Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for one count of health care fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Varanise C. Booker, 67, to 36 months of probation and ordered that she pay restitution totaling $24,217.26 to the Kentucky Medicaid program.

During the defendant’s plea hearing on October 5, 2021, Booker admitted that she was a licensed psychiatrist who operated a medical practice, Family and Children Behavioral Health Services, in Louisville, Kentucky. Between approximately October 2011 and August 2013, the defendant further admitted that she referred patients for drug testing and related services performed by Universal Oral Fluid Labs (“UOFL”), a clinical drug testing and drug screening laboratory located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The court was further advised that the defendant engaged in health care fraud by causing UOFL to bill the Kentucky Medicaid program for testing based on referrals that were outside the ordinary course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Specifically, the defendant acknowledged that she did not document a legitimate justification for ordering certain drug tests and services, failed to document the results of certain drug tests and services performed by UOFL in her medical files, and failed to address the results of certain drug tests and services in the treatment of her patients. The defendant further admitted that she caused UOFL to pay her a certain portion of the reimbursements the laboratory received from Kentucky Medicaid in connection with her referral of unlawful drug tests and related services. As a result, the defendant caused losses to Kentucky Medicaid in excess of $20,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Section conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Booker.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to smuggling goods from the United States, and possessing unregistered firearms, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Donald Robert Witherow, 48, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2019, Witherow, without first obtaining the required approval, sent ammunition and ammunition magazines to the Netherlands. In addition, on March 26, 2020, Witherow possessed unregistered firearms, namely destructive devices.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (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 works 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.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Witherow on bond.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Witherow.

PITTSBURGH - Dana Penney was sentenced to 188 months in prison for (1) conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances in 2017 and 2018; (2) possessing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl with intent to distribute on June 19, 2018; and (3) brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on July 18, 2018, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Penney, age 40, of Aliquippa, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Penney was on federal supervised release in 2017 and 2018 as a result of a prior federal drug trafficking conviction. Judge Ranjan sentenced Penney to a concurrent term of 12 months in prison for the supervised release violations that corresponded with the convictions mentioned above. Judge Ranjan ordered that the prison sentences be followed by six years of supervised release.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of transporting obscene writing over the internet, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Dominic Runco, age 69, pleaded guilty to one count of Importation or Transportation of Obscene Matters in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 1462 before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about October 28, 2020 to on or about November 25, 2020, Runco knowingly sent obscene writing describing in explicit and graphic detail the sexual abuse of children to other individuals over email and in a chatroom.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 5 years, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dominic Runco.

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

Keith McCrae, 48, of Charleroi, PA, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with possessing with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Friday, October 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Jonathan D. Lusty are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Keith McCrae.

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, – Ross Landfried and David Curran were convicted at the conclusion of a six-day jury trial of conspiring to distribute Schedule I and II controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Landfried was also convicted of conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019. The evidence presented at trial established that Landfried, Curran and their co-conspirators were part of a wide-ranging drug conspiracy within the federal prison system. Inmate accounts were used to collect and make payments for the drugs.

Landfried, age 40, and Curran, age 39, both formerly of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, will be sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on dates to be determined.

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

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

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

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

David Lyons, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2019 to March 2020, Lyons received computer and cell phone images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Lyons on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 84 months in prison for violating federal firearms laws and his conditions of supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David Cercone imposed the sentence on Terrence Pasley, age 34.

According to information presented to the court, on January 16, 2021, Mr. Pasley illegally possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and violated the conditions of his release by possessing that firearm. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

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

U.S. Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation leading to the conviction 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Beaver County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Michael Turner, 49, formerly of Wampum, PA, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 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 Turner communicating regarding the purchase of kilogram quantities of cocaine. In connection with his guilty plea, Turner admitted that he acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine, which he redistributed to others, including to co-conspirators Brandon Quinn and Jeremiah Irving, both of whom have also pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Turner further admitted to unlawfully possessing a .223 caliber rifle and ammunition, which agents seized from Turner’s Beaver County residence during a search of the same as part of the investigation on June 18, 2020. Turner, a felon, was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Agents additionally recovered cocaine and approximately $17,000 in U.S. currency from Turner’s residence.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court remanded Turner to the custody of the United States Marshals.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 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. 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 Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Andrew Knepp, 44, of Clearfield PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Knepp did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum 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 that led to the prosecution of Knepp. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 114 months in jail, 15 years of supervised release and $3,000 in restitution on his conviction of violating federal child sexual exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Gregory Mancini who is currently incarcerated at the Erie County Prison.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on November 2, 2018, Mancini traveled to Georgia from Erie, Pennsylvania for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a 13-year-old boy. Upon arriving in Georgia, Mancini traveled to meet with the boy and was subsequently taken into custody by the Hall County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office. When interviewed, Mancini admitted that he had engaged in sexual talk with the minor victim and that he had crossed the line. Mancini also admitted that he was a criminal.

The investigation uncovered that Mancini had groomed the victim for months, discussing his intention to engage in sex acts with the minor. He told the victim to keep quiet about their contact and that he loved the victim who was thirteen years of age at the time. After Mancini told the victim that he was coming to visit him on November 2, 2018, the victim became upset and ultimately the Hall County Sheriff’s Office was contacted. They then assumed the victim’s identity online and Mancini began communicating with an undercover detective whom he thought was the victim. During his communication with the undercover detective, Mancini, thinking he was communicating with the minor victim, stated “i want u, I love u.” Shortly before his arrest, Mancini again thinking he was communicating with the minor victim, texted “I want to hug u … kiss u … love u.”

After Mancini’s arrest, federal authorities in Georgia transferred the case to Erie for further investigation. That inquiry ultimately uncovered that Mancini was using the dark web to obtain child sexual abuse material. The execution of a federal search warrant at Mancini’s residence in Erie County on January 9, 2020, resulted in the seizure of two computers and a thumb drive belonging to Mancini. A forensic examination of those items revealed hundreds of items of child sexual abuse material depicting children as young as two being raped and abused by adults. Also uncovered was a journal Mancini had written wherein he admitted that he was attracted to younger boys.

In imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted her grave concern that Mancini was a teacher while committing these offenses. Judge Baxter also noted the extreme nature of the child sexual abuse material Mancini had obtained.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hall County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mancini.

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

Davonte Dugger, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Dugger accepted responsibility for causing the death of the victim in this case, R.J., as a result of his heroin and fentanyl distribution. Dugger also accepting responsibility for distributing additional quantities of heroin and fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl  fentanyl.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on August 7, 2018, Dugger distributed a quantity of a heroin and fentanyl mixture that R.J. ingested, causing his death. In addition, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a heroin and fentanyl mixture from Dugger October 10, 2018. Subsequently, on October 19, 2018, investigators obtained search warrants for Dugger’s vehicle and residence. They ultimately seized 31.1 grams of a mixture that contained heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, from those locations. 

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, 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 Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Moon Township Police Department led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dugger.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Mexican citizen living in Tucson, AZ, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Ramon S. Araiza-Vega, 29, formerly of Tucson, AZ, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, 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 Araiza-Vega 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 his guilty plea, Araiza-Vega admitted that he transported kilograms of cocaine from Arizona to Los Angeles, CA, which were intended for redistribution. On May 5, 2020, through court authorized Title III wiretaps, federal agents surveilled Araiza-Vega and codefendant Manuel Silvestre in Los Angeles, CA, believing they were going to conduct a drug transaction; a subsequent search by agents led to the seizure of 26 kilograms of cocaine and approximately $185,000 in U.S. currency.

As part his plea, Araiza-Vega admitted that the quantity of cocaine attributable to him, through his conduct and through the conduct of co-conspirators that was reasonably foreseeable to him, 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 Araiza-Vega admitted to being a member.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for October 10, 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 – A former resident of Moundsville, West Virginia, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jason W. Lynn, age 44.

According to information presented to the court, from April 4, 2019, until May 3, 2019, Lynn communicated online and through text messages with an undercover law enforcement officer who Lynn believed to be a real minor. In the beginning of May 2019, Lynn made arrangements with the purported minor to meet at a hotel in Pittsburgh for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct. Lynn was arrested on May 3, 2019 by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation after Lynn traveled from West Virginia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to meet the purported minor.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the FBI for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lynn.

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 Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to no further penalty after pleading guilty today to malicious destruction of property by fire resulting in death, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David Cercone imposed the sentence on Gregory Brown, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Brown served 20 years in state prison for his conviction on the arson that was the subject of this case. That conviction was vacated in 2016.

According to information provided to the court during today’s hearing, the defendant, then 17, set fire to the residential rental home located at 8361 Bricelyn Street in Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood on February 14, 1995, which resulted in the deaths of Pittsburgh firefighters Thomas Brooks, Patricia Conroy and Marc Kolenda.

U.S. Attorney Chung stated, “Captain Thomas Brooks, and Firefighters Patricia Conroy and Marc Kolenda were dedicated public servants with families and friends who loved them. In 1995, these dedicated public servants died in the line of duty. Today, defendant Gregory Brown acknowledged under oath that the evidence as described in court establishes his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and is sufficient to secure his conviction. A conviction and waiver of appellate rights is important in securing justice for these public servants and their families and holds Gregory Brown responsible forever in the eyes of the law.”

“Arson is a very serious and violent crime, and in this case resulted in the tragic deaths of three Pittsburgh firefighters,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “ATF and our experts will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to investigate these violent acts of arson and make sure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. I would like to commend the work of all the investigators and prosecutors in this case since this incident occurred.”

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney and Special Assistant Rebecca Walker of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Fire Marshal, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gregory Brown.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Asa Collins, aka “Asa Brown”), 20, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 27, 2021, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers stopped a vehicle operated by Collins in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood for a traffic infraction. During a subsequent search of his vehicle, officers found approximately 8 “bricks” – containing roughly 400 individual dosage units – of heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol mixtures (each of which is a scheduled controlled substance), along with a loaded .45 caliber pistol. In connection with his guilty plea, Collins admitted to possessing the controlled substances with the intent to distribute them, along with unlawfully possessing the .45 caliber pistol.

Senior Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Cook and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Collins.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Long Beach Township, New Jersey, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release on a conviction of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Nicholas Lucia, 27.

The court was previously advised that on May 30, 2020, Lucia threw an explosive device towards several uniformed police officers who were attempting to maintain control during ongoing rioting. The explosive device landed on the vest of one of the officers, and another officer quickly pulled it off and threw it before it exploded. One officer suffered a concussion as a result of being in close proximity to the explosion.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the joint investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lucia.

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

The three-count Indictment named Shaquan Moore, 30, formerly of Point View Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Moore is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture of p-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl and a quantity of fentanyl on or about January 19, 2022. Moore is also alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and alleged to have possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on or about January 19, 2022.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Brandon Washington, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense before United States District Judge Robert Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in March 2021, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police narcotics agents working with the Drug Enforcement Administration utilized an undercover agent to purchase cocaine from Washington at a hotel in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood. Agents executed search warrants on multiple hotel rooms thereafter, which led to the seizure of additional quantities of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), drug paraphernalia commonly used to process cocaine into cocaine base, and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. By pleading guilty, Washington admitted that he distributed cocaine, possessed cocaine base with the intent to distribute it, and unlawfully possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded Washington to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Anthony Antosz, 45, formerly of Perrysville Avenue, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about January 19, 2022, and continuing thereafter until on or about May 16, 2022, Antosz did use a facility and means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and a cellular telephone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of eighteen (18) years to engage in sexual activity.

According to an affidavit in support of a Criminal Complaint filed in this case, after chatting with an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old child for months over his cell phone and the internet in an effort to entice the purported child to have sex, Anthony Antosz sent a Lyft ticket to the purported child so the child could ride to his apartment to engage in sexual activity. Antosz lined the staircase leading up to his apartment with lit candles in an effort to set the mood for his anticipated sexual encounter with a child.

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

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

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

Marcus Brown, 34, of Washington County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 1 to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine from April of 2020 and continuing to November 19, 2020, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Mr. Brown also accepted responsibility for conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base as well quantities of heroin and fentanyl and for possessing firearms in conjunction with his drug trafficking. Mr. Brown is the lead Defendant of 20 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment returned in this case

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that in 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a drug trafficking organization lead by Mr. Brown that operated throughout the greater Washington County area. Beginning in April of 2020 and continuing through October of 2020, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Mr. Brown, as the leader of this multi-member drug trafficking organization, was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of drugs from New Jersey to the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution throughout Washington County by various members of the organization. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, fentanyl, firearms, ammunition, body armor, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Mr. Brown.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for September 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years and up to life in prison, 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 Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Brown. 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 Emsworth, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Thomas Kastory, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about April 12, 2022, and continuing thereafter until on or about May 29, 2022, Kastory used a facility and means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and a cellular telephone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of eighteen (18) years to engage in sexual activity.

According to an affidavit in support of a Criminal Complaint filed in this case, after chatting with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old child for more than a month over his cell phone and the internet in an effort to entice the purported child to have sex, Thomas Kastory boarded a bus on May 29, 2022, to travel to meet the child where he expected to return to the child’s residence to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Kastory, believing that the child’s parent was out of town and that the child would be alone, brought condoms, lubricant, and a sex toy with him for his anticipated meeting with the child.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Woodland, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 5 years 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 Amber Gallaher, 30, of Woodland, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Gallaher did conspire 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 Gallaher. 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.

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

Mark Hackett, 34, of Woodland, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts Two and Nine 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, Hackett did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Further, on December 18, 2019, Hackett did distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum 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 that led to the prosecution of Hackett. 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, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction for failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Leon McGirt, also known as “Leon McGirk”, “Leon McGrit”, and “Leon McGirle”, age 45.

According to information presented to the court, McGirt was sentenced in 2012 in Essex County, New Jersey on a conviction for Criminal Attempt and Aggravated Sexual Assault (involving a minor victim). This conviction subjected McGirt to lifetime supervision in the State of New Jersey and required McGirt to register under SORNA. On December 18, 2018, McGirt traveled in interstate commerce, from the State of New Jersey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and knowingly failed to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) until his arrest on October 29, 2019 for absconding from supervision in New Jersey.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Marshal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McGirt.

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 Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Darwin Lamel Green, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 30, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Green’s residence and recovered a Spikes Tactical Crusader semi-automatic rifle, Ruger semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and magazines. The court was further advised that Green had been convicted in October 2013 of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony that prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2022. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan Conway and David Lew are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution on Green.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Windber, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kristian E. Heller, 46, of Windber, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about April 20, 2021, Heller knowingly possessed one or more visual depictions, namely, videos and images in individual computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and which depict prepubescent minors and minors who have not attained twelve years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, all of which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, by means of a computer, and all of which had been produced using materials which had been mailed and shipped in interstate and foreign commerce.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Heller.

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 better 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 Philadelphia, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Joel Butler, 28, pleaded guilty to the offense at Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about February 24, 2022, Butler 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 Haines scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Butler.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Alabama, who was living in Pittsburgh at the time of the offenses, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of sex trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Anthony Juskowich, 23, who resided in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, Juskowich had been grooming the victim, Jane Doe, since December of 2019, when the two met in Alabama. After a few failed attempts at expanding his sex trafficking business in Alabama and Georgia, Juskowich convinced Jane Doe, who had never traveled outside of the south, to travel with him to Pittsburgh. Once in Pittsburgh, the Court was informed that Juskowich coerced and forced Jane Doe to engage in commercial sex acts based upon the false promise of making enough money to go legitimate someday by purchasing and running a fast-food franchise. Additionally, Juskowich used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel Jane Doe to meet sex customers. While Jane Doe initially tried to resist, to maintain some form of control over her life, Juskowich’s control, manipulation, demands, and intimidation wore down her resistance.

On May 14, 2021, investigators, after conducting an undercover operation, disrupted Juskowich’s crimes and arrested him, which enabled Jane Doe to be physically separated from Juskowich. Even so, Juskowich continued to exercise control over Jane Doe, even from jail.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and conveyed to the Court, at sentencing, that human trafficking is more than a crime, it is an affront to human dignity and an attack on fundamental humanitarian values. There are no words to adequately describe the experience of a victim of any form of sexual abuse, particularly a victim of sex trafficking. The impact on a victim, including Jane Doe, is not merely physical, it affects one emotionally and psychologically in ways that most cannot begin to understand.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division and the Moon Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Juskowich.

This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania’s coalition to end human trafficking. Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Through this initiative, the US Attorney’s Office is proactively working with local, state and federal law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, to identify and prosecute human traffickers and to empower victims to become thriving survivors. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education, training and improved cooperation, resulting in the successful prosecution of individuals like Juskowich.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Coraopolis Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Christopher A. Sennett pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 26, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sennett’s residence in Coraopolis, PA, during which the officers seized a computer and Apple iPhone, both of which were found to contain videos and still images of child sexual abuse material. Forensic analysis of the electronic equipment revealed 120 videos and 9 still photographs depicting the sexual exploitation of minor females.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2022, at 1:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christopher A. Sennett.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was 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 Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was 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 Tarentum, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

John William Montgomery, 33, of Tarentum, PA, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, 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 Montgomery 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 his guilty plea, Montgomery admitted that he received cocaine-laden parcels that were sent by co-conspirators from Los Angeles, California, to the Western District of Pennsylvania, and that he redistributed the kilograms of cocaine to co-conspirators and others. As part his plea, Montgomery admitted that the quantity of cocaine attributable to him, through his conduct and through the conduct of co-conspirators that was reasonably foreseeable to him, 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 Montgomery admitted to being a member.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for October 5, 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. – Three residents of the Pittsburgh area pleaded guilty in federal court today for their roles in defrauding the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Arlinda Moriarty, 53, of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, her sister Daynelle Dickens, 47, of Pittsburgh, and their uncle Tony Brown, 64, also of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Moriarty also pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a scheme to conceal material facts in a health care matter and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to admissions made in connection with the defendants’ guilty pleas, between January 2011 and April 2017, Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown were associated with four related entities controlled by Moriarty—Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS), and Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI). Dickens owned CCI, and Brown was an employee of MCI. 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. EPS nominally performed back-office functions for MCI, ADL, and CCI.

Between January 2011 and April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for home health services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount. During that time, Moriarty admitted orchestrating a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud Medicaid 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 defendants admitted that the conspiracy and fraud scheme were carried out in a variety of ways. For example, co-conspirators fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, they never provided to the consumers identified on timesheets. Members of the conspiracy also paid kickbacks to consumers in exchange for their participation in the scheme. Indeed, Brown admitted paying kickbacks to his then-son-in-law in connection with the submission of fraudulent Medicaid claims stating that Brown had provided in-home care for the son-in-law, when, in fact, he had not. As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators also caused the submission of
Medicaid claims in the name of “ghost” employees for PAS care that never occurred.

Moriarty and Dickens also admitted causing the periodic bulk submission of fraudulent Medicaid claims for so-called “unused” hours—i.e., excess hours of care that consumers had not needed and therefore should not have been billed. Finally, Moriarty admitted that during the course of audits of MCI, ADL, and CCI, she directed the fabrication of various documents for submission to state authorities in an effort to conceal the Medicaid fraud scheme. Among other things, co-conspirators fabricated PAS timesheets, criminal history checks for attendants, child-abuse clearance forms for attendants, and certain consumer affidavits to ensure that files requested as part of the audits appeared complete. During the conspiracy, Moriarty and Dickens received payments from the Moriarty-related companies totaling approximately $1,660,000 and $1,071,000, respectively.

In connection with their guilty pleas, Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown have agreed to pay restitution of $8,700,000, $1,000,000, and $43,113.02, respectively.

A total of 16 defendants were charged in connection with the health care fraud conspiracy and scheme, and 15 have now pleaded guilty. The remaining defendant died during the pendency of the case.

The conspiracy and health care fraud charges each carry a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The concealment of material facts in relation to a health care matter charge carries a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to run consecutively with any sentence imposed on any other charge and a fine of no more than $250,000. 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 defendants.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing hearings for Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown on September 28, 2022.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Tyrell Johnson, age 32, of the Bon Air section of the City of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 13, 2020, the defendant possessed a loaded 9mm caliber Taurus pistol while traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. The defendant had four prior felony drug convictions for possession with the intent to deliver controlled substances at the time of the offense.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2022, at 11:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the joint investigation that led to the prosecution of Tyrell Johnson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Munhall, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Shaun Seidling, age 40, pleaded guilty to both counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Seidling arranged to have a kilogram of cocaine mailed to his residence, but postal inspectors seized the package and then executed a search of his residence. There, investigators located items which included the package, additional amounts of cocaine, a 9mm caliber handgun, ammunition for 9mm and .22 caliber firearms, scales and other drug packaging items. Court documents indicate that Seidling has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses which preclude his lawful possession of a firearm or ammunition. One of those convictions was a prior federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2022, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of at least 5 years and up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Seidling, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

PITTSBURGH - A resident of southwestern Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Leonard Jackson, age 45, of Washington, PA and Brownsville, PA.

According to information presented to the Court, Jackson possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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 Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh yesterday to a charge of interstate stalking and harassment, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Sentencing occurred at the same time as the plea.

In connection with the plea and sentencing, the Court was informed that Dev Rimal, age 24, stalked and harassed his victim, including by travelling from Ohio to Pittsburgh to force the victim into his car. The victim jumped from the moving vehicle. Rimal, while subject to a Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), also used social media accounts to threaten to kill and harm the victim and her family and friends.

United States District Judge Stephanie Haines sentenced Rimal to 30 months’ imprisonment and 36 months of supervised release, with the firstsix months to be served on home incarceration with electronic monitoring. .

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Whitehall Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the charge against Rimal.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A man from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a woman from Kensington, Maryland, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to sex trafficking, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The five-count Indictment, returned on May 19 and unsealed today, named Philip Walker, a/k/a Phillip Walker, a/k/a Sean, a/k/a Sean Santana, a/k/a Money, 36, and Anjali Lindsey, 22, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from in and around November 2019 to April 2022, Walker and Lindsey conspired to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud or coercion, on adult females, known to the Grand Jury, causing these adult females to engage in commercial sex acts. The conspiracy charges that their conduct occurred in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Walker and Lindsey are also charged with interstate travel or transmission, using the internet and cell phones, in aid of the prostitution business.

Further, Walker is separately charged with two counts of sex trafficking two different adult females, known to the Grand Jury, using force, threats of force, fraud or coercion to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts. He is also charged with inducing and enticing of one of these adult females to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania with the intent that the adult female engage in prostitution.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence, as to Walker, of not less than 15 years to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. As to Lindsey, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

The sex trafficking charges in the indictment concern specific victims. Additional members of the public who may have information about Walker and Lindsey’s involvement in sex trafficking are encouraged to call the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office at (412) 432-4000.

This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now). Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Brent Coder, age 55, pleaded guilty to three counts related to the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Coder 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 on August 19, 2020, Coder sold another individual two ounces of methamphetamine for $2,300. On September 17, 2020, Coder was stopped by Pennsylvania State Police troopers on the way to a drug transaction, and 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from his vehicle. Coder consented to a search of his residence, and an additional quantity of methamphetamine and a handgun were seized. Finally, on August 31, 2021, federal agents seized over 400 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms during a search of Coder’s residence.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 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 the defendant remain in custody.

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 United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Perryopolis, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on May 18, 2022, and unsealed today, named Sean Ryan McKenzie, 37, as the sole defendant. 

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on June 8, 2021, McKenzie attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the Indictment alleges that on March 1, 2022, McKenzie knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors, including prepubescent minors who have not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

For the charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. For the charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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.

Homeland Security Investigations—Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 former resident of city/stateMcKeesport, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on May 19,  named Ramon Howard, age 36, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on or about February 11, 2022, Howard possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten 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(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  The defendant is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna 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 Florida has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on May 19, named Adrian Orozco Perez, 25, currently detained at the Walton County Jail in Monroe, GA, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, in February 2022, the defendant traveled to the Pittsburgh area to execute a scheme to defraud targeting elderly victims. To execute the scheme, members of the conspiracy called the victims, posed as an attorney, and falsely represented that one of the victim’s relatives, typically a grandchild, had been incarcerated and needed money for bail and legal fees. The defendant then posed as a courier or bail bondsman, visited the victims at their homes, and collected the fraudulently obtained money. Perez engaged in similar conduct in Georgia and Tennessee.

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

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Walton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office 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 former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Tracey Phillips, 36, formerly of the City’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine and at least three but less than 10 kilograms or more of heroin. Additionally, from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions involving property representing the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2022, at 1:45 pm The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tracey Phillips.

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 Texas and a resident of Tennessee pleaded guilty in federal court this week for their roles in defrauding federally funded meal programs, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Charles Simpson, 44, and Paige Jackson, 30, both of Dallas, Texas, as well as Tanisha Jackson, 49, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

During Simpson’s, Tanisha Jackson’s, and Paige Jackson’s plea hearings on May 18 and 19, 2022, the defendants admitted, among other things, that they controlled and operated HOIN, Inc. (HOIN), a Texas-based non-profit organization. The defendants caused HOIN (a/k/a“Helping Others In Need) to enroll as a “sponsor” in two programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of providing meals to underprivileged youth—the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively, the feeding programs). CACFP funded after-school meal service during the school year, while SFSP operated in the summer months. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PADOE) administered the USDA-funded feeding programs. Each defendant further admitted having previously been excluded from participating in the feeding programs in other states.

As part of the conspiracy, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson caused the submission of false enrollment documentation to PADOE on behalf of HOIN in connection with its participation in CACFP and SFSP between 2015 and 2019. Among other misrepresentations, HOIN’s applications to PADOE used aliases for Simpson and Tanisha Jackson as a means to obscure their involvement and falsely certified that none of its principals had been excluded from the feeding programs. The defendants further admitted causing HOIN to submit reimbursement claims for hundreds of thousands of meals that were never served to eligible children by either inflating the number of meals that, in fact, were served, or by seeking reimbursements for meals purportedly served on days on which the identified feeding site was not operating at all. To conceal their fraudulent conduct and justify HOIN’s claimed meal service, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson admitted submitting fabricated documents to PADOE in connection with periodic program reviews, and Tanisha Jackson admitted that on certain occasions she would impersonate Paige Jackson, her daughter, in interactions with PADOE. Likewise, Paige Jackson admitted that she used a fictitious name in dealings with PADOE. In total, PADOE issued reimbursement payments to HOIN in excess of approximately $4 million between 2015 and 2019.

In connection with the money laundering conspiracy, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also admitted engaging in numerous financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud. Specifically, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson admitted spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in HOIN reimbursements on shopping sprees at high-end apparel stores, personal air travel and lodging, and the acquisition of at least nine luxury vehicles, including a Bentley, two Land Rovers, two Maseratis, two Mercedes, a Hummer, and a Porsche. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also withdrew cash from HOIN bank accounts in excess of $10,000 on more than a dozen occasions.
In connection with their guilty pleas, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson have agreed to pay restitution to USDA totaling $1,500,000, and Paige Jackson has agreed to pay restitution of approximately $190,000. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson have each also agreed to forfeit approximately $427,000.

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine not more than the greater of $250,000 or an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. Likewise, the money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of not more than $250,000 or an alternative fine of not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the relevant transactions. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of the defendants in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release on her conviction of five counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Amanda Fairfax, age 37.

In order to combat the devastating impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. Individuals are eligible for PUA if they were unemployed due to the pandemic and could accept a job if one were offered

According to information presented to the court, between June and July 2020, Fairfax knowingly filed claims for PUA benefits on behalf of five individuals, all of which contained fraudulent statements. The U.S. Postal Service transported the resulting benefits to two addresses associated with Fairfax. In total, Fairfax fraudulently obtained $66,240.00 over the course of her scheme.

As part of the sentence imposed, the defendant was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $500 and restitution in the amount of $66,240.00.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Amanda Fairfax.

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

Diego Zamudio, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.  Zamudio 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 on April 21, 2021, investigators received information that couriers were transporting a large amount of methamphetamine from Houston, Texas, to Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.  Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized over ten kilograms of pure methamphetamine from a truck parked in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn located in Clearfield County.  Investigators determined that the methamphetamine was destined for a residence in Clearfield County.  Upon further investigation, investigators determined that Zamudio directed the transport of over 40 kilograms of methamphetamine to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Zamudio on August 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.  The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 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(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain out on bond.

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 Service – Criminal Investigations, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police.  Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department. 

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

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

Douglas Wright, age 41 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wright, a convicted felon, possessed firearms and ammunition. The defendant directed a “crack” addict to purchase two firearms for him. He also admitted to acquiring a third from that same individual. The ATF recovered two of the three firearms. The defendant admitted to throwing the third firearm out of a vehicle because he believed that law enforcement intended to conduct a traffic stop on him while the firearm was in his possession. Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon is prohibited under federal law.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on bond.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

William R. Mumma, 32, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about Oct. 26, 2017, to on or about Sept. 12, 2018, Mumma 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.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. 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.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mumma.

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 better 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 – Michael Wright pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Wright, age 44 of San Diego, California, pled guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing to occur on September 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.

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

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

The Farrell Police Department, the Mercer Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the investigation that resulted in the conviction in this case.