Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Kimberly Ann Gesin, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Gesin conspired with her co-defendants to distribute methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Gesin on bond.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gesin.

PITTSBURGH – A former Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, man who is serving a federal prison sentence has been indicted by a federal grand jury for witness retaliation, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment, which was returned on October 26, 2021, and unsealed today, named Derick Davare, age 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2019, Davare engaged in conduct that caused and threatened to cause bodily injury to another person with the intent to retaliate against that person for giving information to a law enforcement officer relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal offense. Davare, who is serving a 150-month federal prison sentence, remains detained pending trial.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Thomas Snelsire, 47, formerly of Baldwin, PA.

According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.

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 telephones. Three of the intercepted telephones were used by Mr. Snelsire’s co-defendant, Anthony Peluso, to further his illegal drug trafficking activity. Snelsire, an associate of Peluso’s and a drug-trafficker in the Baldwin, and surrounding neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, dealt controlled substances out of his residence on Oakleaf Road, during the course of the conspiracy.

The Court was further informed that during intercepted communications, Snelsire and Peluso discussed various types and quantities of controlled substances. For example, in September of 2020, Snelsire obtained cocaine from Peluso but was intercepted over a period of several days complaining to Peluso about the quality of the cocaine. At one point, during these communications, Snelsire informed Peluso that he placed the cocaine on a napkin, which he set on a plate, telling Peluso: “I got it under lamp in living room.” Snelsire was attempting to salvage the cocaine by drying it out so that he could sell it to his drug customers. But, on September 13, 2020, law enforcement – in an unrelated matter – executed a search warrant at Mr. Snelsire’s residence on Oakleaf Road. During the search, law enforcement located suspected cocaine, laying on a napkin, on a plate, that was located under a lamp in the living room of the home.

Snelsire accepted responsibility for distributing at least 500 grams of cocaine and at least 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy..

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that this was a serious offense and the sentence imposed is sufficient but not greater than necessary to meet the goals of sentencing.

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, which led the multi-agency investigation of this case, including 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.

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. for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Snelshire.

Erie, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drugs laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Joel Nicholas Gustave, Jr., 41, 3015 West 25th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about November 1, 2019, Gustave possessed 840.8 grams cocaine with the intent to distribute, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended 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 United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department, the Oil City Police Department, and the Titusville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gustave.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Cindy Chung has announced the office’s new executive leadership team and a restructuring of the Criminal Division that will allow the office to best effectuate the Administration’s priorities.

“This restructuring aligns the legal expertise and talents of the 59 Assistant United States Attorneys working in our Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Erie offices with our priorities to uphold the Constitution, apply the law equally and fairly, and protect the citizens of western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Chung.  “I am confident that this reorganization will allow us to focus our attention on reducing violent crime, confronting the growing fentanyl threat and the rise of extremist ideology, prosecuting cyber criminals, and targeting those who exploit children and other vulnerable populations.”

Ms. Chung named Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Rivetti served as Chief of the Criminal Division since 2019. Mr. Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Rivetti was employed for five years as a litigation associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm. He then served as a law clerk for two years for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith. Mr. Rivetti has been employed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Pennsylvania for over 20 years. His primary areas of concentration have involved the investigation and prosecution of large-scale drug trafficking organizations, firearms offenses, and other violent crime. 

Ms. Chung named Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song as Chief of the Criminal Division. From October 2010 through March 2018, Ms. Song served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Acting U.S. Attorney (November 2016 – December 2017). She also recently served as the Antiterrorism Advisory Coordinator and Senior Litigation Counsel for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Ms. Song is a founding member of the Veterans Treatment Court in Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the Western District of Pennsylvania, Ms. Song worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona and served as Deputy Director of the Office of Tribal Justice at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.  She is a graduate of Yale University and the George Washington Law School.

Ms. Chung named former Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Kaufman served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2018 to 2021, and previously served as Chief of the Criminal Division from 2010 to 2018. In his 29 years as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Kaufman has handled a wide variety of violent crime, narcotics, child exploitation and white collar cases. Notable cases include the successful eight-week trial of the Pittsburgh La Cosa Nostra organized crime family on RICO charges, the prosecution of the distributors of China White, a deadly synthetic form of heroin which caused the overdose deaths of 17 individuals in 1988, the prosecution of Michael Carlow, owner of Pittsburgh Brewing and Clark Candy, for perpetuating a $31 million dollar check kiting scheme against PNC Bank, and obtaining the conviction of and an 11-year prison sentence for Dr. Oliver Herndon, a physician who was the most prolific illegal distributor of oxycodone in the Pittsburgh area prior to his arrest. Mr. Kaufman is a graduate of Allegheny College and Harvard Law School.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee J. Karl has been named Chief of the Civil Division. Mr. Karl joined the office in 2004 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the civil division where he defended the United States, its agencies and employees in a wide range of civil lawsuits. In 2010, he transferred to the Economic Crimes Section of the Criminal Division, where he prosecuted a  variety of crimes, including frauds schemes, embezzlements, public corruption, tax violations and child exploitation. In 2018, he became the Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Section and assisted with supervising the section. Mr. Karl has held other positions within the office, including Ethics Officer, Asset Forfeiture Coordinator, Financial Litigation Coordinator and District Election Officer. Prior to joining the Office, Mr. Karl spent two years as a Litigation Associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm and spent one year as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk for the Hon. Ronald Buckwalter in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Ohio University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Irwin will continue to serve as Appellate Division Chief. Ms. Irwin is a 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Following her graduation from law school, she served as a law clerk to the Hon. William W. Wilkins, Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. After several years in private practice in Pittsburgh following her clerkship, Ms. Irwin joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2000 as a member of the Civil Division. She transferred to the Appellate Division in 2004. In September 2018, she was named the Chief of the Appellate Division.

Don Haley will continue to serve as the Administrative Officer for the District.

In addition to naming her leadership team, Ms. Chung announced a restructured Criminal Division with two sections. The Violent Crime/Narcotics Section will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Goodman as Chief, and the Deputy Chief will be Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Doolittle. The Economic/Cyber/National Security Crimes Section will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan as Chief. 

Tonya Goodman is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia School of Law. Following her graduation from law school, she served as a law clerk to the Hon. Robert I. Richter in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In 2001, Ms. Goodman joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she prosecuted both local and federal crimes, from misdemeanor domestic violence to federal drug offenses to homicide and violent crimes. From 2006 to 2012, she worked as an Associate at Reed Smith, LLP, where she focused on White Collar Criminal Defense and Internal Investigations. In 2012, Ms. Goodman joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western Pennsylvania, originally working in the White Collar Section before transferring to Violent Crimes. Ms. Goodman has previously served as Chief and Deputy Chief of the Narcotics/Organized Crime Section.

Eric G. Olshan joined the office in 2017 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Economic Crimes Section. During his time in the office, he has served as the Civil Rights Coordinator, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, Public Corruption Coordinator, Environmental Crime Coordinator, and District Election Officer. From 2007 to 2017, Mr. Olshan was a Trial Attorney and Deputy Chief in the Public Integrity Section at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he prosecuted public corruption and election crimes in federal districts throughout the United States. Mr. Olshan joined the Department through the Attorney General’s Honors Program following a clerkship for the Honorable Richard C. Tallman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Olshan is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

Barbara K. Doolittle joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 2009, after serving for two years as an Assistant Public Defender for Allegheny County. In her years as an AUSA, she has prosecuted violations of laws related to narcotics, firearms, Hobbs Act robberies, bank robberies, and human trafficking, among others. Ms. Doolittle was recognized as an Outstanding Prosecutor for her work on a lengthy wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Fayette County. She has served most recently as a Deputy Chief in the Major Crimes section of the Criminal Division. Ms. Doolittle is a graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes civil and criminal matters on behalf of the United States of America and its agencies and defends claims against the United States in the 25 counties that make up the western part of the Commonwealth. The office currently employs 59 Assistant U.S. Attorneys across the Criminal, Civil and Appellate Division, and 55 support staff in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.

PITTSBURGH - Seth Lindsey was sentenced to a total of 39 months in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl while on federal supervised release for a prior heroin trafficking conviction and also for conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances, also known as “K2,” while serving a prior federal prison sentence, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Lindsey, age 27, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan also directed that Lindsey serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

In 2017, Lindsey was incarcerated at the federal prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania, when he conspired to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids). He was serving a prison sentence at that time for conspiring to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin and using minors to commit that crime. In 2019, he was released from prison on federal supervised release as well as on bond. In 2020, he conspired to distribute fentanyl in violation of federal law, his supervised release conditions, and his bond conditions.

Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole A. Vasquez Schmitt and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Jordan Coyne, 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 30, 2020, Coyne did knowingly and willfully throw multiple objects, including bricks, pieces of concrete, and a tear gas canister at uniformed Pittsburgh police officers, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties. The tear gas canister struck an officer in the hand, causing his thumb to bleed and swell.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2022. Judge Schwab permitted the defendant to remain on bond. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Plantation, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to a total term of 178 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release on her convictions for violating money laundering and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Marcia Cunningham, age 54.

According to information presented to the court, Cunningham was part of an international drug trafficking organization that arranged for the importation of multiple kilograms of cocaine from Mexico that were then distributed, through the United States mails, to various customers throughout the United States, including several customers in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Cunningham set up a post office box using a fake name and fake identification documents that was used in the conspiracy.

Cunningham was particularly instrumental in the money laundering activities of the conspiracy. She used dozens of bank accounts to launder the drug trafficking proceeds that were then used to purchase luxury vehicles, real estate, jewelry, and other items that supported her exorbitant lifestyle. She also arranged to use drug trafficking proceeds to purchase assets in Jamacia, where she hoped to live eventually and from where she immigrated to the United States. As she was not a citizen of the United States, the expectation is that she will be deported once she completes her sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Maureen Sheehan Balcon prosecuted 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 68 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Dontae Gilbert, age 21, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Gilbert is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. Gilbert was identified as a low-level distributor of heroin and fentanyl supplied by members of the organization. During the investigation, agents executed a search warrant on April 12, 2019, of Gilbert’s residence and found him in possession of 13 stamp bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a loaded pistol, and drug packaging and weighing materials.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman emphasized the very serious nature of the defendant’s conduct and the scourge that heroin and fentanyl trafficking has had on the larger community. In imposing the minimum sentence, the court recognized Gilbert’s youth, supportive family, and his genuine desire to educate himself while serving his sentence and to start a productive life upon release.

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, PA - A former physician who operated private family practices in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, and Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ incarceration, followed by three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and health care laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Emilio Ramon Navarro, 60, of Coal Center, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, Navarro, a licensed physician in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, operated private family practices in Mount Pleasant and Perryopolis. In 2018, Navarro issued Victim 1 nine prescriptions for a total of 300 dosage units of Oxycodone and 240 dosage units of Oxymorphone, both Schedule II controlled substances, outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. Rather, Navarro forced Victim 1 to engage in sexual acts with him prior to issuing her these prescriptions to which he caused her to be addicted. Navarro thereby caused the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement for the unlawfully prescribed prescriptions thereby defrauding Medicaid.

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ranjan stated, “There are victims involved and they have suffered lasting impacts.”

“Today’s sentence holds Dr. Navarro accountable for his illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “I will continue our office’s tenacious pursuit of unscrupulous doctors who exploit the addictions of patients for personal gratification and then cause our healthcare system to be defrauded.”

“Dr. Navarro had a clear disregard for medical integrity,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “He preyed on victims struggling with addiction and traded drugs for sex. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to hold accountable those who abuse their positions of trust.”

“When Dr. Navarro prescribed opioid prescriptions in exchange for sexual favors, he abandoned his duty as a physician and recklessly discarded the health and safety of his patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Together with our law enforcement partners, our agency will continue to uproot such egregious fraud schemes that threaten public health and wastes taxpayer dollars.”

“Navarro held a position of trust in his community and his patients depended on him to provide medical care,” said AG Shapiro. “He will now face consequences for showing no regard for the health and safety of his patients, illegally prescribing drugs that have fueled the opioid crisis here in Pennsylvania, and defrauding our Commonwealth's Medicaid Program. The Office of Attorney General's arrests of prescribers who divert prescription drugs are up 135% since 2016. We will continue to work with our partners to seek out those who put lives at risk and hold them accountable.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the prosecution of Emilio Navarro was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania
OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical  medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: 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, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, 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, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

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

Nicole Gaines, 42, of Clearfield, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

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

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gaines. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Anthony West, age 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, and Brandin Gardner, age 25, of Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood, as defendants.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about September 12, 2021 and continuing to on or about September 16, 2021, Mr. West and Mr. Gardner conspired to commit bank robbery and committed bank robbery of the PNC Bank, located at 319 Washington Road, in Washington, Pennsylvania, 15301.

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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Filing of False Federal Income Tax Returns, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

John C. Thornton, age 74, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

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

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than three years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thornton.

Erie, Pa. - A resident of Oil City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 200 months in jail, lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution ($3,000 to five separate identified victims) on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Brent Lockwood, 64. 

According to information presented to the court, Lockwood received thousands of computer images and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Lockwood also did not dispute that there was sufficient evidence to convict him of traveling to the Philippines on numerous occasions for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with minors. The evidence also revealed that Lockwood had, in fact, engaged in sexual activity with minors during his numerous trips to the Philippines.

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.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Haines stated that Lockwood showed no remorse for his conduct and that Lockwood’s sentencing submissions attempted to justify his conduct in a way that was not credible.

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

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

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

Deia Eggleston, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Eggleston was prosecuted in connection with a cocaine distribution drug trafficking organization located in New Castle, Pennsylvania, that included, among other individuals, Dondi Searcy, Jr. Eggleston participated in the conspiracy by allowing Searcy and others to use her home to manufacture and store illegal narcotics and firearms. She also assisted Searcy in connection with a kilogram of cocaine that Searcy arranged to have mailed from California to the home next door to Eggleston’s residence. That package was intercepted by law enforcement prior to delivery.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 Brendan T. Conway 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A Mexican national has been sentenced in federal court to 18 years in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Adelfo Rodriguez-Mendez, 42.

According to information presented to the court, Rodriguez-Mendez conspired to distribute and distributed cocaine out of what was then known as the East Coast Monster Garage on West 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania from August 2015 through June 29, 2017. Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, told the court that Rodriguez-Mendez had “managed a drug trafficking enterprise that was extensive, lengthy and profitable” and admitted testimony and evidence during the sentencing that $939,610.00 in cocaine proceeds were seized as part of the investigation.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Haines stated that the evidence had demonstrated that Rodriguez-Mendez was the organizer and leader of a substantial drug distribution network that was responsible for trafficking between five and fifteen kilograms of cocaine into Erie, Pennsylvania during the time charged in the indictment.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rodriguez-Mendez.

PITTSBURGH – Harold Hooten was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine base in 2021, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Hooten, age 44, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also ordered Hooten to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of East McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Robert Botti, age 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 15, 2021, Botti possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years 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 the defendant to be released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.

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

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

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 Donora, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on John Duchi, Jr, 33.

According to information presented to the court, Duchi conspired with other members of the Lightfoot Drug Trafficking Organization to distribute cocaine from 2015 to 2017. Duchi admitted to distributing between 400 and 500 grams of powder cocaine during that time frame.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, and the Perryopolis Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Duchi, Jr.

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, has been sentenced in federal court to eight years of imprisonment on his convictions for violating various federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Devonte Parker, age 26.

According to information presented to the court at the change of plea hearing, law enforcement investigated Parker during a long-term, Title III wiretap investigation targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. During the investigation, the government obtained authorization to intercept communications on numerous phones. Intercepted communications revealed that Parker served as drug dealer.

Additionally, on June 20, 20219, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant upon Parker’s residence. In Parker’s bedroom, law enforcement recovered packages narcotics containing fentanyl, valeryl fentanyl, and heroin. From that same bedroom, law enforcement recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun between a mattress and a box spring. Parker is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

Parker’s imprisonment shall be for a total term of imprisonment of 96 months. Following imprisonment, Parker shall serve a 6-year term of supervised release.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that “Fentanyl is a scourge on our community . . . Those who distribute fentanyl cause pain and death.”

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

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

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

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

Jason Malos, age 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl. This case is related to an investigation that focused on a drug trafficking organization that referred to themselves as Hustlas Don’t Sleep. That investigation has resulted in numerous indictments charging dozens of HDS members with narcotics and firearms violations. Malos was a wholesale customer of the organization who purchased and redistributed substantial quantities of fentanyl, as revealed through court-authorized interceptions of his communications, surveillance, and a later search of his residence pursuant to a search warrant.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroeville Police Department, Attorney General’s Office and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Malos.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months’ imprisonment and seven years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal child exploitation and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on William Johnson, age 34, of Monaca, PA 15061.

According to information presented to the court, Johnson, on April 3, 2019, possessed more than 100 digital photographs and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, some of whom were under the age of 12 years and depicted in sadistic and violent imagery, as well as possessed 12 unregistered firearms, including a Glock pistol with an installed auto switch, a Smith and Wesson rifle with a bump stock, and eight silencers. Each of the 12 firearms required registration under the National Firearms Act.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy acknowledged the serious and violent nature of Johnson’s crimes and the damage and long-term effect on child victims who are subjected to sexual exploitation.

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

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

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 Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making a threat by telephone to destroy a building, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Albert Morris, 60, of the City’s Homewood 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 on Feb. 1, 2021, Albert Morris called in two bomb threats: one related to the William S. Moorhead federal building in downtown Pittsburgh, the other related to the J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, D.C.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 7, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Morris on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of food stamp fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Meg Gurung, age 35, and Ago Gurung, age 35, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during June 2019 and continuing through February 2021, the defendants, Meg and Ago Gurung, were engaged in exchanging food stamps for ineligible, non-food items and cash at their store, Gurung Brothers LLC, located at 2950 Brownsville Road, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Gurung brothers received benefits from the USDA totaling $5,000 or more for these unauthorized purchases.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Meg Gurung on March 29, 2022, and for Ago Gurung on June 30, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Meg and Ago Gurung on bond.

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

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Meg and Ago Gurung.

PITTSBURGH, PA – On February 18, 2022, a resident of suburban Pittsburgh, was sentenced in federal court to five years’ (60 months’) imprisonment and four years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Merlereace Garnett Carter-Burkes Jr. age, 32 of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Carter-Burkes Jr. possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine when he was stopped by officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for traffic violations. After the officers developed probable cause to search his vehicle, the officers conducted a search, and the search revealed a semi-automatic pistol and five large vacuum sealed baggies that contained approximately 563 grams of cocaine.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter-Burkes Jr.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison and 15 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. In addition, Troup was sentenced to two additional years in prison for violating federal supervised release on his 2008 case involving child sexual abuse material.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Nathan L. Troup, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Troup attempted to induce, entice and persuade an undercover investigator posing as a fifteen-year-old male to engage in illegal sexual activity and then traveled to Ohio for the purpose of meeting the purported fifteen-year-old for illegal sexual activity. At the time Troup engaged in this illegal activity, he was on federal supervised release for a child pornography offense.

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.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Troup.
 

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and 180 days of home detention on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Gamale Vaughn, 46.

According to information presented to the court, on June 12, 2019, McKees Rocks Police Department executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence. Hidden within a boot in a spare bedroom, officers found a Springfield Armory .45 caliber handgun which had been reported stolen to the Forest Hills Police Department in September of 2016. The defendant was present during the search. Following a waiver of his rights, the defendant admitted that the recovered firearm was his. The Court was further advised that the defendant was previously convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in Allegheny County. As a convicted felon, the defendant is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Alan Masecar, 35, of Latrobe, and currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release by District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.

Investigators identified Masecar, aka Max, as a methamphetamine source of supply for among others, co-defendant Zachary Miller, who is a former member of the Jeannette Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Miller was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years’ imprisonment.

In December of 2019, Postal Inspectors with United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) seized a package addressed to Masecar, containing methamphetamine. USPIS conducted a search of Masecar’s residence and located numerous items indicative of drug trafficking. Notwithstanding this encounter, Masecar continued to engage in illegal drug trafficking, coordinating additional methamphetamine transactions with Miller and continuing to obtain packages in the mail that contained methamphetamine. Investigators also identified communications between Miller and Masecar via Facebook messenger, wherein they discussed their continued efforts to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Masecar.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years imprisonment and five years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Che Williams, age 35, formerly of the City’s Knoxville neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, Williams was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The conspiracy charge related to Williams’ involvement as one of the fentanyl suppliers to the Hustlas Don’t Sleep drug trafficking organization that was targeted and dismantled through an investigation that included, among other investigative techniques, court-authorized interceptions of the communications of various participants in the conspiracy, including Williams. In summary, those communications revealed that Williams was supplying various members of the Hustlas Don’t Sleep drug trafficking organization with substantial quantities of fentanyl that the members of the organization distributed.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Williams’ residence. That search revealed more than 40 grams of fentanyl, three guns and numerous rounds of ammunition, digital scales, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Williams has a significant history of prior felony convictions and is therefore precluded under federal law from possessing firearms.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted 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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two former residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Khaleaf Lindsay, age 25, formerly of Philadelphia and Kamal Bennett, age 22, formerly of Philadelphia.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from July 2021 to August 2021, Lindsay and Bennett both conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl mixture, along with 28 grams or more cocaine base. The Indictment further alleged that on August 2, 2021, Bennett distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base. Lindsay was also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on August 2, 2021. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

As to Lindsay, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five (5) years to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both. As to Bennett, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of not to exceed $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Butler County Anti-Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in prison followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Jeanne Bowser, 63, of Aliquippa, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Bowser was the elected tax collector for Center Township, Beaver, Pennsylvania and also collected taxes for Central Valley School District. From approximately December 2011 until approximately August 2019, Bowser embezzled a total of approximately $1,028,183.81 in tax payments from both the township and school district. She embezzled the funds by writing checks to herself out of a bank account that was used for tax deposits and by stealing cash tax payments. In addition to the embezzlement, the Court was further advised that Bowser filed false income tax returns for a period of six years.

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 and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bowser.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction for charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Don Eric Copeland, age 20.

According to the information presented to the court, Copeland possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine and a mixture containing cocaine and fentanyl, which was seized when Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers executed a search warrant on his residence on August 16, 2019. Another search warrant was executed on the same residence on November 21, 2019, and Copeland possessed intent to distribute crack cocaine and a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl. On January 1, 2020, Copeland possessed a firearm which had an obliterated serial number.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on David Joyner, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Joyner conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from June of 2019 through December of 2019. In 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which Joyner was a member. Beginning in July of 2019 and continuing through August of 2019, the FBI initiated a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Joyner was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about acquiring quantities of heroin, prices of heroin, and the purity of the heroin. Through extensive physical and electronic surveillance, Joyner was observed meeting with his codefendant to conduct heroin transactions. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Joyner. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Joyner’s criminal history.

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

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

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 Evans City, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of misappropriation by a fiduciary, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Robert Bruce Ralston, age 75, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around March 2017 to in and around March 2018, Ralston, who was the appointed fiduciary for a disabled veteran, caused approximately 44 unauthorized withdrawals by check from the disabled veteran’s beneficiary account and transferred the money from these checks to himself, totaling approximately $34,411.77. The defendant used the disabled veteran’s beneficiary funds to engage in transactions for the defendant’s own personal benefit, including paying for his own phone bills, medical bills and mortgage payments, all in violation of the defendant’s role and responsibilities as a fiduciary.

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

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

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General - CID 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.

WASHINGTON – A Maryland woman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships. Her husband pleaded guilty to the same offense on Monday, Feb. 14.

Diana Toebbe, 46, of Annapolis, Maryland, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2021, for knowingly and voluntarily joining a conspiracy with her husband, Jonathan Toebbe, to communicate Restricted Data to a foreign nation. During the course of the conspiracy, Diana Toebbe served as a lookout while her husband serviced three “dead-drops.”

According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Jonathan Toebbe was an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the Department of Defense, giving him access to “Restricted Data” within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act. Restricted Data concerns design, manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons, or production of Special Nuclear Material (SNM), or use of SNM in the production of energy – such as naval reactors. Jonathan Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.

According to court documents, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. Jonathan Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.

On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, Jonathan Toebbe serviced a dead drop by placing an SD card, which was concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich and contained military sensitive design elements relating to submarine nuclear reactors, at a pre-arranged location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On Aug. 28, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Jonathan Toebbe of $70,000 in  cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Jonathan Toebbe and his wife on Oct. 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

Diana Toebbe pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment charging her with conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data which carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in  prison, a fine up to $100,000, and term of supervised release not more than five years. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Diana Toebbe will serve a sentence of not more than 36 months of imprisonment in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and NCIS are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas  and Lara Omps-Botteicher of the Northern District of West Virginia and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy, and bribery of a public official, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Rashon Richardson, 31, to a total of 144 months of imprisonment—including 120 months for the narcotics offense and an additional 24 months for the conspiracy and bribery offenses—followed by 36 months of supervised release.

During his plea and sentencing hearing, Richardson admitted that on Nov. 2, 2015, he possessed distribution-level quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin. Richardson also acknowledged that he unlawfully possessed a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol despite being prohibited from doing so as a result of other prior felony convictions. After the United States brought charges against Richardson for the November 2015 conduct, he was detained and held at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ) pursuant to a contract between ICJ and the United States Marshals Service. Between June and August 2019, while Richardson was being held at ICJ, he paid multiple bribes to Alex Lewis, a then-corrections officer at ICJ, so that Lewis would smuggle contraband cellphones into ICJ. As part of the bribery conspiracy, Richardson admitted that he used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet Lewis and pay bribes on his behalf in the form of cash and, on one occasion, a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. Richardson admitted that he and other federal detainees used the smuggled cellphones to make unmonitored calls from inside ICJ.

Lewis previously was sentenced on Nov. 10, 2021, to 24 months’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy and bribery charges.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to Richardson’s original charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the bribery-related charges, with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and Indiana County Jail.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

David Colaianni, age 62, 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 on November 1, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Colaianni’s person. A cell phone was seized and submitted for forensic analysis. The analysis conducted of its contents revealed Colaianni’s possession of approximately 73 still images and 120 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of whom were younger than 12 years of age. Colaianni was arrested and has been in custody since that time.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Colaianni’s detention.

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

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

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 former resident of Moundsville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Jason Lynn, age 43, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that beginning on April 4, 2019, Lynn began communicating with an undercover FBI agent purporting to be a minor. From April 4, 2019 through May 3, 2019, Lynn chatted with the undercover Agent. During their conversations, Lynn expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with the minor. The undercover Agent told Lynn that he was under 18 years of age. Lynn told the purported minor to delete the chats so that they would not get in trouble. Lynn made arrangements to travel to Pittsburgh and meet with the minor at a hotel downtown. On May 3, 2019, Lynn traveled in interstate commerce, from West Virginia to the state of Pennsylvania, to meet the purported minor. Agents arrested Lynn in downtown Pittsburgh.

Judge Hornak has not yet set a date for the sentencing hearing. The law provides for a total sentence of 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 defendant remains in custody.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Jamestown, NY, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 7 years in prison followed by 4 years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Peter Shawbrougham, 27. 

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 2019 through in and around June 2020, Shawbrougham did conspire to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Shawbrougham. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Mercer County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months’ imprisonment and 7 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Distribution and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Alex Rogan-Laird, age 26, of Greenville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on March 14, 2020, Rogan-Laird distributed videos and still images over the “LiveMe” interactive software application depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors to an agent of the FBI working in an undercover capacity in Salt Lake City, Utah. The FBI further found Rogan-Laird in possession of thousands of sexually exploitive videos and images depicting children, on July 15, 2020, at the time a federal search warrant was executed at his residence. Rogan-Laird admitted to viewing and distributing child pornography using “LiveMe” and similar software applications.

Restitution to the victims depicted in the sexually exploitive imagery is mandatory and Judge Horan scheduled a hearing on restitution for April 6, 2022. One of the victims, now an adult, spoke at the sentencing hearing about the continuing psychological harm she endures knowing that individuals like Rogan-Laird continue to view and share the images of her childhood abuse.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that the defendant should take advantage of mental health and sex offender treatment while serving his sentence and, like the victim, use his experience to teach others and prevent such exploitation in the future.

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 Rogan-Laird.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Terry Suggs, Jr., age 37, currently an inmate at NEOCC, pleaded guilty to two counts before District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Suggs conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute a cocaine and methamphetamine mixture.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on February 25, 2019, investigators with the Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team (D.A.N.E.T), conducted a controlled purchase and delivery operation, relating to an ongoing investigation into drug-trafficking activity coming from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Allegheny County. As a result of this investigation, law enforcement apprehended Clark and Suggs with approximately 23 kilograms of a cocaine/methamphetamine mixture, which were located within hidden compartments in the vehicles driven by each of the defendants. Additionally, in the vehicle operated by Suggs, $8,060.00 was seized.

Judge Conti has scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team (D.A.N.E.T), made the initial arrest on February 25, 2019, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Suggs.

PITTSBURGH – Shamar Banks pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while in prison between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Banks, age 41, formerly of York, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on June 16, 2022. Banks was serving a federal prison sentence for prior drug trafficking when he committed the additional drug trafficking crime to which he pled guilty.

The law provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States 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 Bureau of Police, 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of New Florence, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years’ supervised release on his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Nicholas Beard, 28. 

According to information presented to the court, on or about October 9, 2020, Beard did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

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

Ms. Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, and the Indiana County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Beard.

PITTSBURGH - Melvin Dorsey-Pace pled guilty to distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Dorsey-Pace, age 29 of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on June 21, 2022, at 2:15 p.m.

As part of the factual basis for the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, on April 6, 2021, Dorsey-Pace distributed crack cocaine near St. Vitus Elementary School in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was on federal supervised release at that time. He was convicted in 2016 in this district for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and was released to supervised release in 2020.

The law provides for a sentence of at least one year and up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to ten years’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jason Jackson, age 28.

According to information presented to the court, Jackson pleaded guilty to knowingly participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. He was part of a drug trafficking organization who referred to themselves as "Hustlas Don’t Sleep” that sold a variety of illegal narcotics.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Braddock Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to violations of federal gun laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Frankie Leon Morrison, 55, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on April 8, 2019, the Buffalo Township (Butler County) police were aware of multiple break-ins of vehicles in the area. A Buffalo Township Officer observed defendant Morrison reaching into a vehicle at 3:00 a.m. and when the officer attempted to speak with him, Morrison fled on foot. As Morrison later drove from the area, he was stopped and his vehicle was found to contain multiple stolen items, including two Glock pistols, ammunition, handcuffs and a key stolen from the vehicle of a recently retired Pittsburgh Police Sergeant. The defendant has multiple prior federal and state convictions which precluded him from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The defendant also pleaded guilty to possessing the firearms and ammunition despite being a wanted fugitive from the state of Connecticut and to possessing stolen firearms.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. For each charge, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Judge Cercone noted that Morrison also faces the potential of an additional sentence because at the time of his crimes he was being supervised by United States Probation Officers after serving a prior federal sentence of 123 months for Armed Bank Robbery and the Illegal Possession of a Firearm. Judge Cercone set that sentencing for the same date.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Morrison, with valuable assistance from the Buffalo Township Police Department.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence Christofer Waters 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about July 5, 2018, to on or about May 5, 2020, Waters did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin. According to information presented to the court, Waters was a co-leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated between Philadelphia and Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Waters admitted responsibility for distributing a total of 142 grams of fentanyl and 23 grams of heroin on 23 occasions between July 2018 and May 2019

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted 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.

OCDETF conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by six years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Darnell Latham, 52, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Latham was intercepted communicating with his codefendant and coconspirator discussing the distribution of cocaine. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.

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

United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Latham.

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

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

Kenneth Selvage, 61, of Coalport, PA, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.

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

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Selvage.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Penn Hills, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 11 years' imprisonment on his conviction of federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jamie Lightfoot, Jr, 29. 

According to information presented to the court, Lightfoot acquired large quantities of cocaine from Florida, New York and California between January of 2015 and November of 2017, and then distributed that cocaine to other drug dealers in Western Pennsylvania. On November 5, 2017, the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police seized 51 kilos of cocaine from a recreational vehicle which was parked in Lightfoot’s driveway, and which had been driven there by one of Lightfoot’s suppliers earlier that day.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, and the Perryopolis Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lightfoot, Jr.

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.