Western District of Pennsylvania

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

The five-count Superseding Indictment named Maurice White Jr., age 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on September 21, 2022, White Jr. knowingly possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine base, Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, on the same day, White Jr., possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. 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 Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal consumer product tampering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Shane Jon-Paul White, age 41, of New Castle, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, between an unknown date and January 26, 2022, White, a former employee of McKesson Corporation, while working at the company’s New Castle Distribution Center, removed oxycodone hydrochloride tablets from bottles of Mallinckrodt-brand oxycodone hydrochloride 30 mg tablets and replaced them with aspirin, Tylenol or Refenesen tablets. After the oxycodone hydrochloride tablets were removed and replaced, the bottles were placed back in inventory at the McKesson distribution center before being transported to pharmacies, including Klein’s Pharmacy in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

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

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Waynesburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

James Jordan, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 11, 2022 until January 12, 2022, Jordan transported a minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the State of West Virginia, with the intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life 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 of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Jordan remains detained.

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

The Department of Homeland Security—Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Waynesburg Police Department, and the Lewisburg (WV) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jordan.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, 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 Kelly Randolph, age 44, of Butler, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, while serving as a Rural Carrier Associate out of the Chicora, PA Post Office, on or about April 18, 2023, Randolph removed cash for her own personal use, from an envelope which was intended to be sent through the U.S. Mail.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five (5) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 13 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws. This conviction is 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 Marco Galvez, age 32.

According to information presented to the court, Galvez was a narcotics supplier who supplied at least 50 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County.

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 Galvez.

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– Deyon Robinson was sentenced to 90 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Robinson, age 22 of Southfield, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge William S. Stickman. Judge Stickman ordered that Robinson serve four years of supervised release at the completion of his prison sentence.

On April 26, 2021, Robinson got caught possessing with intent to distribute 150 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and 70 grams of crack. He got caught as a result of a Pennsylvania State Police investigation and traffic stop in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Robinson also possessed a loaded Glock pistol and over $2,400 in cash at that time.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Luis Mattei-Albizu, 43, of Columbus, Ohio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020 before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Mattei-Albizu is one of thirteen defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Mattei-Albizu was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of cocaine through the mail for redistribution. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years, a fine not to exceed $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 the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The 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 Mattei-Albizu.

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 Ghanaian National and a resident of Florida have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on September 12, 2023 and unsealed on October 4, 2023, named David Kakra Mensah, 30, of Accra, Ghana, and Charles Wilson Stout, 65, of Ocala, Florida as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from April 2022 through June 2022, Mensah and Stout conspired to launder over $600,000 of fraudulent proceeds of a business email compromise scam that victimized an educational institution located in Washington, D.C. They opened a shell cooperation, multiple bank accounts, and multiple cryptocurrency accounts to facilitate their fraud. They subsequently transferred portions of the fraudulent proceeds into those accounts to conceal their true nature, location, source, ownership, and control.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000.00 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. Both Mensah and Stout remain detained pending trial.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Salem, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a 24-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Jack Sparks, 49, of New Salem, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 6, 2022, Mr. Sparks possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

In imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman highlighted in part the dangers and harms associated with drug trafficking and the need to deter similar conduct in the future.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Monroeville, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to imprisonment for 8 months on his conviction of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Matthew Alfaro, 23, of Monroeville, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on or about December 29, 2020, Mr. Alfaro knowingly made a false statement in connection with the acquisition of two firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, intending to deceive the dealer. Mr. Alfaro purchased a Glock model 22, .40 caliber pistol and a Springfield Armory model Saint, 5.56 caliber pistol from a Pittsburgh-area licensed firearms dealer. Mr. Alfaro stated on ATF Form 4473 that he was purchasing the firearms for himself, when in truth, he was purchasing them at the direction of another person, intending to deliver them to that person.

In to imposing the sentence, Judge Ranjan highlighted in part the harm caused by firearms violence, the impact that straw purchases like those carried out by Mr. Alfaro have on the community, and the need to deter such conduct in the future.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Alfaro.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court today on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced.

According to information presented to the court, on or about February 22, 2019, Kenyetta Jones, age 27, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Jones also admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl at the time of the offense.

United States District Court Judge W. Scott Hardy sentenced Jones to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

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

This case was 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.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jones.

PITTSBURGH - The Law Enforcement Agency Directors (LEAD) of Western Pennsylvania recognized dozens of area law enforcement officers and prosecutors during its 25th Annual LEAD Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 5, 2023, announced United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Comprising the Western Pennsylvania heads of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, LEAD bestows awards annually as a way to recognize outstanding work by law enforcement agents and officers, as well as prosecutors.

Notable among the LEAD Awards presented on Thursday were:

• The Courage Under Hostile Fire Award was presented to Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers Anthony Burke, Jonathan Craig, Jeffrey Garris, Jeremy Hurley, Timothy Matson, Daniel Mead, Stephen Mescan, Andrew Miller, John Persin, Joshua Robey, Michael Saldutte, Michael Smidga, and Clint Thimons for their response at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill on October 27, 2018. Each of these Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers was recognized for exhibiting exceptional courage and professionalism, and their acts of bravery unquestionably prevented further bloodshed.

• The Lifetime Service Award was presented to (Retired) Special Agent Patrick M. (Rick) McGlennon for his outstanding service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Retired Special Agent McGlennon began his employment in law enforcement as a police officer for the Borough of Wilkinsburg, where he worked for four years and obtained the rank of Detective. In 1984, he was hired by the FBI, where he served as a Special Agent for over 33 years. Agent McGlennon served as the primary case agent on the investigation and prosecution of Christina Korbe for the homicide of FBI Special Agent Samuel Hicks in November 2008 during the execution of an arrest warrant for Korbe’s husband. Since retiring from the FBI in December 2017, Agent McGlennon has continued his strong commitment to public safety and joined the National Threat Operations center at the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS).

• An individual LEAD award was presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Sellers of the Erie Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mr. Sellers led the investigation of the 4Nation gang which distributed large quantities of drugs and committed numerous acts of violence on the East Side of Erie since 2012. The grand jury returned an indictment against 58 defendants, and the FBI and other law enforcement agencies seized 119.2 pounds of methamphetamine, 180,018 fentanyl pills (19.8 kilograms), 5.22 kilograms of cocaine, 4.95kilograms of fentanyl powder, 709.59 grams of fentanyl analogues, several pounds of marijuana, 33 guns, and $235,151 in cash. This was the first RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) brought in the Erie subdivision of the Court.

• Supervisory Deputy United States Marshal Jeremy DeLano also received an individual LEAD award. Deputy DeLano played a leading role in the capture of Michael Burham, who escaped from the Warren County Jail on July 6, 2023. Burham was awaiting trial on kidnapping charges, and was also a suspect in the rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend. Deputy DeLano assembled a large team of Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers, utilized the latest technological tools, and obtained an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Apprehension federal arrest warrant, all of which led to the capture of Burham on July 15, 2023.

LEAD is composed of the following law enforcement agencies and their representatives: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Attorney's Office - Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations; IRS - Criminal Investigation; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration; U.S. Department of Defense - Defense Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (OIG); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Probation & Pretrial Services; United States Secret Service; U.S. Social Security Administration - OIG; U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Air Marshal Service; the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration - OIG; U.S. Department of Labor - OIG; U.S. Department of Agriculture - OIG; U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Service; U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; Allegheny County Police Department; Allegheny County Sheriff=s Office; Allegheny County District Attorney=s Office; Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association; Washington County District Attorney’s Office; Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release on his conviction of violating a federal child pornography law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jamie Lee Richardson, 53, of Altoona, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on or about October 30, 2014, Richardson did knowingly distribute a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. All computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

This case was brought as a 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.

Mr. Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations for theinvestigation that led to the successful prosecution of Richardson.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of the following seven U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): Alexander M.M. Uballez, District of New Mexico; Breon Peace, Eastern District of New York; Kenneth Parker, Southern District of Ohio; Natalie K. Wright, District of Oregon; Eric G. Olshan, Western District of Pennsylvania; Alamdar Hamdani, Southern District of Texas; and Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Western District of Virginia.

“United States Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the Committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.”

In addition, the Attorney General has selected Gary Restaino, District of Arizona, to serve as the committee’s Vice Chair, replacing Cindy Chung, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania who is now a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Cole Finegan, District of Colorado; Brandon Brown, Western District of Louisiana; Dawn Ison, Eastern District of Michigan; Trini Ross, Western District of New York; and Sandra Hairston, Middle District of North Carolina.

The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department of Justice policies.

The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Florida resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 55, of Kissimmee, Florida pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020 before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Ayala-Ruberte is one of thirteen defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Ayala-Ruberte was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of cocaine through the mail for redistribution. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years, a fine not to exceed $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 the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The 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 Ayala-Ruberte.

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 Santa Ana, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Thien Phuc Tran, age 33, and Ton Huynh Bui, age 30, both of Santa Ana, CA pleaded guilty to One Count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Tran and Bui were part of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy which had two overall elements – a fraud scheme to deprive victims of money, and then a second scheme to launder the fraudulently obtained funds. Tran and Bui were part of the money laundering scheme. Vulnerable victims all across the United States, often elderly, were convinced through nefarious means, including computer pop-ups followed by telephone calls from co-conspirators operating out of call centers in India to send their money to bank accounts created with stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Typically, the pop up on their computer screen would appear to be from a tech company, such as Microsoft, urging the user to call a number. When the victim called the number, the victim was told that his or her identity had been compromised, and would be convinced to send their money to a particular bank account opened by Tran and Bui with stolen PII . Tran was involved in the laundering of $4,247,973.23 in fraud proceeds. Bui is responsible for a lesser amount: $194,278.45

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 24, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued bond for both Tran and Bui.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tran and Bui.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months’ imprisonment and 2 years’ supervised release on her conviction of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Monique Robinson, age 39, of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.

Information presented to the court at the time of Robinson’s guilty plea revealed that on September 11, 2016, her co-defendant and sister, Marleka Robinson, obtained a large quantity of fentanyl and heroin from a distributor in the Knoxville section of Pittsburgh at their brother, Jerry Coker’s request. Marleka Robinson delivered the drugs to the residence they all shared. Monique Robinson was the legal tenant of the residence and allowed Coker to store, package, and distribute fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs in that location. A search warrant executed at the residence the following day resulted in the seizure of more than 285 grams of fentanyl and small quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug packaging, weighing, and distributing materials were found strewn throughout the house, along with two Smith & Wesson pistols and $8,900 in cash, all of which were seized by law enforcement.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that a sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment reflected the serious nature of Robinson’s conduct and her prior criminal history, as well as considered her limited role in the larger drug trafficking activity.

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

United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Agency for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Robinson.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a total term of 180 months’ imprisonment followed by 8 years’ supervised release on his conviction of attempted production and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

David Bates, age 64, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

According to information presented to the court, between July 2020 and October 2020, Bates and another individual attempted to and did use, persuade, induce entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the minor engaged in such conduct.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bates.

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.

A resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Hector Rodriguez, age 42.

According to information presented to the court, from 2018 through 2019, Rodriguez conspired with others to traffic between 80-100 kilograms of marijuana from Philadelphia to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rodriguez.

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

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

Perry King, age 47, of Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty to Count One of a Superseding Indictment and to Counts One and Two of an Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, King did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Further, on or about October 31, 2019, King did possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack”. Additionally, on or about January 14, 2020, King did possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack:”.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2024. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both, at Count One of the Indictment, and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both at Count One of the Superseding Indictment and Count Two of the Indictment. 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 King. 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 – Milton Barth Reed, Jr., III, age 32, was sentenced today in federal court on charges of attempted mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced.

According to information presented to the Court, Reed was part of a conspiracy that involved the use of personally identifying information belonging to other people to file fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefits in states across the country, including Pennsylvania. On or about September 17, 2020, Reed traveled to Pittsburgh in an attempt to collect benefits that had been issued by Pennsylvania based on those fraudulent applications and were scheduled to be delivered in the area.

Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Reed to a total of 36 months in prison to be followed by three years supervised release.

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

The United States Department of Labor, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

Dennis James Rauch, age 38, of Clearfield, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts Two and Seven of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Rauch did conspire to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Further, in and around March 2020, Rauch did possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2024. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000 or both at Count Two, and a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, at Count Seven. 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 Rauch. 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A jury convicted co-defendants Roderick Feurtado, 56, and Tarek Bouanane, 47, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud following a five-day trial in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Evidence at trial established that the defendants traveled to the Pittsburgh area in September 2021 to execute a scheme to defraud elderly victims of large amounts of cash. As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy contacted numerous victims and falsely claimed that a family member of the victims, usually a grandchild, had been detained in connection with a legal proceeding and needed money for bail. The victims were directed to withdraw cash and provide it to a “courier” who would visit them at their homes. In reality, the victims’ family members had not been detained, and the “courier” was actually a member of the conspiracy. Tarek Bouanane acted as one of these “couriers,” while his co-conspirator Roderick Feurtado acted as the “safehouse,” who gave directions to the couriers and collected the money that had been obtained from the victims. The defendants kept a portion of the fraud proceeds for themselves, and they had plans to pass along the rest to other co-conspirators, including by converting it to cryptocurrency. During the investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police seized approximately $220,000 from the defendants; the co-conspirators were responsible for at least $250,000 in total victim losses in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere as a result of the conspiracy.

“The evidence in this case showed that Bouanane and Feurtado participated in a sophisticated scheme that preyed on elderly victims who were tricked into handing over thousands of dollars in cash because they thought they were helping a loved one who was in trouble,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The jury’s quick verdict provides a measure of justice for the victims in this case and should serve as a reminder that our office and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who would victimize the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

“Feurtado and Bouanane represent the worst that society has to offer. They prey upon the love and concern that our amazing senior citizens have for their families,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “HSI Philadelphia is extremely proud of our special agents in the Pittsburgh office. Once again, they have proven that through cooperation and side by side investigations with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bethel Park Police Department, law enforcement can and will protect our most valuable and treasured citizens.”

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Bethel Park Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court today on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced.

The court was advised that on December 7, 2022, Ahmed Asiri robbed the Dollar Bank located at 3029 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the Dormont neighborhood. As a result of the robbery, Asiri obtained $20,000 in United States currency. These funds were later recovered by law enforcement.

Judge Horan sentenced Asiri to 37 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release and ordered Asiri to pay restitution to Dollar Bank.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Dormont Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Asiri.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Ricardo Reeves was sentenced to 120 months in prison for fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine trafficking, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Reeves, age 45 of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab ordered Reeves to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Reeves pled guilty earlier this year to (1) possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin, as well as quantities of cocaine and cocaine base, and (2) possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, all on December 14, 2020. Reeves was initially released on bond following his indictment for these crimes. His bond was thereafter revoked after he got caught trafficking more fentanyl and cocaine while on bond.

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

The Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, 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 former resident of Braddock, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Dwayne Harvey, 55, formerly of Braddock, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about July 28, 2023, Harvey robbed a branch of Huntington Bank in North Versailles, PA of over $4,000; and on or about August 8, 2023, Harvey robbed a branch of Citizens Bank in Pittsburgh, PA of over $3,000.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years or a combination thereof. 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 Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the North Versailles Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 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 Megan Pyne, age 29.

According to information presented to the court, Pyne was a narcotics distributor who purchased a quarter pound of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, the leader of the drug trafficking organization, on multiple occasions, which Pyne 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 Pyne.

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 – Forrest Gilmore pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and to distributing cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Gilmore, age 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on January 29, 2024, at 1:45 p.m.

The law provides for a sentence of at least one year and up to 90 years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000,000. 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 – Denzel Williams pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Williams, age 29, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Williams pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base, between June 2020 and June 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on January 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

The law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 – Ravon Crockett pled guilty to committing fentanyl and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Crockett, age 46, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. Crockett pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between March 2020 and August 2021, and (2) distributing fentanyl and cocaine on November 16, 2020. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled to occur on a date to be determined.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Under 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 Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Maurice Brooks was convicted of committing fentanyl and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Brooks, age 36 of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Brooks pled guilty to (1) distributing fentanyl on May 2, 2022, and (2) possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on June 2, 2022. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on January 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

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.

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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Dustin Robert Patterson, 30.

According to information presented to the court, in and around February 2022, Patterson possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. In addition, the firearm was possessed while Patterson was subject to a Protection From Abuse order.

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.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted Patterson’s lengthy criminal history which included crimes of violence.

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

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Marshal’s Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Patterson.

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

The one-count Indictment named Alexander Mendez-Marroquin, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about August 20, 2023, Mendez-Marroquin was located in Pittsburgh and taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security agents after knowingly illegally reentering the United States as a previously removed alien.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Ross Landfried was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance, and to engage in money laundering, in 2017 and 2018 while serving a federal prison sentence for a prior drug trafficking conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Landfried, age 42, formerly of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan ordered Landfried to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Ranjan also ordered that the 216-month prison sentence be served consecutively to Landfried’s prior sentence.

Landfried was convicted at the conclusion of a trial in June 2022. Landfried was serving a federal prison sentence in 2017 and 2018 following a federal conviction for prior large-scale drug trafficking. Despite his prior conviction and incarceration, he continued to engage in drug trafficking, and money laundering, while in federal prison. He led a scheme that involved several co-conspirators and that was designed to introduce large quantities of K2 paper saturated with powerful Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances into prisons. The K2 paper endangered other inmates and corrections officers and burdened them with the effects of frequent lockdowns, overdoses, assaults, and other volatile behavior. While pending trial following his indictment, Landfried engaged in repeated incidents of violence and weapon possession at local detention facilities.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

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.

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 Darren Steven George Akers, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, 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.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police 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.

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

Brittany Luzier, age 29, of Clearfield, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Luzier did conspire to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 18, 2024. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 Luzier. 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Raymond Briskey was convicted of committing cocaine and crack trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Briskey, age 38, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. He pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base on October 21, 2020, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on that date. Judge Conti scheduled sentencing to occur on April 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

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 return of 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 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 Sewickley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States. Nocito, former CEO and President of Pittsburgh-based Automated Health Systems (AHS), will serve – in addition to his prison sentence – 3 years of supervised release, which includes six months on home detention, and pay approximately $15,824,056 in restitution to the Government. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Chief Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Joseph Nocito, age 81, of Sewickley, PA.

Court documents and statements outline Nocito’s scheme between 2006 and 2012 to illegally classify millions of dollars of personal expenses as deductible business expenses and finance construction of a 51,000-square-foot mansion valued at approximately $30 million. Nocito named the home “Villa Noci.” The falsified expenses included interior and exterior construction costs; design and furnishings; an outdoor pool and pool house; tennis, basketball and bocce courts; and landscaping for the grounds. Nocito also fraudulently expensed millions of dollars for other personal expenses such as luxury vehicles, artwork, country club memberships, homes for his children and private school tuition for grandchildren.

In addition to filing false personal returns, Nocito underreported AHS’s profits by shuffling millions of dollars of income through other entities in fraudulent transactions designed to conceal AHS’s true income and tax liability. Among other things, Nocito made recurring, sham payments from AHS to other entities he controlled, falsely characterizing the transactions as payments for management, administrative or consulting expenses. He then deducted the expenses in AHS’s corporate income tax returns.

“The defendant diverted millions of dollars that should’ve gone to the IRS and used it to build a 51,000 square foot mansion in the Pittsburgh suburbs, amounting to the largest tax fraud ever perpetrated in our District,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This crime is an affront to every hardworking, tax-paying individual in this country. We commend our partners with IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their thorough and tireless efforts to hold this defendant accountable for his egregious conduct.”
  
“Today’s sentencing brings Mr. Nocito’s massive scheme to defraud the IRS to a conclusion,” said Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Tax fraud of this magnitude, never before seen in this Judicial District, deserves to be punished and today was Mr. Nocito’s day of reckoning. Honest taxpayers suffer when self-admitted criminals like Mr. Nocito swindle the government. The Special Agents of IRS-CI, our law enforcement partners, and the Department of Justice remain steadfast in our dedication to prosecuting those who carry out schemes that cheat the government and hurt those who pay their fair share.”

United States Attorney Olshan commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service who investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Nicole A. Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Daryl Williams was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Williams, age 24 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered Williams to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Williams pled guilty last year to (1) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 6, 2018; and (2) to possession of another firearm in furtherance of another drug trafficking crime on May 29, 2018. Williams was on bond for the May 6 crime when he committed the May 29 crime. Williams possessed the firearms to further his fentanyl and heroin trafficking.

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

The Greentree Police Department, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Linesville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Suzanne Ray King, 48, 15520 Hindman Road, Linesville, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around August 2021, King possessed three firearms while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. In addition, one of the firearms was an illegal, unregistered sawed off shotgun.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $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 continued King on bond.

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 the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of King.

PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for five hours, a jury found Racoco Williams guilty of six counts, including violating the federal “Kingpin” statute for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, as well as additional narcotics, conspiracy, and money laundering offenses, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Williams, 41, was convicted on September 8, 2023, following a three-week trial before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The evidence at trial established that Williams managed, supervised, and organized more than a dozen individuals in a large-scale drug trafficking enterprise that operated for approximately five years in multiple states. Williams obtained substantial quantities of cocaine near the Southwest border, in Phoenix, Arizona, and in other locations in western states, and then arranged for the cocaine to be transported to various cities in the eastern United States, including Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY, and Pittsburgh. As part of the enterprise, Williams took steps to hide his involvement in the cross-country transportation of drugs and cash proceeds. Proof at trial showed that Williams used a series of young women, often facing difficult financial circumstances, to transport the cocaine through checked luggage on domestic airline flights. These women also transported the proceeds of Williams’s cocaine trafficking back to Phoenix via secret compartments in suitcases. Williams controlled members of the organization through threats of violence, including threatening to kill one young woman and her entire family if she cooperated with law enforcement.

During the conspiracy, Williams was associated with multiple seizures involving kilogram-quantities of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry. For example, a search in 2012 resulted in the seizure of $337,000 in cash concealed in secret compartments in eight suitcases. Later, in 2014, Williams was arrested in Arizona, and a search of two suitcases in his vehicle uncovered approximately $160,000 in cash. In April 2017, law enforcement found a suitcase in a residence connected to Williams containing six kilograms of cocaine and $78,500 in cash. Less than a month later, in May 2017, a search of Williams’s car and hotel room revealed approximately $120,000 in cash and valuable jewelry. And about three months later in August 2017, a search of another hotel room in Williams’s name resulted in the seizure of 17 kilograms of cocaine, approximately $192,000 in cash, and $150,000 in jewelry. Even while he was incarcerated following the August 2017 seizure, trial evidence showed that Williams continued to orchestrate shipments of cocaine from Phoenix to the Pittsburgh area, including five kilograms of cocaine that he arranged to have concealed in a BMW sports utility vehicle loaded on a car carrier traveling from Arizona to Pittsburgh. In reaching its verdict, the jury specifically determined that Williams was responsible for trafficking 150 kilograms or more of cocaine.

“For over five years, Racoco Williams stayed in the shadows and used a series of young women to move hundreds of kilograms of cocaine across the country for distribution in communities throughout the East Coast, including in the Pittsburgh area,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to shining a light on those who seek to profit from the large-scale distribution of narcotics and sends a message that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I commend our law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this important and complex case.”

“The partnership between HSI Philadelphia’s Pittsburgh office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Police continues to demonstrate the excellence in law enforcement that can be achieved through cooperation, information sharing, and side-by-side investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “The agents, officers and prosecutors involved in this case have effectively brought down a criminal syndicate while freeing vulnerable young women from a life of criminality and violence. Well done to all involved.”

The law provides for a mandatory life sentence. On September 13, the jury also found that approximately $400,000 in cash, $200,000 worth of jewelry, and the BMW sports utility vehicle should be forfeited to the government.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Karen Gal-Or represented the United States at trial. The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police led the investigation that resulted in the prosecution of Williams. Those agencies received valuable investigative assistance from numerous other law enforcement entities in Pennsylvania and Arizona, including: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Allegheny County Police, the Swissvale Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (Arizona), and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (Arizona).

JOHNSTOWN, PA - a resident of Houtzdale, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device and conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Kris Joseph Nevling, age 46, as the sole defendant. Nevling is currently incarcerated for unrelated state offenses.

According to the Indictment, between October 3, 2019, and October 4, 2019, Nevling unlawfully possessed a destructive device and also conspired with at least one other person to destroy property by using explosives.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 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 Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Oscar Oloroso-Carranza, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 24, 2023, Oloroso-Carranza knowingly illegally reentered the United States as a previously removed alien.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Alphonse Johnson pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Johnson, age 41, formerly of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Johnson pled guilty to (1) conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine, between June 2020 and June 2021; and (2) possessing with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine on April 20, 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on January 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

The law provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000,000. 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 – On August 22, 2023, a resident of California, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft by a credit union employee. Metz made an initial appearance in Federal Court today and was released on $10,000 unsecured bond United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced.

The one-count Indictment named Heidi Metz, 40, of California, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from June 2021 through September 2022, Metz stole more than $40,000 from Cal-Ed Federal Credit Union.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than five years; or any or all of the above. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Westmoreland County, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on her conviction of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Nina Marie Barkley, age 36, of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, while Barkley was employed as a counselor at a drug treatment facility, she stole the personal identification information of a patient, identified in the Indictment as K.P., including K.P.’s Social Security number, date of birth, and home residence. Barkley then used K.P.’s personal identification information, without K.P.’s permission or authorization, to obtain loans from various financial institutions. The total losses associated with the fraud were over $60,000.

The court also was informed that, after Barkley was charged with the offenses in the Indictment, she continued to use K.P.’s personal identification information, without K.P.’s permission or authorization, and applied for government assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”) in K.P.’s name. In addition, after being charged with the offenses in the Indictment, Barkley stole the personal identification information of another individual and used that information to attempt to obtain another line of credit.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pennsylvania State Police and West Mifflin Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barkley.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Jackie Bell pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and to possessing fentanyl and heroin with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Bell, age 31, of Columbus, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on January 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The law provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each count of conviction. 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 - A resident of Marianna, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Erica Pinkney, age 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Pinkney had previously served as the Secretary and Tax Collector for Marianna Borough. While employed in those roles, Pinkney used the Borough’s credit cards to pay for personal purchases. Then, to pay toward the balance of those credit cards, Pinkney used money that had been collected from Borough residents in order to pay the residents’ tax, water, and garbage bills.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 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.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Pinkney be released on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pinkney, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Torlando Hopson was sentenced to 10 months in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Hopson, age 34 of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered Hopson to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Hopson pled guilty earlier this year to conspiring to distribute crack cocaine in 2020 and 2021 in Mercer County. He stipulated to being responsible for the distribution of between 22.4 and 28 grams of crack cocaine.

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 conviction 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 Chicora, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Scott Louis Musthaf, 51, of Chicora, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about December 5, 2022, Musthaf attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $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 the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police 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.