Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Milton Arnoldo Montenegro-Rodas, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about October 2, 2022, Montenegro-Rodas was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Montenegro-Rodas had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on March 26, 2013 and was removed from the United States on April 30, 2013. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

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

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

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

ERIE Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Melquan Barnett, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Barnett set fire to the Ember + Forge building located at 401 State Street in Erie on May 30, 2020.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Barnett on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Barnett.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Transportation With Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Receipt and Attempted Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on Dec. 13, 2022, named James Jordan, age 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from Jan. 11, 2022, until Jan. 12, 2022, Jordan traveled in interstate commerce to engage in any illicit sexual conduct a minor and also transported the minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the State of West Virginia, with the intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity. Further, on Nov. 18, 2021, Jordan knowingly received and attempted to received visual depictions of a minor, via interstate commerce; namely, several digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and which depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for approximately an hour and 15 minutes yesterday, a federal jury of four men and eight women found Deamonte Law guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Law, 29, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and DeMarr Moulton, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Law possessed a Smith and Wesson, Model M&P, .40 caliber pistol on Sept. 4, 2020, despite having previously been convicted of a felony. In May of 2015, Mr. Law was convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime, at Criminal No. 13-202 in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a 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 is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Deamonte Law.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Robert Mark Dyer IV, 31, 2136 Knoll Avenue, Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from November 2020 to April 2022, Dyer possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Dyer on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – The owner of a land and mineral acquisition company has been sentenced in federal court to five years' probation and restitution of $548,412.00 on his conviction of failing to file corporate tax returns for his company, Deep Rock Mineral Group, Inc., United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Thomas E. Wingard, 39, of Bethel Park, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Wingard pled guilty to One Count of failing to file a corporate tax return for his company, Deep Rock Mineral Group, Inc., for the year 2017.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wingard.

PITTSBURGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Pittsburgh (FBI), and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), is issuing a public safety alert regarding an alarming increase in the online exploitation of children and teens. 

Reports of the online enticement of minors have dramatically spiked in recent months—including reports of sextortion.  “Sextortion”—a term that combines the words “sex” and “extortion”—occurs when an individual, often a child, is threatened or blackmailed, usually online, by a person demanding sexual content (photos/videos) or money from the child against his or her will.  This may happen when a child or teen shares an image with someone they thought they knew or trusted, but the individual has gained the child’s trust through deceit, coercion, or deception (and sometimes, predators falsely claim that they have obtained photos that the child may have shared with someone else).  Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends additional images, money, or gift cards.  Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications.  In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made.  The shame, fear, and confusion that victims experience when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse. 

Sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe.  On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males between 14- and 17-years old but victims as young as 10 years old have been interviewed.

RESOURCES FOR TALKING TO YOUR CHILD

Information, resources, and conversation guides for talking with your child are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion. 

WHAT IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM?

HSI and the FBI encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity.  You can contact HSI through its toll-free tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form.  Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199.  Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196.

Contact your local FBI field office (in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia at 412-432-4000), call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:

•           Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.

•           Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.

•           REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.

•           BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.

•           Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.

•           Visit org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.

•           Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.

•           If a victim does not feel that they have adults in their corner, the child can reach out directly to NCMEC for support at gethelp@ncmec.org or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.

LAW ENFORCEMENT WORK IN THIS DISTRICT

Reported sextortion can be investigated and often prosecuted.  For example, the FBI – Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated Markell Smith who used many different Instagram usernames to threaten and extort minor females online in 2018 and 2019.  On July 6, 2022, U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV sentenced Smith to 17-and-a-half years in prison.  See https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-man-sentenced-17-years-sexual-exploitation-minor. Similarly, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General-Child Predator Unit, and various local law enforcement partners investigated Jacob Kolonis for threatening and extorting numerous minors within the Western District of Pennsylvania and Ohio in late 2019 through early 2020.  Kolonis extorted his victims by falsely telling them he had obtained nude images of his minor victims; using this leverage, Kolonis extorted his victims into creating sexually explicit material over Snapchat.  On Aug. 4, 2022, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville sentenced Kolonis to 20 years in prison for his online exploitation of the minors.  See https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/judge-sentences-southwest-pa-man-20-years-prison-production-and-attempted-production.

“It is vitally important to provide parents and caregivers the information they need to prevent this crime before it happens and to help victims come forward if it does,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung.  “We will continue to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement to protect children from sexual exploitation in all its despicable forms.”

“HSI has seen a disturbing rise in sextortion cases recently.  I want every parent and child to know that HSI has a unique array of skilled agents and resources working diligently as we take a victim-centered approach to these atrocious crimes,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office.  “These cases are incredibly challenging to investigate and therefore require immediate law enforcement attention to identify the predators behind these schemes.  Please do not succumb to these predators alone. Reach out to our tip line or go to our website to get help.”

"These criminals have become very good at luring in and extorting young children,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall.  “They try to hide behind the anonymity of the internet, but the FBI is not going to let them prey on our children.  In addition to community education, we want adults to talk with kids about the dangers of sextortion and sending pictures or other information to people they don’t know.  Together, we can all work to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe.”

“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI Acting Executive Associate Director.  “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.”

PITTSBURGH, PA – A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Harry E. Duncan, age 35, formerly of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about Nov. 18, 2022, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Duncan was found to have possessed with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), fentanyl, and cocaine, all of which are Schedule II controlled substances Additionally, Duncan was found in possession of a Winchester Model 1300 defender 12-gauge, pump action shotgun; 41 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition with bandolier; 38 rounds of .45 auto ammunition; 144 total rounds of 9mm ammunition; 50 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition; and 337 rounds of 5.56 cal. ammunition with metal ammunition container. As a convicted felon, it is unlawful for Duncan to be in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County 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 Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Lester Rondale Moore as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about Oct. 10, 2022, Moore traveled from his primary residence in Columbus, Ohio, to an apartment complex in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, where he was found in possession of, and with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as crack) and cocaine. Moore was further charged with possession of a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol. As a convicted felon, Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

As to the drug charge, the law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. As to the firearms charge, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than 15 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. Moore is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail on an Ohio state parole violation detainer, pending his arraignment on the federal charges.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Tony McKnight, 57, of New Castle, Pennsylvania 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. McKnight 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 (DEA) 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. McKnight, as a member of this multistate drug trafficking organization, was intercepted discussing acquiring and distributing cocaine throughout western Pennsylvania. 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, including McKnight.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, 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 McKnight.

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 – A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Trevor Austin, 48, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, 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. Austin 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 (DEA) 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. Austin, as a member of this multistate drug trafficking organization, was intercepted discussing acquiring and distributing cocaine throughout western Pennsylvania. 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 May 15, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, 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 Austin.

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 former resident of Hammond, Indiana, has been sentenced in federal court to 444 months in prison followed by lifetime supervision on his conviction of sex trafficking a minor and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Roderick King, 33, formerly of the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

According to information presented at trial and to the Court, the Minor Victim was just 14 years-old when King, an over-the-road truck driver, first paid her to have sex in the back of his semi-truck. He initially enticed the Minor Victim by offering to give her cash to “hang out” though his true interest was sexual abuse of the child.

Over a three-year period, King paid the Minor Victim hundreds of dollars in cash for sex on approximately 10 occasions and produced two videos of his sexual exploitation of the Minor Victim. In addition to paying the Minor Victim, King bought her shoes, clothes, and other items that teenage girls wanted, engaging in what is known as “grooming” behavior. King maintained control over the Minor Victim, when he was away from her, by using his social media accounts.

In imposing the sentence, the Court called King’s conduct “extraordinarily serious” and noted that of the “many disturbing facts” of the case, one of the most disturbing was King’s “lack of remorse.”

Assistant United States Attorney’s Rebecca L. Silinski and Jeffery R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

“This defendant will spend the next 37 years in prison for preying upon, exploiting and abusing a vulnerable young girl for his own sexual gratification,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “This sentence sends a clear message that predatory crimes, such as child sex trafficking and exploitation offenses, will continue to be vigorously prosecuted by this office.”

U.S. Attorney Chung further praised the work of local, state and federal law enforcement involved in this investigation, which began in 2017 by the Butler Township Police Department and was reopened federally, in 2020, by special agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section after the Minor Victim reported King’s conduct to law enforcement. Federal investigators were further assisted by the Butler Township Police Department, Butler City Police Department, Butler City School District, and Butler County Children and Youth Services.

The charges for which King has been sentenced concern a specific victim. Members of the public who may have additional information about King’s or other perpetrators’ involvement in sex trafficking and child exploitation are encouraged to call HSI’s tip-line at 866-347-2423.

This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania, formed and led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Asst. U.S. Attorney Rebecca Silinski serves as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and oversees Operation T.E.N. and community outreach. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation among law enforcement partners, victim service providers and community members, thereby enhancing the Office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 100 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Sean McHenry, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization that operated throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. McHenry, as one of the leaders of this multi-member drug trafficking organization, was intercepted orchestrating and directing the distribution of heroin throughout Pittsburgh by various members of the organization. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including McHenry. In sentencing, Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as McHenry’s criminal history.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McHenry.

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 – United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today that Dion Williams has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years (240 months) on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws and for assaulting a federal agent with a dangerous weapon, and to an additional five years (60 month) for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous drug crime conviction.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Williams, 46, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The court was previously advised that beginning in 2019, agents with the FBI and other agencies investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood, and elsewhere. As part of that investigation, agents conducted court-authorized interceptions of telephonic communications over two telephones used by a co-defendant between February 2020 through May 2020. During this period, agents intercepted Williams communicating regarding the purchase and redistribution of cocaine. In connection with his guilty plea, Williams admitted that the amount of cocaine that was attributable to him, through his conduct and through the foreseeable conduct of co-conspirators, was between 500 grams and two kilograms.

The court was also previously informed that on June 18, 2020, an ATF Special Response Team (SRT) arrived at Williams’ residence to execute search warrants on the building and to arrest Williams on the indictment charging Williams with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. After the SRT operators loudly and repeatedly announced themselves, including through the PA system of an ATF SRT vehicle, one of the ATF agents on the SRT team rammed open a door to the structure. The door swung back shut, and the agent had to try breach it again. After the agent breached the door the second time, Williams, who was inside the building, shot the SRT operator one time through the shoulder. Fortunately, the operator was quickly taken to a hospital and was not fatally injured. After Williams shot the agent, he apparently disassembled the firearm and hid different components of it in the residence; the disassembled firearm was later found underneath the basement steps of the residence, while the magazine and ammunition were recovered hidden in a false ceiling on the second floor. Williams did not immediately surrender but rather, was taken into custody, without further incident, several minutes after the shooting.

“Convicted felon Dion Williams will spend the next 25 years in prison for shooting an ATF agent, for conspiring to traffic cocaine, and for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous federal drug conviction,” said U.S Attorney Chung. “Removing violent criminals from the community is a top priority of this office.”

“This attack on one of our agents illustrates the direct correlation between drug trafficking and firearms violence,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “By working with our local, state, and federal partners, we strive to maintain public safety and make sure these types of violent individuals are taken off our streets.”

“Today, Mr. Williams will finally face the consequences for his blatant disregard for our ATF partner and the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Mr. Williams’ actions that day further demonstrate the connection between violence and drug trafficking. Mr. Williams is a career criminal who thrived on selling dangerous drugs. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursuing the worst and most violent offenders who continue to terrorize our neighborhoods.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Moschetta and Doug Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The narcotics investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which led the multi-agency investigation that included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (Bureau of Narcotics Investigations), the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. That 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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams for his involvement in the shooting of the ATF agent.

PITTSBURGH, PA. A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating various federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.

The six-count Indictment, returned on Dec. 6, 2022, and unsealed today, named Jacob Lexso, 41, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Lexso is alleged to have distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about Sept. 22, 2020, and on or about Sept. 24, 2020. Lexso is also alleged to have received material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about Sept. 22, and Sept. 24, 2020. On or about June 24, 2022, Lexso is alleged to have possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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 defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced by a federal judge in Pittsburgh on a charge of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

On Dec. 14, 2022, U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer sentenced Oshay Love, 30, to 87 months of imprisonment with four years of federal supervised release to follow. Love was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and forfeit property, namely over $700 in U.S. currency and a Chevy Blazer that was derived from or used in the commission of his federal offense.

On August 17, 2022, Love pleaded guilty to One Count of possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of carfentanil, a Schedule II controlled substance. Love’s charge was based upon his conduct on July 23, 2019 whereby he traveled from Ohio to the Western District of Pennsylvania to sell carfentanil, which is a fentanyl analog and considered to be about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 more potent than morphine. Love was apprehended by law enforcement before being able to distribute this substance in this district. When being apprehended, Love attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in his vehicle, damaging multiple police vehicles, and jumped off a cliff before he was apprehended, which factored into his sentence.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Monroeville, Elizabeth, and Wilkinsburg police departments conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on her conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Sarah Umanita Bloom, 31.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Bloom conspired with co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bloom.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Highlands, Texas has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release on a conviction of 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 Cindy Chung announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Isniel Cantu, age 48. Cantu was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.

According to information presented to the court, investigators seized approximately ten kilograms of pure methamphetamine from Cantu and her boyfriend, David Smallwood at a hotel in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Investigators determined that Cantu and Smallwood were couriers who previously transported approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine from Houston, Texas to a location in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania during two prior trips.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, 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.

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 - A former resident of Derry, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Michael Wilson, age 44, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on multiple occasions during 2019 through May 15, 2021, Wilson attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce various minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the court was advised that from September 2019 to October 2019, Wilson distributed visual depictions, namely, images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and, on May 15, 2021, Wilson knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than fifteen 15 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Wilson remains detained.

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

Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Clearfield, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Logan Mactavish, age 40.

According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Mactavish conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Mactavish. 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 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 former resident of Maple Park, Illinois, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months in jail and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,787 on his conviction of conspiracy to transport stolen goods across state lines, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Shawn Ashley Pena, 40.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2018 to May 2018, Pena and a co-defendant conspired to steal merchandise from business and retail establishments in multiple states and transport the stolen items across state lines. As part of the scheme, Pena admitted that he and his co-defendant stole jewelry from the former K-Mart in Millcreek Township and transported the stolen merchandise to New York as they continued their multi-state theft spree.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted that Pena had nineteen prior convictions and had failed to give any indication that he was interested in working hard and avoiding future criminal activity.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Elizabeth Borough Police Chief pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Timothy L. Butler, Jr., 46, of Finleyville, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from June 2017 until December 2018, Butler, the former Chief of Police, stole hundreds of bricks and bundles of heroin from the Elizabeth Borough Police Department for his own personal use. The heroin was evidence that had been seized in two federal drug trafficking investigations and stored in the evidence locker at the police station.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. 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 is 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Butler.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Brandon Jetter, 41, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Jetter is one of 13 defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2019, 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. Jetter was intercepted communicating with his codefendant and coconspirator about purchasing and distributing cocaine. 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 March 30, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations, 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 Jetter.

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 Imperial, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to one day of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which are to be served on home detention, and ordered to pay $367,956.89 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, on her conviction for failing to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Rebecca Lynn Boyce, age 44.

Previously, in connection with her guilty plea, the court was advised that from at least 2006 through at least 2019, Boyce owned and operated Cutie Patootie Daycare, a childcare center in Imperial, Pennsylvania. During that period, Cutie Patootie employed staff and withheld payroll taxes from the paychecks of its employees. Cutie Patootie was required to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis and was required to account for payroll taxes by filing with the IRS on a quarterly basis Form 941, an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Boyce failed to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS and failed to file any Forms 941 from the quarter ending March 31, 2015, through the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2018. Boyce was informed of her obligation to file Forms 941 and make payroll tax payments during IRS audit and collections activities that preceded the periods charged in the Indictment.

Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boyce.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Warren, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Vincent Dexter Swanson, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2020 to March 2021, Swanson possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his guilty plea, Swanson agreed to a four-year jail sentence.

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

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Swanson on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 28 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release on his conviction of drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Clarence Thomas, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA.

Thomas, who had a prior felony heroin trafficking conviction, pleaded guilty on Aug. 25, 2022, to possessing with intent to distribute quantities of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The drugs, Ruger pistol, and ammunition were seized from Thomas’s residence by City of Pittsburgh police officers during the execution of a search warrant on Nov. 10, 2019. The Ruger pistol had been previously reported as being stolen.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted that the distribution of fentanyl had recently become prolific in the Pittsburgh area and was particularly serious in that it was causing deaths among users.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas.

PITTSBURGH - Today, the Court unsealed the indictment of a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charging him with attempting to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.

The one-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 25, 2022, named Charles Morris, 56, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 6, 2022, Morris attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5 million or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Hanrahan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Andrew Colvin, age 30, of 839 Vickroy Avenue, Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about October 7, 2019, Colvin possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana. Further, on or about October 9, 2019, Colvin possessed with the intent to distribute one gram or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and quantities of marijuana, cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), ketamine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2023. The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Count One, and a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both, for Count Two. 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 Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cambria County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Colvin.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Romania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Huliu Rostas, 30, of Romania, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment presented to the court, on or about Nov. 9, 2022, Rostas illegally reentered the United States of America as a previously removed Alien.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than two 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.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to receive and distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Robert Pacek, age 51, pleaded guilty to seven counts before United States District Court Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Pacek distributed images containing child sexual abuse material to a website on the Tor network. After investigators obtained a search warrant for Pacek’s residence, they recovered 3,297 images and 119 videos containing child sexual abuse material on his cell phone.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for April 11, 2023. The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant remain detained.

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

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 – Joshua Peters was convicted of firearm and drug trafficking crimes at the conclusion of a jury trial, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Peters, age 37 of Greenville, Pennsylvania, was convicted of committing the following crimes on March 15, 2022: (1) possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (3) possession of a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction.

The trial evidence demonstrated that Peters was distributing cocaine and fentanyl from a house in Greenville, Pennsylvania, earlier this year. The house was searched by the Mercer County Drug Task Force on March 15, 2022. Thirty-four grams of cocaine, six guns, and over $2,500 in cash were found inside the house.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Mercer County Assistant District Attorney Shane T. Crevar are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Detroit, Michigan pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Darryl Junior Ballard, age 27, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

Ballard pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count One of the Superseding Indictment, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl, and 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base. Ballard also pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment, charging him with distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that in May of 2020, federal, state and local enforcement opened a joint investigation into a drug trafficking organization from Detroit, Michigan that was distributing controlled substances in and around Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified the members of the conspiracy through the interception of members transporting controlled substances from Detroit into Beaver County, in addition to controlled purchase operations.

For example, on May 29, 2020, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase controlled substances from Ballard. The informant negotiated the purchase of heroin using a cellular phone and was directed to travel to an apartment in New Brighton to purchase the controlled substance. Upon entering the buy location, Ballard sold the informant heroin in exchange for pre-recorded funds. On June 5, 2020, law enforcement seized the same pre-recorded funds during the execution of a search warrant at an apartment used by members of the conspiracy.

In addition to this controlled purchase operation, law enforcement intercepted controlled substances transported by the conspirators on several occasions. For example, on Feb. 26, 2021, law enforcement conducted mobile physical surveillance on a vehicle entering Beaver County with co-defendant Devonte Amos and Ballard as passengers. When Amos and Ballard exited the vehicle in Beaver County, officers approached to question them. In response, Amos and Ballard both fled on foot. While fleeing, Amos threw a backpack containing approximately 170 net grams of a fentanyl/heroin mixture and 90 net grams of cocaine base.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on bond.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ballard.

Pittsburgh, PA - A resident of Chile, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jose Zapata, 51, of Chile, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment presented to the court, on or about Nov. 16, 2022, Zapata illegally reentered the United States of America as a previously removed alien.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than two 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.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security 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 – After deliberating for three hours, a federal jury of five men and seven women found Jamal Knox guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Jamal Knox, age 28, formerly of Tyler Road, Verona, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at the four-day trial established that Knox was part of a large-scale drug trafficking operation who referred to themselves as Hustlas Don’t Sleep. Knox was a supplier of fentanyl to the drug trafficking organization as revealed through court-authorized intercepted communications, evidence gathered through search warrants, and through witness testimony.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jamal Knox.

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 former resident of Los Angeles, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Gabriel A. Garcia, age 27, following his August 16, 2022, guilty plea.

According to information presented to the court, on May 26, 2021, a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 Infinity N35 which had violated the vehicle code, and which had bicycles mounted on its rear, obscuring the license plate. Garcia was the driver of the vehicle, and his co-defendant was the passenger of the vehicle. The PSP Trooper recognized the vehicle, bicycles, and the passenger from an April 2021 traffic stop and, further, determined that the vehicle made three coast-to-coast trips during a five-month period. The passenger, who the vehicle was registered to, consented to a search of the vehicle, which revealed approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine and eight kilograms of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the traffic stop leading to the seizure of the controlled substances and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 360 months’ (30 years’) imprisonment and a lifetime term of supervised release upon his conviction for violating federal child sexual exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Ronald Oshensky, Jr., age 43.

According to information presented to the court, Mr. Oshensky was a foster parent with Children and Youth Services (CYS) organizations from several southwestern Pennsylvania counties. Through his guilty plea and pursuant to his plea agreement Mr. Oshensky acknowledged that from July 14, 2011, to Oct. 23, 2011, the exact date being unknown, he produced two videotapes containing a total of 18 video clips which depicted seven different minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct all of which were produced using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Upon imposing the sentence, Judge Haines told Mr. Oshensky that his offense was among the most heinous she had encountered in her 20-year career in law enforcement and three years on the bench. She stated that her decision to impose the statutory maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment was the easiest sentencing decision she has had to make.

“Ronald Oshensky, Jr. will spend the next 30 years in federal prison for the heinous crimes he committed against already disadvantaged children entrusted to his care,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “It is our duty to prosecute child predators and secure appropriate sentences so that communities are safe and victims can become survivors.”

“Predators like Ronald Oshensky exploit the very systems put into place to prevent vulnerable children from being subjected to abusive living situations,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “Through coordination and teamwork, HSI, FBI and the Johnstown Police Department worked hard to ensure our most vulnerable population – our children – are spared from sexual abuse. This underscores one of HSI’s most critical missions. Time is always of the essence when it comes to the exploitation of our children and our dedicated agents, analysts and task force officers work quickly and decisively to keep children safe from predators who seek to do them harm.”

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

Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ronald Oshensky, Jr.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Hasus L. Hardy, age 35.

According to information presented to the court, on or about August 25, 2021, Hardy knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed firearms and ammunition, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

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

Ms. Chung commended United States Marshals Service for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Hardy.

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

PITTSBURGH – Luis Morales was sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for possessing with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Morales, age 48, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan ordered that Morales serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Morales possessed with intent to distribute 1,987 grams of cocaine in a car travelling on Interstate 80 westbound in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 10, 2020. The cocaine was found during a traffic stop conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police. Morales was on state parole at that time following a 2017 Pennsylvania state conviction and 3-year to 6-year prison sentence for cocaine trafficking.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Mercer County Assistant District Attorney Shane T. Crevar prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH – Daryl Williams pled guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Williams, age 24 of Pittsburgh, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. William admitted possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, once on May 6, 2018, and then again on May 29, 2018.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Greentree Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to 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 - A resident of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 60 months’ imprisonment and eight years’ supervised release upon his conviction for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Christopher A. Sennett, age 34, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court during the earlier guilty plea hearing, Sennett was found in possession, on Sept. 26, 2018, of 120 videos and nine still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and determined to have distributed one such video over “Motherless.com”, an infamous pornography website.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon emphasized the dangerous nature of Sennett’s conduct and stated that she hoped that he would take advantage of sex offender treatment while incarcerated. Judge Bissoon further ordered Sennett to pay a $5000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sennett.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Romeo Price, 34. 

According to information presented to the Court, on or about Nov. 15, 2018, detectives executed a state search warrant for Price’s residence. During the search, detectives found plastic bags containing crack cocaine and several bundles and stamp bags containing fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Pittsburgh Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Price.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resident pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. 

Zion Elam-Sturgis, age 23, of Philadelphia, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. 

According to information provided to the Court, Elam-Sturgis admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine base, in Butler, Pennsylvania, between January 2017 and June 2020; and to possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine base on June 2, 2020. 

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing to occur on March 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a minimum of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of not more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. 

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on his conviction of violating a federal firearm law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on D’Avery Williams, age 25.

On October 18, 2021, law enforcement encountered Williams, who was known to have an active arrest warrant. When officers approached Williams, he fled. After detaining him, officers located a bag that Williams possessed while in flight. Within the bag, officers recovered a loaded handgun and suspected controlled substances. At the time of the offense, Williams had already been convicted of two felony firearm offenses and a drug offense. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the McKees Rocks Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Florida resident has pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.

The plea of guilty was entered by Thac Duc Le, age 37, formerly of Venetia, PA, currently from Davie, Florida.

According to the information presented to the Court, during the period April, 2013 through August, 2016, Le operated a business in Bellevue, PA, called Last Call Entertainment. While Last Call was a second hand reseller of small electronics goods, Le also participated in buying health and beauty products (makeup, lipstick, etc.), over the counter medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, dietary supplements) and a wide variety of miscellaneous products (teeth whitening strips, electronic toothbrushes, pet products, small electronics like calculators, etc.), all purchased from walk-in sellers. These walk-in sellers were almost always addicted to various drugs and had shoplifted the products they were offering for sale to Le from local retail merchants. The Court heard of evidence that Le paid these walk-in sellers pennies on the dollar and in turn resold these stolen items on Amazon and that Amazon in turn paid him, by electronic funds transfers, more than $400,000 during the time period of the Indictment.

Chief Judge Mark Hornak accepted Le’s plea of guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Le was released on bond after assuring the Court that he would return for sentencing.

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, together with a number of local police departments, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case, and others that remain pending.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Indiana, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 108 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on her convictions of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Ruby Gil, age 32. 

According to information presented to the court, on or about October 9, 2020, Gil possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and fentanyl. Further, from on or about April 19, 2019, to on or about July 2021, Gil conspired to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of Gil. 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, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana County Drug Task Force, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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 former Pennsylvania Health Services eompany executive has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Joseph W. Nocito, 80, of Sewickley, Pa. 15143, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between 2006 and 2012,  Mr. Nocito, as CEO and President of Pittsburgh-based Automated Health Systems, conspired to fraudulently write off millions of dollars as business expenses against other companies he owned named Palace Development Inc, Nocito Enterprises and Jonnolley Properties  in the construction of his 39,000-square-foot Bell Acres home known as “Villa Noci,” including both the exterior and interior construction, design and furnishings, an outdoor pool, landscaping for the grounds, and a playground, tennis court and bocce court.  Mr. Nocito also fraudulently expensed millions of dollars for other personal expenses such as luxury vehicles, personal fitness, and private school tuition for grandchildren.  The tax consequence of this scheme enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying approximately $4 million in personal income tax on his 1040 personal income tax returned between 2006 and 2012, causing the filing of false personal and corporate income tax returns.

Mr. Nocito also conspired to conceal AHS Inc. taxable income by shuffling millions of dollars through these companies, and falsely characterized the transfers as management, administrative or consulting expenses causing him to significantly underreport company profits.  The tax consequence of the concealment of corporate income enabled Mr. Nocito to avoid paying an estimated $11 million in corporate income tax for the conspiracy period. 

As part of the guilty plea, Mr. Nocito agreed to pay criminal restitution to the Internal Revenue Service of $15,824,056 prior to his sentencing date.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2023. date and time of sentencing  The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Joseph Nocito.

ERIE, PA - Erie Coke Corporation, along with a corporate officer, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on among other charges, Violation of the Clean Air Act, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The eight-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 15, 2022, and unsealed today, named Erie Coke Corporation, now permanently out of operation, and Anthony Nearhoof, 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around October 2015 and continuing until in and around December 2019, Erie Coke Corporation and Nearhoof tampered with measurements on heating systems which emitted contaminants and pollutants into the air including volatile gases such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. Erie Coke Corporation was a plant regulated by federal and state statutes and regulations including the Clean Air Act (CAA) administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), which was located adjacent to numerous private residences, public facilities, and several schools.

Nearhoof was an operator and “responsible corporate officer” at the plant when hazardous air pollutants were being released and directed other plant supervisors and foremen to vent combustion gases directly into the air to avoid the plant’s environmental monitoring system.

“It is important to protect our community from environmental health hazards and to ensure equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “This indictment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to securing environmental justice by holding Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for violations of laws meant to protect the environment and the community.”

“Today’s indictment holds Erie Coke Corporation and its management responsible for covering up and lying to federal regulators and the public about their discharges,” said Jennifer Lynn, Special Agent in Charge for the Mid-Central Area Branch. “Through thorough investigative efforts by EPA and its state partner, we were able to uncover the fraudulent scheme.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000,00, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. 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 Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Michael L. Ivory, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Perry D. McDaniel and Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency 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.

If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive case notifications, submit a victim impact statement, or if you have any questions about your rights, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/vw/us-v-erie-coke-corporation.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Johnstown on charges of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Amanda Nichelle Downs, age 31, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from December 2018 to September 1, 2019, Downs produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Following the guilty plea, Judge Haines sentenced Downs to 300 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Her co-defendant, Jackson Curtis Martin III, age 46, was sentenced to 35 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release on June 21, 2022.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Clearfield Borough Police Department, and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Downs.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Quaruan Chance, age 34.

According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 30, 2019, Chance was found to be in possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A New Castle man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.

The one-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 1 and unsealed yesterday following his arrest, named Brandon Leroy McConnell, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 14, 2021, McConnell did knowingly attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. McConnell was the intended recipient of a United States Postal Service parcel that contained this controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years to a maximum of 40 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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