Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Cindy Chung will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement.

“The men and women who protect our communities have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives to guarantee our safety,” stated U.S. Attorney Chung.  “We here at the USAO could not do our work without the hard work, collaboration, and sharing of information from our Western Pennsylvania law enforcement partners.  Our Chiefs, deputies, troopers, and officers not only react to crime but disrupt and de-escalate tense and potentially violent situations.  They also engage with their communities to build positive relationships with the citizens they serve.”

U.S. Attorney Chung today visited the Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on Pittsburgh’s North Shore to place a wreath in honor of those who have sacrificed their lives for their communities. She also presented commendations to officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and tactical medics involved in de-escalation efforts. On May 19th, U.S. Attorney Chung will visit the Warren County Sheriff’s Department to honor a Deputy Sheriff for de-escalating a standoff stemming from a domestic violence incident.  Later that evening, she will attend the Beaver County Police Memorial Ceremony Candlelight Vigil at sundown.  On May 20th in the morning, she will recognize four individuals involved in the investigation and prosecution of a Brownsville man for producing and possessing images of his sexual assault of children. 

“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021.  Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. 

Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents.  Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year.  In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting.  Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. 

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial were read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.

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[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.  Source:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on Friday to 37 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction for charges of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Timothy Robinson age 26, formerly of the Brighton Heights section of the City of Pittsburgh.

According to the information presented to the court, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers observed a picture on social media that depicted Robinson holding a firearm with an extended magazine. Officers recognized the decoration of the hotel room where the photo was taken and proceeded to that hotel. They seized a stolen firearm equipped with an extended magazine during a search of the hotel room, and Robinson admitted that the firearm was his. Robinson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. – Twenty-five people - twenty residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, a resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, a resident of New Jersey, a resident of Orlando, Florida, and two residentsof Puerto Rico - have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The seven-count Indictment returned on May 10, 2022, and unsealed yesterday named:

Miguel Antonio Pabon Rivera, 27, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Eric Suarez Robles, 42, of Orlando, Florida;

Victor Felix Ogando De Leon, 27, of San Juan, Puerto Rico;

Limarys Quiles Negron, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Pedro Rosado Ortiz, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Enrique Cotto, 58, of Vineland, New Jersey;

Maria Del Pilar Rivera, 55, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Gloria Marie Robles Gonzalez, 23, of Manati, Puerto Rico;

Felix Jimenez Lopez, 25, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Kechawn Jabre Douglas, 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Vincent Andrew Feliciano, 31, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Luis Anthony Lopez, 25, of Meadville, Pennsylvania;

Jamir Marcel Feliciano, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Alexander Feliciano, 37, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Tymeen Deltuan Williams, 30, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Peter Daniel Gambill, Jr., 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Dikwan Onnyx Plott, 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Ashliannie Zayas Agosto, 25, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

William David Condon, Jr., 33, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Maurice Ali Fortune, Jr., 20, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Isaiah Jechaun Camp, 22, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Dante Lashawn Husband, 30, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Quincy Aaron McCloud, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Tina Marie Defoy, 46, of Erie, Pennsylvania; and

Shana Latrice Mathis, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, Miguel Rivera, Eric Suarez, Victor De Leon, and others engaged in an inter-territorial, multi-kilogram, cocaine distribution conspiracy that extended between the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Middle District of Florida, the District of Puerto Rico, and elsewhere from in and around January 2020 and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2022.  From in and around February 2020, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2022, Miguel Rivera and Eric Suarez engaged in interstate money laundering transactions intended to promote the conspiracy and conceal the proceeds of the conspiracy. 

The Indictment further alleges that Kechawn Douglas, Vincent Feliciano, Luis Lopez, Jamir Feliciano, Tymeen Williams, and others engaged in a conspiracy to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, hundreds of grams of fentanyl, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine within the Western District of Pennsylvania from in and around February 2022 and continuing thereafter to in or around May 2022.  During this time, Vincent Feliciano and Luis Lopez traveled from Pennsylvania to Arizona to facilitate a business enterprise involving the distribution of illegal narcotics in Pennsylvania including four hundred grams or more of fentanyl.  In addition, multiple defendants, to include Isaiah Camp, Dante Husband, Quincy McCloud, and Luis Lopez, were involved in the distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.

“These charges are the result of tremendous effort and collaboration among the FBI, and our law enforcement  partners, including the City of Erie Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service,  Erie County District Attorney’s Drug Taskforce, Erie County Detectives, and the Titusville, Millcreek, Oil City and Franklin Police Departments.” said United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “The law-abiding, hard-working people of Erie deserve safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods.  Through the collaboration of the agencies represented here today, we have dismantled a dangerous drug trafficking organization operating in Erie County.”

“These arrests disrupted a criminal conspiracy that posed a tremendous threat to the city,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Our message is clear- illegal drugs and the violence they often bring with them have no place in this community.  I am extremely proud of the collaborative efforts put forth by the dedicated personnel of my office and the partners on the FBI’s EAGLE Task Force.  We are committed to working side by side with our state, local and federal partners to rid our communities of violent drug offenders and the destruction their activities create.”

 “The Pennsylvania State Police is always honored to cooperate in joint investigations with our municipal and federal partners,” said Captain Kirk Reese of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E.  “We appreciate the support of the public as we interrupt their daily routines to seek justice and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth.  We hope the arrests made in this investigation help to improve the quality of life for all.”

“The Erie Police department is proud to work together with all our partnering agencies on this important investigation,” said Erie Police Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr.  “Taking down large drug organizations such as this one requires multiple resources that no one agency can do alone.  Working together makes our community safe and secure.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for De Leon, Negron, Ortiz, Cotto, Maria Rivera, Gonzalez, Felix Lopez, Plott and Fortune; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,500,000, or both for Miguel Rivera and Robles; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, or both for Douglas; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,010,000, or both for Jamir Feliciano and Gambill; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both for Alexander Feliciano, Defoy and Mathis; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $5,010,000, or both for Williams and Condon; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 for Camp, Husband and McCloud; a maximum total sentence of  life in prison, a fine of $15,260,000 for Vincent Feliciano; and a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $20,260,000 for both for Luis Lopez. 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, the Erie Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Oil City Police Department, the Titusville Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case in coordination with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Erie County Detectives, and the Millcreek Police Department.

The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021.  The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States.  The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the EAGLE Task Force, and other participating agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Santa Ana, California, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy relating to their participation in a scheme to defraud elderly victims in the United States.

The two-count Indictment, returned on April 26, 2022, and unsealed today, named Thien Phuc Tran, 32, and Ton Huynh Bui, 29, both of Santa Ana, CA, as defendants. The brothers-in-law were arrested today in Santa Ana and will make their initial appearances this afternoon in federal court in the Central District of California.

According to the Indictment, from December 2020 to December 2021, Tran and Bui participated in a multi-million-dollar conspiracy to defraud elderly persons residing in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. As alleged, members of the conspiracy contacted potential victims on their computers through pop-up messages falsely purporting to be from reputable technology companies, convinced victims that their financial accounts had been compromised and that their funds needed to be moved, and subsequently gained control over the victims’ computers and personal funds. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly used stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from additional unwitting victims to open financial accounts and create email addresses to receive and move the proceeds of the fraud. Conspirators also converted stolen victim funds to cryptocurrency, and moved money through multiple accounts, including accounts affiliated with the defendants, in an attempt to conceal their fraudulent activities. The Indictment alleges that one victim in the Western District of Pennsylvania was caused to liquidate retirement accounts totaling $1,288,073.

“The Department of Justice prioritizes protecting the elderly from all types of financial crime,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “Members of the alleged conspiracy in this case preyed on this vulnerable population by convincing victims that their personal funds were not secure and needed to be moved to other accounts controlled by the defendants. My office will continue to seek justice for these victims and hold accountable those who would perpetrate fraudulent schemes against the elderly. Indeed, one of the best ways to prevent financial fraud is to educate yourself about the many types of scams.”

“Cyber criminals are targeting our aging population at an ever-increasing rate,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “This conspiracy targeted members of the senior population in western Pennsylvania and across the United States. In some cases, these criminals have stolen the life savings of unsuspecting and trusting seniors through social engineering, computer intrusions and other means. The FBI will continue to work to put an end to these types of cyber schemes and help prevent our senior citizen population from becoming victims.”

“Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used to facilitate illicit activities,” said U.S. Secret Service Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Timothy Burke. “We are proud to work with our partners to investigate schemes like those charged in the indictment. At the Secret Service we are committed to keeping pace with innovations in the financial system as we continue to safeguard Americans from fraud and other illicit activities.”

Millions of older Americans lose money to financial fraud and scams each year. Scammers will try to contact victims in person, on the phone, through the computer, radio, TV ads, email and text message. They often pressure targets to act quickly. But everyone has the power to stop scammers and the right to say “No.”

Six of the most common scams affecting older Americans are: • Tech Support: Scammers pose as tech support and offer to fix computer problems that are not real. They ask targets to give them access to their computer and steal their personal information.
• Posing as Utility Companies: The scammer threatens to shut off utility service if a payment is not made immediately.
• Online Shopping: Scammers pretend to be a real business but have a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer’s site.
• Business Imposters: Scammers send emails or text messages pretending to be a major retailer to get your money or personal information.
• Government Impersonation: Scammers pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute targets unless they agree to pay an amount claimed to be owed to the government.
• Romance Scams: Scammers pose as interested romantic partners and convince targets to give them money for various fictitious reasons.

The best way to avoid being exploited is to NEVER give out personal or financial information over the telephone or by email or text in response to a solicitation. Victims of financial fraud are encouraged to call the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

To learn about types of financial scams visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts or www.elderjustice.gov/senior-scam-alert.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - Two former residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The four-count Superseding Indictment named Jose Anibal Martinez, Jr., 34 and David Michael Sullivan, 43, as defendants.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about November 5, 2021, Martinez and Sullivan conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than fifty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. In addition, on or about July 16, 2021, Martinez possessed with intent to distribute and distributed more than fifty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. On March 16, 2022, Martinez possessed with intent to distribute more than forty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and more than one hundred grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, or both for Martinez and a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for Sullivan. 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie Bureau of Police, the Oil City Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the Titusville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Berry Fischer imposed the sentence on Tammy Laird, 49, of Corsica, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2009 through August 2017, while Laird was employed as the Secretary and Treasurer of Corsica Borough, she defrauded the borough of more than $300,000 by issuing checks from the borough’s bank accounts to her father, her husband, and herself, by extracting funds from the borough’s bank accounts to pay personal expenses and credit card bills, and by making personal purchases on the borough’s business account at Staples. To hide her activity, Laird supplied the Corsica Borough Council and state auditors with altered bank statements and other falsified financial documentation. In 2020, Laird entered a guilty plea to all 26 counts of wire fraud charged.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that although Laird had demonstrated remorse and post-conviction rehabilitation efforts, she had perpetrated a multi-year fraud upon the borough, a small community with very limited operating funds, and as such, she deserved a sentence of imprisonment commensurate with the significant financial harm caused. Judge Fischer further ordered Laird to pay restitution to Corsica Borough in the amount of $265,200.79.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $52,236.68 on his conviction of food stamp fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Bader Al-Dhumani, 57, 836 East 11th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2015 to in and around April 2020, Al-Dhumani, who is the owner and operator of Palm Tree Market in Erie, committed food stamp fraud by accepting food stamps for cash, store credit, and ineligible items. Al-Dhumani also took possession of customers’ PA Access Cards so that he could use the customers’ food stamp benefits at other stores to purchase inventory for his store.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Al-Dhumani.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failing to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Rebecca Lynn Boyce, age 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from at least 2006 through at least 2019, Boyce owned and operated Cutie Patootie Daycare, a childcare center in Imperial, Pennsylvania. During that period, Cutie Patootie employed staff and withheld payroll taxes from the paychecks of its employees. Cutie Patootie was required to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis and was required to account for payroll taxes by filing with the IRS on a quarterly basis Form 941, an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Boyce failed to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS and failed to file any Forms 941 from the quarter ending March 31, 2015, through the quarter ending December 31, 2018. Boyce was informed of her obligation to file Forms 941 and make payroll tax payments during IRS audit and collections activities that preceded the periods charged in the Indictment. Boyce agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $299,830.20, plus interest.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for September 20, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Venetia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year in prison, two years of supervised release, a fine of $10,000, and ordered to pay $649,524 in restitution on his conviction of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, misbranding of drugs, and health care fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David Steward Cercone imposed the sentence on Timothy W. Forester, 46.

Forester pled guilty on September 17, 2021.  Forester owned and operated four pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region.  Forester would order scheduled narcotics, mostly oxycodone and hydrocodone, from suppliers, intercept those deliveries, falsify pharmacy inventories and transport the drugs to his residence, where he would consume them.  In addition, Forester would place labels for brand named drugs on bottles of generic drugs, and bill insurance companies and customers as if the drugs were the higher priced brand drugs.  Finally, he would change the computer billing codes for drugs to falsely represent to payors that the drugs were brand, resulting in a much higher reimbursement.

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

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotic and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Hazeon Kidd, age 21 of the City’s Highland Park neighborhood, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 13, 2021, there was a shooting in Clairton, and Allegheny County Police detectives responded. They were following a separate vehicle, which had a brief interaction with a red Kia automobile occupied by four individuals. When the detectives drove by the Kia, which was parked, one of the detectives saw Jamiel Green and recognized him as someone who was wanted. Green had two outstanding warrants. The detectives then got out of their car and approached the Kia on foot. As they approached, Green got of the vehicle and began to run. A detective tased him and found a gun on his person. Green is a felon and therefore precluded under federal law from possessing a firearm.

When the detectives went back to the vehicle, they observed multiple firearms in plain view. Each of the three remaining occupants of the red Kia had a loaded firearm. Kidd was not a felon, but he admitted that he is a regular user of marijuana and was smoking on the day of the arrest. Users of illegal narcotics are not permitted under federal law to possess firearms.

Also found on Kidd’s person was what later laboratory results confirmed was thirteen grams of a fentanyl and cocaine mixture. The detectives also found more than $10,000 in the vehicle and other evidence indicating that the occupants were involved in drug trafficking. Kidd was arrested that day and he was released on bond. The conditions of bond included, among other conditions, that the defendant not violate any federal law.

Despite that condition, the defendant continued to sell fentanyl and cocaine. The North Huntington Police Department developed a confidential informant who indicated that he regularly purchased drugs from an individual later identified as the defendant. The confidential informant, working under the direction of the North Huntington Police Department contacted the defendant via cell phone and arranged for a three-gram purchase for $600. Ultimately, the transaction occurred outside of a hotel room and the detective was able to observe the transaction. Directly after the transaction, officers arrested Kidd. Kidd was in possession of the pre-recorded buy money and the cell phone he used to arrange for the transaction. The State Police laboratory determined that substance purchase from Kidd was a fentanyl and cocaine mixture, and that the weight was approximately three grams.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 24, 2022, at 1:45 p.m.. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 45 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, 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 remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

The Allegheny County Police Department and the North Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kidd.

PITTSBURGH – A federal felon has been sentenced in federal court to an additional one year and one day of incarceration in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for violating his supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamar Lorenzo Harper, age 41, of Homestead, PA 15120.

According to court documents, Harper previously served a 10-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in heroin trafficking. Information presented to the court indicated that on Dec. 7, 2021, Harper went to his former girlfriend’s house and entered without her permission. While there, he struck her in the face and head, causing swelling, bleeding, cuts and scratches before stealing her purse. The victim was treated for her injuries by local EMS and at area hospitals.

The victim did not want to pursue the assault charges filed by the Jeannette Police Department, so they were dismissed in Westmoreland County. Despite this, federal prosecutors sought Harper’s incarceration for violating his federal supervision. Facing a federal violation guideline range between 51 and 63 months, the Defendant agreed to admit his actions and requested that Judge Bissoon impose the agreed-upon sentence. The defendant told the Court that he apologized to the victim for “putting my hands” on her, indicated that he was taking anger management classes in jail, and stated that he believed the agreed-upon sentence to be appropriate for his regrettable actions.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon considered the victim’s request that the defendant not be sentenced to prison and stated that after taking a “holistic” view of the entire matter, the sentence imposed was sufficient, but not greater than necessary. Judge Bisson also ordered the United States Probation Office to supervise the Defendant for six years after he is released from the BOP and ordered Harper to pay $8,162.50 for the victim’s medical bills.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Jeannette Police Department and the United States Probation Office for their work leading to the successful prosecution of Harper.

PITTSBURGH -  A resident of Blawnox, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Michael Marlette, 56.

According to information presented to the court, on August 19, 2018, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Marlette’s residence.  Investigators seized numerous electronic devices from the residence.  A subsequent search of Marlette’s electronic devices revealed approximately 9,746 images and 291 videos that depicted child pornography. 

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense and the number of victims in Marlette’s child pornography collection.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marlette.

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 – Ross Landfried and David Curran were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for prison contraband crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The Indictment charges Landfried, age 40, formerly of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and Curran, age 39, formerly of Pittsburgh, with possessing and attempting to obtain contraband while in federal prison between July 2017 and January 2019. The Indictment states that the contraband was a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Under States 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 Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service - Crimoinal Investigation, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation.

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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Shawn O’Brien, age 51, of the City’s South Side neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, from May 17, 2016, to May 18, 2016, O’Brien knowingly distributed images and videos in computer graphics files, which depicted the sexual exploitation of minors to individuals with whom he was communicating over the KIK Messenger software application. Agents of the FBI seized numerous electronic devices from O’Brien’s residence during the execution of a federal search warrant. Forensic analysis of the contents of the electronic devices revealed that O’Brien was in possession of more than 1200 still images and 23 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, many of whom were under the age of 12 years.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that a five-year term of imprisonment reflected the very serious nature of the criminal conduct and O’Brien’s acceptance of responsibility.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney Investigations Unit, the Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of O’Brien.

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.

PITTBURGH, PA -- A resident of Rankin, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm and narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Royal Lee Griffin, age 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman in connection with two instances.

In the first matter, the court was advised that on August 24, 2018, Griffin possessed two firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Also on August 24, 2018, Griffin possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Those offenses were uncovered after a search of his person and the vehicle he occupied by the White Oak Police Department.

In the second matter, the Court was advised that Allegheny County Police detectives working on a violence suppression detail observed Griffin in the Mon View Heights housing complex concealing a firearm. When the detectives approached Griffin, they found the firearm on Griffin’s person. Griffin has multiple felony convictions, including Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Carrying Firearms Without a License, and escape, and he is therefore precluded from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County Police, White Oak Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Griffin.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production and Attempted Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The 13-count Indictment named David Straitiff, age 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on April 4, 2010; July 5, 2010; January 3, 2011; January 21, 2011; January 25, 2011; February 2, 2011; February 3, 2011; February 15, 2011; June 12, 2012; June 29, 2012; and July 2, 2012, Straitiff persuaded and coerced Minor A, a minor female known to the grand jury, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The grand jury further alleges that on June 1, 2021, and December 17, 2021, Straitiff knowingly possessed visual depictions, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years, nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000 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 Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production and Attempted Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The 13-count Indictment named David Straitiff, age 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on April 4, 2010; July 5, 2010; January 3, 2011; January 21, 2011; January 25, 2011; February 2, 2011; February 3, 2011; February 15, 2011; June 12, 2012; June 29, 2012; and July 2, 2012, Straitiff persuaded and coerced Minor A, a minor female known to the grand jury, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The grand jury further alleges that on June 1, 2021, and December 17, 2021, Straitiff knowingly possessed visual depictions, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years, nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000 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.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

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

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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 - Omari Patton and Dashawn Burley were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for prison contraband crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The Indictment charges Patton, age 43, formerly of Pittsburgh, and Burley, age 23, of Monroeville, with multiple counts of providing, or attempting to provide, contraband to an inmate of a federal prison in September and October 2018. The Indictment also charges Patton with multiple counts of possessing, and attempting to obtain, contraband while in federal prison in September 2018. The Indictment states that the contraband was a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000. Under the Under States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation.

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.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at Cambria County Prison pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Peter Augustus Wright, 43, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, on October 22, 2020, Wright, while an inmate at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center, possessed a cellular telephone, as well as, a six-inch sharpened toothbrush, a weapon.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wright.

WASHINGTON – A Cameroonian national was sentenced today to 21 months in prison and two years of supervised release for his role in a scheme to trick American consumers into paying fees for pets that were never delivered and for using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to extract higher fees from victims.

“The Department of Justice will pursue criminals anywhere in the world when they target and exploit American consumers through fraud schemes, including when they take advantage of the circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We appreciate our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FBI, as well as the assistance from Romanian law enforcement in arresting and extraditing this defendant.”

Desmond Fodje Bobga, 29, was extradited to the United States from Romania in April 2021. According to court documents, from approximately June 2018 to approximately June 2020, Bobga conspired with others to offer pets for sale on internet websites. He and others communicated by text message and email with potential victims to induce purchases. Following each purchase, Bobga and co-conspirators claimed that a transportation company would deliver the pet and provided a false tracking number for the pet. Bobga and his co-conspirators, posing as the transportation company, then claimed the pet transport was delayed and that the victim needed to pay additional money for delivery of the pet.

Bobga and co-conspirators told some victims that they needed to pay more money for delivery because the pet had been exposed to COVID-19. The perpetrators used false promises and bogus documents regarding shipping fees and COVID-19 exposure to extract successive payments from victims. Once Bobga and the co-conspirators received money directly and indirectly through wire communications from the victims, they never delivered any pets.

“While many people came together to support each other during the pandemic, this defendant chose to use COVID-19 as a means to defraud the victims in this matter and he will now serve a prison sentence to answer for that crime,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “Our office remains committed to addressing all types of fraud committed in relation to the pandemic.”

"Mr. Bobga was a scam artist, plain and simple," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. "He exploited those who were looking for comfort during the COVID pandemic and cashed in at their expense. The FBI is firmly committed to holding fraudsters like Mr. Bobga accountable."

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. Law enforcement authorities in Romania, including the Romanian National Police, Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Cluj Brigade for Combating Organized Crime, provided significant cooperation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Cook for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Wei Xiang of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of robbery, attempted robbery, and firearms violations, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The nine-count Indictment named Eric Jones, 32, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Jones committed four robberies and attempted robberies from March 6, 2022, until March 15, 2022. Specifically, on March 6, 2022, Jones is alleged to have committed a robbery at the Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakmont. Jones is also accused of committing a robbery at a Sunoco gas station and convenience store in Verona on March 10, 2022. On March 15, 2022, Jones is accused of attempting to rob a Family Dollar on Frankstown Road in Pittsburgh, and the Edgewood Avenue Express in Edgewood. The Indictment further alleges that Jones discharged a firearm during three of those robberies, and brandished a firearm in connection with another. Jones also is also accused of possessing a semiautomatic pistol from March 6, 2022 until March 19, 2022.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $2,225,000 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 investigation was the result of a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Oakmont Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Edgewood Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood and current resident of the suburb of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Kevin Carter, age 50, of MacFarlane Drive, Penn Hills, PA 15235.

According to information presented to the court, Carter was released from federal prison on January 19, 2018, after serving 168 months for multiple federal heroin trafficking crimes. He was found to have travelled outside western Pennsylvania without permission when a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped him as he was driving back from New Jersey on March 3, 2021. Then, on April 7, 2021, Carter was stopped by a Pittsburgh Police Officer for driving a motorcycle while holding a three-year-old child on the tank. In addition to not having a helmet or eye protection for himself or the child, Carter was found to be driving without registration, insurance, or a motorcycle license while he possessed a small amount of marijuana.

When Carter obtained a passport and booked a flight to Jamaica to attend his cousin’s wedding, the Court issued a warrant and he was arrested shortly before boarding the flight to Montego Bay on March 17, 2022. Records showed that Carter had actually had his girlfriend book many additional airline trips in order to hide them from the Court. Specifically, evidence during the April 26, 2022, court hearing revealed that Carter took at least 14 trips to various out-of-state locations including Las Vegas, Disney World and Los Angeles, between his 2018 release from prison and the March 17, 2022, flight that resulted in his arrest.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan rejected the defendant’s request for a sentence of time served and instead sentenced him to 24 months of incarceration, a sentence within the guideline range of 21 to 27 months of incarceration applicable to Carter’s violations.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Probation Office, United States Customs and Border Protection Officers and the United States Marshal Service for the investigation and efforts leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of a federal money laundering law 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.

Taylor Thomas, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Thomas 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 Thomas was intercepted communicating with other members of the conspiracy, including Derek Hillebrand and Yusuf Adekunle. Those communications revealed that Thomas sent multiple parcels containing United States currency to individuals in California on behalf of Hillebrand, Adekunle, and other members of the drug trafficking organization. That money represented drug proceeds that were used to purchase additional methamphetamine and marijuana for the members of the organization, who would then receive shipments of methamphetamine and marijuana in mail parcels sent from suppliers in California, Nevada, and Oregon.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Thomas on Aug. 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain 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 Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

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

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

Raymond Moon, age 33, of the Brighton Heights neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that the defendant, on August 30, 2019, possessed with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of acetyl fentanyl, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and quantities of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and Carfentanil.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution in this case.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating 9½ hours, a federal jury of four men and eight women found Duane Eugene Cash, Jr. guilty of four counts of various violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Cash, age 50, of Penn Hills, PA 15235, was tried before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Cash participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl, possessed with the intent to distribute large quantities of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessed a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. He was part of a drug trafficking organization who used the moniker of Hustlas Don’t Sleep which distributed large quantities of illegal narcotics from 2017 to 2019, mostly in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, including Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, and Monroeville.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Sept. 6, 2022 The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison and not more than life, a fine not to exceed $10,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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 - Dana Penney pled guilty to committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes in 2017 and 2018, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Penney, age 41, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Sentencing will be scheduled to occur on a later date.

Penney pled guilty to three crimes: (1) conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances; (2) possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; and (3) brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a sentence of at least seven years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $4,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, 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 former resident of Sheffield, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The sixteen-count superseding indictment named Jeffrey Colin Rogers, 59, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, in November 2017, Rogers took sexually explicit photos of two victims who were under the age of eighteen. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that from November 2017 and February 2018, Rogers possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 400 years in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Katrae Smith, age 19, formerly of Pittsburgh PA 15221.

According to information presented to the court, in and around April 2021 and June 2021, Smith conspired with others to obtain firearms using his co-defendant, the “straw purchaser.” The conspirators communicated with each other using their cellular phones on multiple occasions in order to unlawfully acquire firearms. Smith’s offense occurred over several months and resulted in the unlawful acquisition of multiple firearms. The Wilkinsburg Police Department recovered one of those firearms while responding to a 911 call. Smith was found with a loaded Glock model 19x, 9mm caliber pistol near him. A trace of the firearm revealed that his co-defendant had purchased that firearm six days prior.

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment named Anthony Kenney, age 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Kenney is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on or about Jan. 4, 2022. Additionally, Kenney is alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Kenny is also alleged to have possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on or about Jan. 4, 2022.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney 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 – Two residents of Penfield, Pennsylvania each pleaded guilty in federal court to violation 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.

Terry Kelly, age 48, and Jason Whitaker, age 60, each 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. Kelly and Whitaker were two 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 shared by Kelly and Whitaker.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Whitaker on August 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. and Kelly on August 25, 2022, at 1:00 p.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 that both defendants 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 Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Dustin Robert Patterson, 29, as the sole defendant.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The law provides for a maximum total of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pleasant Hills, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Walter Tymoczko, age 48. 

According to information presented to the court, Tymoczko was an independent contractor performing accounting work for a local company. From October 2018, until October 2019, Tymoczko embezzled funds from the company by utilizing an Inuit QuickBooks payroll program. Tymoczko used the program multiple times to transfer funds from the victim’s bank account to his own bank account and a family member’s bank account for a total of $73,206.77. The Court was further advised that Tymoczko has a previous federal felony conviction for embezzling from various clients. In the previous case, Tymoczko was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay a total of $254,974.60 in restitution to various victims.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Baden, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Andrew Kincaid, age 34, as the sole defendant.

According to U.S. Probation Officers, on or about March 16, 2021, a federal probation compliance inspection discovered explicit content on a computer in violation of federal law and the conditions of Kincaid’s supervised release. In 2009, Kincaid pleaded guilty to one count of possession of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced to 36 months in prison and a term of supervised release of 10 years. Since his release from federal prison, Kinkaid has violated his terms of release on at least four occasions by engaging in child pornography-related conduct.

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

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

Following the inspection by U.S. Probation, Homeland Security Investigations 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 - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Anthony Cerasi, age 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 13, 2021, Cerasi employed and used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video recording of such conduct.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2022, at 9:30 AM.  The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years but not more than 30 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 Cerasi remain detained.

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

The FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cerasi.

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 Williston, North Dakota, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Nicholas Nesdahl, age 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in October 2021, Nesdahl is alleged to have produced and attempted to produce material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and received and attempted to receive material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of North Belle Vernon, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jashawn Anthony Mackall, 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on Aug. 8, 2021, Mackall is alleged to have 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 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

ERIE, Pa - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three months in jail and ordered to pay $66,789 in restitution on her conviction of violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Erika A. Grandberry, 47.

According to information presented to the court, Grandberry, while working as a free-lance tax preparer, knowingly and repeatedly reported false and fraudulent income and expenses for non-existent businesses on Individual Tax Returns from 2015 to 2017.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grandberry.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year probation on her conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kathryn Nicole Shaw, 25.

According to information presented to the court, from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, Shaw conspired with two co-defendants to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for a co-defendant who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.

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

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Conewango Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaw.

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

Troy Jamal Jones, 36, of Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about August 21, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base. Further, on or about August 27, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 23, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Glenn Lijewski, 71, of the City’s Brookline neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lijewski was the supervisor at the Aspinwall Drinking Water Plant, which is operated by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (“PWSA”). Between 2010 and 2017, Lijewski and another supervisor at the plant discharged clarifier sludge directly into Allegheny River in violation of a federal permit. Lijewski also directed PWSA employees to discharge sludge into the river. Lijewski also admitted to submitting reports containing false information about the amount of sludge it was to sending to ALCOSAN’s waste treatment plant. Under the terms of an industrial user permit, the Aspinwall plant was permitted to send up to one million of sludge per day to the waste treatment facility. At one point, three of the five sludge flow monitors broke. Lijewski and others at the plant began using estimated sludge-flow figures. This information, in turn, was included in reports PWSA was required to submit to ALCOSAN pursuant to the industrial user permit. Sludge is generated during the process by which raw water is transformed into potable drinking water and consists of solid material removed from the water through the use of chemicals and sedimentation. Over time, an island formed in the river at the point where the discharges were taking place. According to the indictment, a number of employees at the plant referred to the buildup as “Glenn’s Island.”

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2022, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Lijewski’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory and Special Assistant Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lijewski.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

David Anthony Somerville, a/k/a “Midnite Da Nitemare,” 33, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment at Criminal No. 17-222 before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mr. Somerville, on January 9, 2016, was found in possession of eleven bundles of heroin and fentanyl, along with multiple cellular telephones, and $1,200.00 in United States currency.

Mr. Somerville was already on court supervision after serving a previous sentence of 70 months of incarceration after his previous federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. A jury had been selected and the prosecution had presented all of its witnesses and evidence before Mr. Somerville made the decision to plead guilty.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 7, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence at each count of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mr. Somerville’s release on electronic monitoring.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross L. Lenhardt and Benjamin J. Risacher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Scott Township Police Department (K9 Unit), Robinson Township Police Department, Kennedy Township Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County Office of Medical Examiner conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Somerville.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 77 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Brandon Green, age 37, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2018 through June 2019, Green participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area. Green was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap arranging purchases and discussing prior dealings of heroin/fentanyl. He and his codefendants were also the subject of physical surveillance while engaging in drug-trafficking activity. Green took responsibility for distributing 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted Green’s mid-level role in the charged conspiracy and his extensive criminal history, which included numerous felony convictions for drug trafficking and fleeing apprehension by law enforcement. The court further recognized Green’s long-standing drug use and recommended that he receive necessary drug treatment while serving his sentence.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months imprisonment and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Jason Evans, 45, formerly of the City’s Esplen neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, Evans was identified as a member of a large-scale drug trafficking operation, responsible for trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The investigation was the result of the efforts of the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to identify the criminal activity, including drug and firearms trafficking, of individuals who are members and/or associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC).

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation began in January of 2020, and beginning in August of 2020 and continuing through November 2020, the FBI conducted a federal Title III investigation, which resulted in the interception of thousands of wire and electronic communications over a total of ten (10) telephones, including telephones operated by co-defendants Bill Rana and Eric Armes, who were PMC members.

Evans, although not a member of the PMC, was a close associate of Rana’s, who was a “fully patched” member of the PMC and Sergeant of Arms for the Pittsburgh Chapter. Evans served as an “enforcer.” Evans accepted responsibility for distributing over 300 grams of cocaine.

Additionally, the Court was advised that on December 8, 2020, law enforcement executed numerous federal arrest and search warrants, in conjunction with the takedown of this investigation. Specifically, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Evans’ residence on Earl Street and seized approximately 10 ounces of cocaine as well as two firearms, ammunition, magazines, and over $10,000.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department Homicide, Baldwin Police Department, Brentwood Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department and West Deer Township Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jason Evans.

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 North Carolina has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 70 months’ in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of theft from a federal firearms licensee, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on David R. Shahriari, a/k/a ‘David Anderson,” 39, of North Carolina.

In connection with the guilty plea, on August 29, 2011, Shahriari did knowingly steal and unlawfully take, eight firearms from L.B. Toney’s Alamo Gun Shop in DuBois, PA, which is a business licensed to deal in firearms.

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

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

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.

Adrian Alvarez, age 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District

Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Alvarez 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 October 22, 2020, Alvarez and three other individuals chartered a private plane and transported six kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Pittsburgh International Airport. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the plane and seized the cocaine from two pieces of luggage.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2022, at 10:00 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 continued the defendant 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 Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Derry, Pennsylvania, 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 nine-count Indictment, returned on March 29 and unsealed yesterday, named Michael Wilson, age 43, as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of $2,500,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

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

Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Rudolph McBride 24, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 24, 2018, McBride and others robbed employees of the Swifty Tires store, located on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills, at gunpoint. On January 30, 2019, McBride and his coconspirators also robbed what used to be the CoGo’s convenience store located at 2800 Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2022, at 1:30 PM The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $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.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that McBride remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The successful prosecution of McBride is the result of a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former New Jersey resident has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years of imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Herbert Felder, 53, formerly of East Orange, New Jersey. In December 2019, Felder pled guilty to the one-count Indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin from in and around December 2018 and continuing to May 1, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

According to information presented to the Court, Felder was identified as source of supply of over 600 “bricks” – more than 31,000 individual dosage units – of heroin/fentanyl mixtures, which he provided to co-conspirators for redistribution in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Agents with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation surveilled Felder and his co-conspirators in May 2019 at a hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In connection with his guilty plea, Felder admitted to distributing the “bricks” of heroin and fentanyl to co-conspirators while in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at that time. The Court was advised that law enforcement later seized the bricks of heroin/fentanyl pursuant to search warrants, thereby preventing the distribution of this large quantity of narcotics in the Western District of Pennsylvania. In connection with his plea, Felder admitted to knowing that those substances were being trafficked to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.

Felder has been in the custody of the United States Marshals since his arrest in this matter in August 2019.

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 and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Felder.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to time-served and 3 years’ supervised release on his conviction of transferring obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Robert Fike, age 51, of Tampa, Florida.

According to information presented to the court, in January of 2019 and in February of 2019, Fike sent packages to a minor female residing in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The packages contained obscene material—socks or leggings with Fike’s semen, as confirmed by laboratory testing, and letters addressed to the minor female with graphic, sexually explicit content.

Fike has been in custody related to this case since December 2019 and has served nearly 28 months in prison.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Penn Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fike.

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

Cristobal Rosa-Robles, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on March 27, 2019, a Trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police stopped Mr. Rosa-Robles’ vehicle for traffic violations as he drove eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. After speaking with Mr. Rosa-Robles, the Trooper believed that he may be involved in drug trafficking, so the Trooper asked for his consent to search his vehicle. Mr. Rosa-Robles voluntarily consented to a search of his vehicle. The Trooper searched Mr. Rosa-Robles’ vehicle and discovered an aftermarket hidden compartment that contained approximately 400 bricks, or 20,000 dosage units, of a mixture of heroin; fentanyl; valeryl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue; and methamphetamine.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for August 8, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Rosa-Robles remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo 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 Mr. Rosa-Robles.