able to get through the border somewhere near El Paso, Texas, where Babin was waiting to transport her to Phoenix and then to Pittsburgh. Babin met the female in Colombia where she was working as a prostitute. Text exchanges between the two, obtained during the investigation of the case, revealed, in part, that Babin helped smuggle the female into the United States and then transported her knowing that she illegally entered the country because he “loved her”, wanted her to help him “keep his house”, and because she enjoyed sex.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Babin remain on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Zachariah Owens was convicted of cocaine and crack trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Owens, age 37, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Owens pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack in October 2021, and (2) possessing cocaine and crack with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and a playground. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 19, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least one year and up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000,000. Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA– Rayjzon Sams pled guilty to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Sams, age 31, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Sams pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack, (2) distributing crack within 1,000 feet of a school, and (3) possessing fentanyl and crack with intent to distribute. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The law provides for a sentence of at least one year and up to 120 years in prison and a fine of up to $8,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Albert Cummings pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Cummings, age 43, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Cummings pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

The law provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Todd Hill was convicted of fentanyl and heroin trafficking and possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Hill, age 38 of Pittsburgh, pled guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. He pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, (2) possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin, and (3) possessing a firearm after a felony conviction. Sentencing will be scheduled on a date to be determined.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $16,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police; the Pittsburgh Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigations leading to the convictions.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Meyersdale, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 132 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Eric Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Stephen Walter age 54, of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, on November 1, 2023.

According to information presented to the court, Walter admitted that on or about May 24, 2022, he possessed with the intent to distribute and did distribute approximately 392 grams of actual, or pure, methamphetamine in Meyersdale, PA. Walter also accepted responsibility for nine criminal cases that are pending against him in the Somerset County Court of Common Pleas involving the possession, possession with intent to deliver, and delivery of controlled substances.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar, and the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Walter.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Kayla Fair was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Fair, age 36, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Fair pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine in October 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Fair of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Under States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Isaiah Wise was convicted of possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Wise, age 23, of Pittsburgh, pled guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. Wise pled guilty to possessing a firearm on December 4, 2021, after prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and endangering the welfare of children. Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing to occur on March 1, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction 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 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 42 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of controlled substances, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Joseph Thornton, age 33, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, Thornton did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of controlled substances.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced by a federal District Court Judge for her role in conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The defendant, Stephane Harrilla, had earlier entered a plea of guilty to a one count Indictment charging her with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a quantity of the drug Fentanyl. According to the facts presented to the Court at the time of her guilty plea Harrilla admitted receiving a package in the United States Mail which was found to contain counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” fentanyl tablets. The evidence showed that Harrilla was paid $200 by another individual to receive the package and was obligated to pass that parcel on to that person.

Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand in sentencing Harrilla noted that she had no previous criminal convictions and was a minor participant in the drug distribution activity. Judge Weigand imposed a sentence of three years probation, including a period of 180 days of home detention with electronic location monitoring. Harrilla was also required to pay a $100 Special Assessment.

The matter was investigated by the Pittsburgh Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Edinburg, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal Postal laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Brad Penwell, age 39, of Edinburg, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 13, 2023, Penwell engaged in theft of mail matter while employed by the United States Postal Service.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Services conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Beaver, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Eric Kalif Hubbard, age 41, formerly of Beaver, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 23, 2023, and July 14, 2023, Hubbard possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Under federal law, possession of a firearm and ammunition is prohibited.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of fifteen (15) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Beaver Falls Police Department, and New Brighton Police Department 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Jeannette City, PA pled guilty in federal court to a charge of violating a federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Mr. Axton also acknowledged responsibility for violating conditions of supervised release related to a separate previous conviction.

Tristin Bradley Axton, 25, of Jeanette City, PA, pled guilty to a one-count Information before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In connection with the guilty plea, attorneys for the United States advised the Court that on or about March 27, 2023, Mr. Axton possessed approximately 139 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. In connection with his supervised release, Mr. Axton acknowledged responsibility for violations resulting from criminal charges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed against him in November 2021, January 2022 and twice in July 2023; and for the conduct that led to his federal charges.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing and a final supervised release revocation hearing for February 20, 2024. In connection with the Information, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. In connection with the supervised release violations, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

The Court ordered the Mr. Axton’s supervised release to be revoked and ordered him to be remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals for detention until his sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Lenhardt and Benjamin C. Dobkin are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigations that led to the prosecution of Mr. Axton.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Michael Love pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack, and to receiving and transporting a firearm while under a felony indictment, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Love, age 46, of Jackson Center, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on February 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

The law provides for up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000, for the crimes of conviction. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the convictions in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Verona, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 5 years in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Daimere Wilmer, 30, Verona, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Wilmer possessed with intent to deliver 12 kilograms of marijuana and possessed firearms and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New York, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Erick Cottrell, age 54 pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Christy Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in February 2022, Cottrell withdrew $23,000 from the bank account of an individual, using that individual’s bank account information, his personal identification information, and a counterfeit driver’s license in that individual’s name, but with the image of Cottrell. He later attempted another withdrawal from the same bank in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed the counterfeit driver’s license. Cottrell was released on bond from his Baltimore arrest, and he continued to engage in access device fraud.

In April 2023, he was arrested after using a counterfeit’s driver’s license and counterfeit credit cards and debit cards to rent a hotel room and a U-Haul vehicle and to make various purchases throughout the Pittsburgh area. He was arrested in connection with this activity by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and a search incident to his arrest revealed a counterfeit driver’s license.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than two years in prison and not more than twelve years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court detained the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cottrell.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Martinsburg, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession, manufacturing, and trafficking firearms, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Harry Miller, age 47, of Martinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, Four, Five, Seven, Eight, and Nine of the Information before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around May 2022 and continuing thereafter until on or about April 27, 2023, Miller, knowingly and willfully conspired to engage and engaged in the business of manufacturing or dealing in firearms without a license, possessed a machinegun, trafficked firearms, and engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without having paid the special occupational tax required by 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5801. Further, on or about March 21, 2023, and March 22, 2023, Miller unlawfully possessed a firearm after knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowingly and unlawfully transferred firearms that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a total fine of $1,270,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

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 resident of New Kensington pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of preparing false tax returns for clients, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Harvey Smith, Jr., 58, of New Kensington, PA pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Smith operated a tax return preparation business through which he prepared false tax returns for his clients. Smith falsely reported that his clients incurred educational expenses and business expenses they did not in fact incur, in an attempt to obtain larger tax refunds for his clients. Smith then frequently took his fees, which reached as high as $1,000 per return, from the inflated refunds. In total, Smith’s conduct resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $138,426.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for 11 a.m. on February 5, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of 3 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court released Smith on his personal recognizance.

Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman and William B. Guappone are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harvey Smith.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Kuang Myat Kyaw (23), formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kyaw, during various periods between August 9, 2020 and September 2021, using a computer and the Internet, enticed and coerced five minor, female victims to produce photographs and videos depicting their sexual exploitation and engaging in sadistic sexual acts. Kyaw initially tricked the minors into providing him with photographs depicting themselves naked, and then used the threat of disseminating those images to their family and friends to extort, or attempt to extort, the minors to engage in what he referred to as a “seven-day challenge”, during which he would demand that they produce increasingly depraved sexual imagery.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Kyaw remain in custody.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, the Wright County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office, and other local police departments conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kyaw.

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