Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Grants Pass, Oregon, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.

George Charlan, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of marijuana as well as one count of conspiracy to launder money before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Charlan was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Charlan orchestrated the shipment of over 280 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 kilograms of marijuana from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County. Charlan also directed the shipment of a large amount of United States currency representing drug proceeds that was used to purchase additional methamphetamine and marijuana from the Western District of Pennsylvania to California. Charlan then directed Christian Maldonado to transport the remaining drug profits to Charlan.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Charlan on Nov. 29, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting 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 Services, Pittsburgh  Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

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

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

Hasus L. Hardy, 35, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, 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.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTBURGH A resident of Finleyville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Timothy L. Butler, Jr., 46, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from June 2017 until December 2018, Butler, the former Chief of Police, stole evidence – bricks of heroin with a value of over $1,000 - from the Elizabeth Borough Police Department evidence locker for his own personal use.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Angel Cruz II, age 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cruz sold two firearms to a confidential informant during a controlled-buy operation in exchange for $1,000. Cruz, who has a felony conviction for robbery, is prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition. In connection with his federal arrest, law enforcement conducted a protective sweep of his New Castle residence. Law enforcement observed ammunition during the protective sweep, and law enforcement then applied for and obtained a search warrant for the residence. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of an additional firearm.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Cruz to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cruz.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 years imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal narcotics, firearms and health care fraud laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on William Richardson, age 61, formerly of the City’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, Richardson was the leader of the large-scale illegal pill distribution network that also involved fraudulent health care fraud claims. Richardson and numerous others were part of the criminal enterprise in which Richardson and his conspirators obtained powerful and addictive prescription pain medication through physicians under the false pretense that they needed the medication and that they intended to use that medication themselves. In fact, they intended to sell the medication for profit to individuals addicted to those medications. Additionally, medication was often paid for through taxpayer-funded health care insurance programs. Thus, the taxpayers ended paying much of the prescription medications that these conspirators sold. Another source of supply for the pills distributed through this network was a pill supplier from the Detroit area named Kavon Dawkins.

Richardson was captured on court-authorized intercepted communications coordinating this enterprise, which involved the use of a minor to transport some of the pills and also involved actual and threatened use of violence. The court-authorized intercepted communications included a threat to harm a Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Detective who originated the investigation of Richardson.

Additionally, Richardson sold pills to an undercover Pittsburgh Police Officer, and when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Richardson’s home, they found a cache of firearms and ammunition. Richardson was precluded from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law before of previous felony convictions.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on July 12, named Erik Jones, 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around September 2021 to in and around December 2021, Jones did knowingly possess visual depictions, namely, images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. More specifically, Jones possessed approximately 350 videos of child pornography and over 500 images of child pornography.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more 20 years in prison.  Defendant is also subject to a fine of not more than $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least five 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 Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher 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 Washington, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh of cyberstalking, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on July 12, named Eric Scholl, 54, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, beginning around March 2021 and continuing through May 2022, after a domestic incident that led to his wife seeking a Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Order against him, Scholl engaged in a cyberstalking campaign targeting his wife. Among other things, he placed a GPS tracking device on her car which tracked her movements; directed harassing and intimidating emails, texts, and phone calls to her, including using a web-based service that allowed him to disguise his phone number; posted lewd content about her on the internet; impersonated her in messages with others; accessed her mobile phone account and PayPal account without her permission; and threatened her through a text message he transmitted to a family member. Scholl engaged in this course of conduct, and other related and threatening activities, while subject to a domestic violence protection order against him. Scholl’s campaign placed his wife in fear of death or serious bodily injury and caused substantial emotional distress to her.

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than one but not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 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 Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Shaler 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 resident of Uniontown, PA, pleaded guilty on July 12 in federal court to a charge of Production of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Zachary Bosh, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Friday, April 12, 2019, a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity (UC) entered a public chat group titled #parentstoys, using an internet-based, free mobile application. The user “ascott5505,” later identified as Bosh, initiated a private chat with the UC.

During the conversation, Bosh sent the UC approximately seven video clips and/or images of a minor victim, one of which depicted the sexual exploitation of the minor victim, and verified with the UC that the video clips and/or images were “live”. The Court was further informed of the content of the communications between Bosh and the UC.

Investigators were able to obtain emergency disclosures from the mobile application as well as internet service provider, enabling them to identify – on the same day – the residence where the video of the minor victim’s sexual exploitation had been produced. During a search of the residence, which also occurred that day, law enforcement seized bedsheets that matched the sheets visible in the video.

Judge Hornak stated sentencing will be scheduled by further order of court. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Bosh remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the FBI Washington Field Office’s (WFO) Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bosh.

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 - A resident of Crafton, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on July 12, named Timothy Bryner, age 65, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around June 2021 to in and around March 2022, Bryner did knowingly possess material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. Bryner is on federal supervised release from a previous Child Sexual Abuse Materials possession conviction for which he served 100 months in prison.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, fine of not more than $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least five years.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher 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 – United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today that Lawrence County has been officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. Lawrence joins five other western Pennsylvania counties - Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland, and Erie - in receiving dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments to fight drug trafficking and abuse.

“Lawrence County citizens will benefit significantly from HIDTA designation and the critical resources and support that brings to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “We will use these crucial resources to attack the opioid crisis, to curtail cocaine trafficking, and to prevent the widespread distribution of methamphetamine, which has become a serious problem in Western Pennsylvania.”

According to U.S. Attorney Chung, Lawrence County is being utilized by multi-jurisdictional drug traffickers as a destination for the large-scale distribution of controlled substances into Lawrence and the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The large number of illegal drug users, the network of bisecting highways and interstates, and a perceived lack of sanctions against drug traffickers has made Lawrence County an easy and attractive target for Drug Trafficking Organizations.

“The established cooperative partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung continues to benefit the citizens of Lawrence County and western Pennsylvania,” said Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa. “Our designation as a HITDA community will provide additional resources, expand the reach of law-enforcement and ensure that traffickers of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl are attacked at their sources and distribution points. I look forward to building upon our cooperative efforts to make Lawrence County a safer place.”

“The designation of Lawrence as a HIDTA county will bring federal funding, increased sharing of intelligence, analytical support, enhanced training opportunities, and a cooperative effort between the local, state and federal partners,” said Derek M. Siegle, Executive Director of the Ohio HIDTA.

U.S. Attorney Chung thanked Pennsylvania’s United States Senators Robert Casey and Pat Toomey, Governor Tom Wolf, Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as local law enforcement who supported and worked in concert to receive this designation.

Lawrence County is located on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border in the far western part of Pennsylvania, about halfway between the northern and southern borders of Pennsylvania. It covers 363 square miles and has a population of 86,184. 

Lawrence County joins the program’s Ohio HIDTA region.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment and 10 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 Cadee Akins Sr., age 50, formerly of the City’s Stanton Heights neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, Akins Sr. conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base. The investigation revealed that from November 2017 to September 2020, the defendant distributed cocaine to multiple individuals who in turn distributed cocaine to lower-level dealers and end users. Additionally, during a July 2019 traffic stop, law enforcement seized two kilograms of cocaine from the defendant, who was operating a rental vehicle. In a subsequent traffic stop in March 2020, law enforcement seized approximately $50,600 in drug proceeds from the defendant.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Akins Sr.

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

Mary Lou Nelson, 59, pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about April 2019 to on or about July 2021, Nelson did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack;”, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

This prosecution is 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 Butler, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Amy Lynn Snow, age 54, pleaded guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak

According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 7, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2017, Snow falsely reported to the Social Security Administration that her spouse was not a member of her household knowing that his status as a member of the household and his income would affect her entitlement to Social Security Income benefits. The amount of loss suffered by the Social Security Administration by reason of Snow’s theft was $45,422.61.

Sentencing will be scheduled by the court. 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Snow has been granted bond pending sentencing.

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

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Snow.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Meyersdale, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Stephen Andrew Walter, age 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about May 4, 2022, Walter was found to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Martin Zazueta-Villa, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 16, 2022, Zazueta-Villa knowingly possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security/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.

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

Shaila Ashby, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, before United States District Robert J. Colville. 

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on September 15, 2019, a Trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police stopped Ms. Ashby’s vehicle for traffic violations as she drove westbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Westmoreland County.  After speaking with Ms. Ashby, the Trooper believed that she may be involved in drug trafficking, so the Trooper asked for her consent to search her vehicle.  Ms. Ashby voluntarily consented to a search of her vehicle.  The Trooper searched Ms. Ashby’s vehicle and discovered an aftermarket hidden compartment behind the rear seats that was operated by an electronic mechanism from the vehicle’s cupholder.  The Trooper searched the compartment and found approximately 2,500 bricks, or 2.1 kilograms, of a mixture of heroin; fentanyl; and acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. 

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Nov. 22, 2022.  The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ms. Ashby. 

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the Crawford County Correctional Facility in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of failure to register under SORNA, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Brittany Lepkowski, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from April 2022 to May 2022, Lepkowski knowingly failed to update her registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshal’s Service 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 former resident of Philipsburg, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Keegan McChesney, 24, pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, McChesney did conspire to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McChesney. 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.

PITTSBURGH -  A former resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in federal court to violations of Coercion and Enticement of Any Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Conspiracy to Commit the Offense of Coercion and Enticement of an Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Oscar Carter, age 38, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2018, to on or about March 14, 2018, Carter conspired and agreed with another individual, Shelby Summer Brown, to commit an offense against the United States, that is, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual, Minor A (an individual who had not yet attained the age of 18 years) to travel in interstate commerce, from Ohio to Pennsylvania, to engage in prostitution and any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, and did so, from March 6, 2018 through March 14, 2018.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2022, at 10 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Pittsburgh, the Cranberry Township Police Department, and the  Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Oscar Carter.

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

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for just over an hour on Friday, a federal jury of 12 men and women found Roderick King, who chose to represent himself, guilty of one count of sex trafficking a minor and two counts of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

King, 32, formerly of the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, was tried before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jeffrey R. Bengel, who tried the case, the evidence presented at trial established that over three-year period of time, beginning in 2017, King, a truck driver, paid the Minor Victim, who was 14 years-old when King first met her, hundreds of dollars in cash for sex on approximately 10 occasions, and produced two videos of his sexual exploitation of the Minor Victim.

King used social media accounts – namely, the Snapchat username “fuckabeatiwastr” and multiple Facebook accounts, including “Raphael Bloomberg” and “Raphael Huxtable” – to communicate with the Minor Victim. Messages between King and the Minor Victim were presented during trial, which prosecutors stated demonstrated that King used these accounts to maintain control over, manipulate and exploit his victim.

In the Fall of 2020, however, the Minor Victim walked into the Butler Township Police station and told law enforcement about the crimes committed against her by King. The Minor Victim bravely testified at trial and when questioned by King, resolutely stated that she was motivated to report these crimes to police because “30-year-old men shouldn’t be having sex with little kids.”

Judge Wiegand stated that sentencing will be scheduled by further order of court. The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years to life 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Court ordered King remain detained pending sentencing.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section, with the assistance of Butler Township Police Department, and Butler County Children and Youth Services, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of King.

The charges for which King has been convicted concern a specific victim. Additional members of the public who may have information about King’s involvement in sex trafficking and child exploitation are encouraged to call HSI’s tip-line at 866-347-2423 and state the report is to HSI-Pittsburgh regarding Roderick King.

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. AUSA Silinski serves as the Human Trafficking Prosecution’s Coordinator 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, PA -- A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Shaiquane Harrison, age 27.

According to information presented to the court, Harrison attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On March 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery operation of a parcel that previously contained one kilogram of cocaine to a residence in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Following the control delivery of the parcel, mobile surveillance observed the defendant arrive in a rental vehicle, take possession of the parcel and then depart in the rental vehicle. Law enforcement followed the defendant to another Monessen residence and saw Harrison enter that residence with the parcel. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement observed the defendant, who had pieces of the parcel in his hands, flee contrary to directives to stop. Prior to jumping a fence, Harrison leaned through a window of a shed, hid a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, and dropped his cellular phone. A search of the phone revealed texts notifying Harrison that the parcel was sent and also revealed browser history of him tracking the parcel.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Woodland, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 70 months in prison followed by 4 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 Joshua Quigley, 43, of Woodland, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Quigley conspired to distribute 50 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 Quigley. 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to eight years’ imprisonment, followed by a six-year term of supervised release on his convictions of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Willie Miller, age 30, formerly of the Mount Oliver section.

According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, from approximately February 2019 through June 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept communications on 9 telephones, including the defendant’s phone. Intercepted communications revealed that the defendant was supplied by co-defendant Martel Yates and that he distributed brick and bundle quantities to co-defendant Brian Salaj.

Additionally, on June 20, 2019, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence. In a bedroom identified as the defendant’s, law enforcement recovered packaged heroin and fentanyl, 27 mobile phones, an ink stamper, an owe sheet, and $16,076.00. In a hidden floorboard of that same bedroom, law enforcement recovered a Colt .380 caliber firearm. The defendant is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated, “Heroin has destroyed countless lives and snuffed out countless futures.”

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total sentence of 210 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and for making threatening interstate communications with the intent to extort, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Markell Smith, age 25.

According to information presented to the court, Smith, used the Instagram username “7deadlysins19” to threaten a minor female under the age of 12 and successfully demanded that she create and send to him, over the internet, sexually explicit images of herself. As part of his plea agreement with the government, Smith admitted to committing similar crimes against seven other minor victims in 2018 and 2019. Smith used many different usernames to extort the minors, threatening to hack them and their family members, and to physically harm the minors’ family if the minors did not send to Smith sexually explicit images. Smith’s threats made the children think they had no choice but to participate in their own victimization. At arrest, Smith admitted to his criminal conduct, telling investigators that he “liked to hear and see the terror in his victims.”

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that Smith’s crime was “unquestionably serious” and denounced Smith’s manipulation of vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification and enjoyment.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Police Department, as well as the Red Bank Police Department (New Jersey); the FBI—Spokane (Washington) Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force; the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (Florida), and the Winchester Police Department (Kentucky), for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

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, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 210 months’ incarceration followed by 5 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on David Saban, age 47.

According to information presented to the court, Saban engaged in online conversations on several different social media applications wherein he discussed child sexual abuse and sent and received material depicting the sexual exploitation of children. The Court was advised that Saban also engaged in similar conduct when communicating online with a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity. The Court received victim impact statements from some of the minor victims depicted in the images and videos of child sexual abuse material that Saban possessed.

In imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon acknowledged that Saban’s conduct “feeds an evil system” and encourages those who document their sexual abuse of children.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan 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 Saban.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court to 39 months’ imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release on his conviction of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school while on federal supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Melvin Dorsey-Pace, age 29.

On April 6, 2021, Dorsey-Pace distributed crack cocaine near St. Vitus Elementary School in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was on federal supervised release at that time. He was previously convicted in 2016 in federal court for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and was released to supervised release in 2020.

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

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

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.5

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Phillipsburg, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on her 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 Miranda Williams, 28, of Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Williams conspired to distribute 50 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 Williams. 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former McKees Rocks, PA resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Rachel Novalesi, 39, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging her, and 26 other codefendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Government advised the Court that the prosecution of Novalesi arose out of a two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization whose members distributed kilograms of cocaine, sourced from Mexico, throughout the United States (in California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere). The Court was advised that co-conspirators obtained kilograms of cocaine in Los Angeles, California, and sent them to the Western District of Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) through the United States Postal Service. In connection with her guilty plea, Novalesi admitted that she received cocaine-laden parcels that were sent by co-conspirators from Los Angeles, California, to the Western District of Pennsylvania, and that she redistributed the kilograms of cocaine to others. As part her plea, Novalesi admitted that she possessed roughly five ounces of cocaine that was seized in May 2019 during a traffic stop by the Bridgewater Police Department in Beaver County, PA. Novalesi admitted as part of the plea that the cocaine was sourced from a codefendant, and that she intended to redistribute it. Novalesi admitted that the total quantity of cocaine attributable to her, through her conduct and the foreseeable conduct of co-conspirators, was at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms. The Court was advised that agents seized in excess of 100 kilograms of cocaine during its two-year investigation into the drug trafficking organization, of which Novalesi admitted to being a member.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for November 4, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration (in Pittsburgh, PA) and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (in Los Angeles, CA; in Tucson, AZ; in New York, NY; in Nashville, TN; at the Special Operations Division; and in Mexico); the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Police Department; the New Castle Police Department; the Monessen Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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. – Two residents of Pittsburgh and a resident of Georgia were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program and related offenses, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

During sentencing hearings on June 28 and June 29, 2022, United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Tiffhany Covington, 45, of Pittsburgh, to fifteen months’ imprisonment; Luis Columbie-Abrew, 36, of East Point, Georgia, to three years’ probation, including twelve months of home confinement; and Julie Wilson, 51, of Pittsburgh, to three years’ probation, including six months of home confinement. Covington, Columbie-Abrew, and Wilson were also ordered to pay restitution to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program totaling $245,376.26, $164,799.48, and $2,083.36, respectively. All three defendants previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Columbie-Abrew and Wilson also pleaded guilty to health care fraud, with Columbie-Abrew pleading guilty to an additional charge of aggravated identity theft.

During their plea hearings, each defendant admitted that they were employees of one or more of four related entities operating in the home health care industry—Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients (“consumers”), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between 2011 and 2017, the defendants admitted that they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. The Court was further advised that the defendants conspired with, among others, Arlinda Moriarty, the owner of MCI, ADL, and EPS; Daynelle Dickens, the owner of CCI and Arlinda Moriarty’s sister; various office workers at the companies, including Tamika Adams, Tony Brown, Terra Dean, Larita Walls, Keith Scoggins, and Tia Collins; and caregivers (“attendants”) at MCI, including Tionne Street and Autumn Brown. To date, each of these co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants each admitted that co-conspirators fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care they provided to consumers but that, in fact, never occurred. In addition, certain co-conspirators, including Covington and Columbie-Abrew, stopped using their own names as the attendant on timesheets and instead used the names of “ghost” attendants, some of whom permitted their names to be used in exchange for a kickback of resulting fraudulent salary payments. The defendants also admitted that certain co-conspirators submitted false timesheets for PAS care they never provided during times when they were actually working at other jobs or living out of the area. In some cases, as the defendants acknowledged, Medicaid claims were submitted for PAS care that purportedly occurred while consumers were hospitalized, incarcerated, or deceased, and in other instances, co-conspirators paid kickbacks to consumers in exchange for the consumers’ agreement to participate in the submission of fraudulent timesheets in support of Medicaid claims. Indeed, Columbie-Abrew specifically admitted causing the submission of hundreds of thousands of dollars of Medicaid claims for purported care of consumers who lived in the Pittsburgh area, despite the fact that he—as the purported attendant—lived several states away in Georgia.

The defendants also admitted that Arlinda Moriarty directed co-conspirators, including Covington, to bill the maximum allowable PAS and service coordination hours for consumers to maximize profits and to ensure that the state did not require MCI, ADL, and CCI to forfeit underutilized consumer hours. To that end, Wilson acknowledged that, at Moriarty’s behest, she collected information about consumers who had “unused” PAS care hours—that is, hours of authorized PAS care that had not been performed and, as a result, had not been billed to Pennsylvania Medicaid. In response, Wilson would provide lists of such consumers and their “unused” hours to Moriarty and Dickens. Moriarty, in turn, would direct Wilson to submit false claims, in bulk, for some or all of the “unused” hours—without the relevant consumers’ knowledge or consent. Wilson further admitted that she would then send Moriarty a list of the “unused” hours Wilson had billed and that required the creation of back-dated timesheets to document the purported care. Rampant document fabrication also occurred during the course of state audits of the Moriarty-related entities.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Coalport, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kenneth Selvage, age 61.

According to information presented to the court, on or about January 24, 2020, to on or about January 25, 2020, Selvage was found in possession of a Mossberg .20-gauge shotgun and ten shells of ammunition. On June 16, 1999, Selvage was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, of Escape, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Selvage.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 31 years and eight months in prison on his conviction for federal drug and firearms laws, specifically conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on James Perrin, age 44.

According to information presented during the jury trial of Perrin and co-defendant Price Montgomery in 2018, Perrin and Montgomery operated a heroin distribution network out of Montgomery’s residence in the Mt. Washington section of Pittsburgh during 2013 and 2014. In June of 2014, investigators seized approximately three kilos of heroin and 16 firearms from Perrin and Montgomery during searches of a vehicle occupied by Perrin and Montgomery and Montgomery’s residence.

Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Western Pennsylvania Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the IRS - Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perrin.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A Beaver County resident has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court to seven years’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release on his convictions of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Cameron Cannon, age 31, formerly of Hopewell, PA 15001.

According to information presented to the court, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence after purchasing controlled substances from him at the residence. From the defendant’s bedroom, law enforcement recovered about 110 net grams of methamphetamine. On the kitchen counter, officers recovered about 9.5 net grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl from within a cereal box. The drawer directly beneath the cereal box contained a loaded handgun with an obliterated serial number. The defendant is prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Beaver County Anti-Drug Task Force and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cannon.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pitcairn and Trafford, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 270 months’ imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release on her conviction for production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence yesterday on Rebecca Owens, age 25.

According to information presented to the court, from May 17-19, 2019, Owens communicated with another individual online through the social media application Skout/MeetMe and discussed sexually abusing Minor A, a minor known to Owens. At sentencing, the Court was presented with additional text message conversations that Owens had with another individual from January through July 2019, wherein Owens engaged in a sexually graphic discussion and offered children known to her, including Minor A, to this other individual to be sexually abused. The government also presented the Court with evidence that, during the text message conversations with this other individual, Owens, again, created and sent sexually explicit images of Minor A.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville noted the “exceptionally troubling” nature of Owens’ very serious criminal conduct.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Allegheny County Police Department, and the New Castle Police Department, and the Pitcairn Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Owens.

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 .

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

The two-count Indictment named Troy Eugene Anderson, 41, 10960 Backus Road, Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, in and around February 2021, Anderson received images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, from in and around June 2018 to in and around February 2021, Anderson possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Anderson has a prior federal conviction for receipt of child sexual abuse material for which he was sentenced to 71 months in jail and 5 years of supervised release in August 2008.

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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Jackson Martin III, 46. On June 21, 2022, Martin was sentenced to 35 years in prison followed by a life-time term of supervised release.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the court was advised that from December 2018 to September 1, 2019, Martin produced images of a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, from January 8, 2019, to November 24, 2019, Martin possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

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 Martin and 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. 

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Boswell, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Michael Knisely, age 31.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 16, 2021, Knisely possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Cambria County Drug Task Force, and Cambria County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Knisely.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years imprisonment and eight years supervised release on his conviction of federal narcotics laws United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jason Malos, age 38. 

According to information presented to the court, Malos participated in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Malos’s communications implicating him in the conspiracy were obtained through court-authorized interceptions of his communications. A search warrant of his residence revealed further evidence of his participation in the conspiracy, including several firearms.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroeville Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Malos.

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 New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months imprisonment with a three-year term of supervised release on her conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Deia Eggleston, age 46, of Bleakley Ave., New Castle, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Eggleston allowed her relatives, who were engaging in drug trafficking to use her home to manufacture crack cocaine and to store drugs and guns. Eggleston also aided and abetted an attempted delivery of a kilogram of cocaine by mail which federal agents intercepted prior to delivery. During a search warrant of her home, numerous types of drugs and firearms were found.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New Castle Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eggleston.

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 - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal mail theft laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Teresa Drummond, age 47, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on June 2, 2021, Drummond, did steal and take from and out of any mail route and other authorized depository for mail matter a letter addressed to T.W. in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – The owner and operator of a Pittsburgh-area tax preparation business has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ incarceration and two years’ supervised release on his conviction of Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Filing of False Federal Income Tax Returns, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on John C. Thornton, age 75, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Thornton owned and operated Tax Centers of America franchises in Pittsburgh. Between 2012 and 2017, IRS investigators uncovered high pattern of personal income tax returns containing Schedule C forms. Investigators uncovered falsification of Schedule C forms prepared and filed by Thornton and tax preparers at his business.

Judge Horan also ordered Thornton to make restitution in the amount of $511,718.50.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci 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 Thornton.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 6 months’ imprisonment and one-year supervised release on her conviction of filing a false income tax return, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Tina L. Beck, age 53, of West Alexander, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Beck filed federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the calendar years 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018, on which she willfully underreported gross receipts by more than $980,000 from the operation of the garbage collection business she jointly operated with her husband known as “Beck’s Refuse Service”. In February 2022, Beck pleaded guilty to filing a false income tax return for 2018 on which she underreported business income resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of more than $50,000. She further accepted responsibility for tax losses incurred by the IRS in 2014, 2015, and 2017, totaling more than $232,000.

Judge Horan ordered Beck, following imprisonment, to serve the first six months of supervised release in home detention with electronic monitoring and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $252,034.08.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Beck.

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

The one-count Indictment named James Ancell, age 29, of the City’s Brighton Heights neighborhood, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on November 25, 2021, Ancell a United States Postal Service employee, did embezzle a letter, postal card, package, mail, or any article or thing contained therein, which had come into the defendant’s possession intended to be conveyed by mail

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 15 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Andrew Gere, 52. 

According to information presented to the court, from on or about Feb. 2, 2021, to on or about July 20, 2021, Gere traveled in interstate commerce, and did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, fail to register and update a registration, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania 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 today.

The one-count Indictment named Andrea Decato a/k/a Andrea Roton, age 38, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on or about April 27, 2021, Decato possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a term of imprisonment not less than ten (10) years, a fine of $10,000,000 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 Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and Sandy Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal violent crime laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Matthew Harrison , age 43, of the City’s Brookline neighborhood, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 28, 2022, Harrison attempted to murder and assaulted an employee of the United States – an on-duty letter carrier employed by the United States Postal Service - with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

The law provides for a sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Mt. Lebanon Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the joint investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

Erie, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws in two separate cases, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Charles L. McIntosh, 28.

According to information presented to the court, in April 2019, McIntosh possessed two firearms while being a convicted felon. In addition, on or about April 22, 2021, McIntosh possessed three firearms while being a convicted felon and while on federal pretrial release in the 2019 case. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reductions efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold 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 and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McIntosh.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 5 years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release.

Senior U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Matthew T. Buchinsky, age 36, of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court during the guilty plea hearing, from May 1, 2016, through May 11, 2016, Buchinsky distributed videos and sill images which depicted the sexual exploitation of a minors to other individuals using the Kik instant messaging software application. Additionally, on November 10, 2016, pursuant to a search warrant executed on his home, Buchinsky was found to be in possession of more than 8,000 videos and images which depicted the sexual exploitation minors, including those depicting infants and toddlers.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the dangerous nature of Buchinsky’s conduct and stated that she hoped that he would take advantage of sex offender treatment while incarcerated. Judge Conti further ordered Buchinsky to pay restitution to victims requesting payment of such, in amounts to be determined by the court within 90 days of sentencing.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security/homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Buchinsky.

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. 

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Warren County has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail on his 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 Cody Tobias Greeley, 25, of Tidioute, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Greeley conspired with his co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 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 Greeley.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, and to having assaulted a federal agent with a dangerous weapon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Dion Williams, 46, formerly of Marion Street, Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was 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 codefendant 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 2 kilograms.

The court was also 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 permanently 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.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2022, at 1:30 PM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years up to life in prison, a fine of $8,500,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Williams remain detained in the custody of the United States Marshals.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Moschetta and Doug Maloney are prosecuting 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, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on June 17, 2022, and unsealed today, named Melvin Bowles, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 27, 2022, Bowles knowingly possessed ammunition as a convicted felon.

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

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

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

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