Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Whitehall Borough, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on March 19, 2026, to charges of cyberstalking, interstate stalking, and interstate threats, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Brett Michael Dadig, 31, pleaded guilty to 11 counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from May through November 2025, the defendant traveled in interstate commerce to multiple states and used facilities of interstate commerce (such as his phone and the internet) with the intent to harass and intimidate numerous female victims, in many of whom the defendant had a romantic interest. Several of the victims were employees of fitness establishments across multiple states.

As explained to the Court and detailed in the Indictment against him, Dadig harassed, threatened, and intimidated 11 female victims—including from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Iowa, and New York—in person and through posts on social media, his podcast, text messages, and phone calls. Dadig’s harassment of his victims included showing up to their homes and places of business unannounced and uninvited, following victims from their places of business, taking and posting pictures of them online without their consent, and revealing private details (including their names and locations) online. Dadig’s comments included references to breaking victims’ jaws and fingers, dead bodies, burning down gyms, and his victims suffering “judgment day.” Two of Dadig’s Pittsburgh victims obtained Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders against him, which Dadig violated both online and in person. When Dadig was banned from gyms and businesses and was reported to the police in one city, he would move on to another city to continue his stalking course of conduct. The Indictment also detailed how Dadig relied on advice from an artificial intelligence chatbot while he was stalking his victims.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 12 months of prison for each charge involving a PFA violation and up to 55 years in prison, a fine of up to $2.75 million, 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. Pending sentencing, Dadig will remain in federal custody.

Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Hillary M. Weaver are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dadig, with the assistance of multiple local police departments in Pittsburgh and across the country.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attorney has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The 10-count Indictment named Christopher Furman, 53, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in 2020, Furman was selected President of the Board of Trustees for the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline—the organization that has operated the Duquesne Incline since the Society’s founding in 1964—based on his history as a former employee of the incline and familiarity with the incline’s mechanical operations, as well as his background as an attorney. In his role as President of the Board, Furman was neither authorized to view the Society’s bank accounts nor to use its money for personal purposes. The Indictment alleges that, from October 2024 to September 2025, Furman transferred approximately $1,379,300 from the Society’s bank accounts into his own account via more than 25 electronic transactions. Furman then transferred that money to an online cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset management platform, where he purchased and sold cryptocurrency for his personal profit.

At each count of wire fraud, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of the greater of $250,000 or an alternative of twice the gross pecuniary gain, or both. At each count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from wire fraud (money laundering), the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of the greater of $250,000 or an alternative of twice the amount of criminally derived property, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 80 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of drug trafficking and firearm crimes as part of a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Jauan Searcy, 44, who, in July 2025, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024, and to possessing a firearm following a felony conviction.

According to information presented to the Court, Searcy—who had previously been convicted of a felony—was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that was based in Detroit and in New Castle. Searcy participated in the conspiracy by retailing controlled substances to his customers in the New Castle area. When law enforcement arrested Searcy at his New Castle residence on August 1, 2024, following his federal indictment, agents found a shotgun next to Searcy’s bed. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Searcy.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - After deliberating for two hours, a federal jury on March 18, 2026, found Clint Addleman, 49, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, guilty on charges of possession of an unregistered destructive device, conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire, malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire resulting in death, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Addleman’s co-defendant, Kris Nevling, was convicted by jury trial in August 2025.

Addleman was tried before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The evidence presented during the seven-day trial established that, in and around early October 2019, Addleman and his co-defendant Nevling aided and abetted one another in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to the victim using her nickname. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb was delivered and left outside of the door to the victim’s first floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property on East Market Street in Clearfield. Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside the victim’s apartment, killing the victim and causing a fire that destroyed the building. Trial evidence established that the victim owed Addleman an outstanding drug debt of approximately $1,000.

The jury also determined the victim’s death to be a result of the commission of the conspiring to maliciously destroy and malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire offenses. Addleman was additionally convicted on a charge of conspiring to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine between January and October 2019.

Judge Haines scheduled Addleman’s sentencing for July 22, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

In August 2025, a jury also found Nevling guilty of both conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire—similarly determining the victim’s death to be a result of this offense—and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Nevling is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2026.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Samantha A. Stewart and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of the Bronx, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months in prison on his conviction of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jose Baez Cabrera, 35, also ordering Baez Cabrera to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term in the event he is not removed from the United States based on his immigration status.

According to information presented to the Court, on August 16, 2023, Baez Cabrera was caught transporting eight kilograms of cocaine across Pennsylvania with the intent to deliver them to drug dealers in Erie. He was on probation at that time following a 2021 felony conviction in New York for possessing a kilogram of fentanyl.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Baez Cabrera.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After approximately two hours of deliberation, a federal jury in Pittsburgh has found Donald Smith guilty of 13 counts of violating federal fraud and tax laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Smith, 75, of Pittsburgh was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, with the jury finding Smith guilty of eight counts of wire fraud and five counts of failing to file a corporate tax return.

The evidence presented to the jury during the five-day trial showed that Smith engaged in a scheme to defraud the Defense Logistics Agency, which provides material to all branches of the United States military. The scheme caused the United States to make payments of over one million dollars on products that were not what Smith and those with whom he worked promised to provide. Smith did not file corporate tax returns reporting any of the more than one million dollars in payments his company received during the tax years of 2019 through 2023.

For each count of wire fraud on which Smith was convicted, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of not more than the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary loss from the offense, or both. On each of the tax counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of no more than $100,000 or twice the gain from the offense, 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.

The Court will schedule sentencing by further order.

Assistant United States Attorneys William Guappone and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Dustin Blough, 30, of South Fork and Charles Triplin, 48, of Johnstown were named as the sole defendants in separate Indictments.

According to the seven-count Indictment against Blough, in and around September and October 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Blough possessed with intent to distribute various quantities—including 500 grams or more on one occasion, and 50 grams or more on another—of mixtures and substances containing methamphetamine. Further, in and around November 2024, Blough possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, along with quantities of fentanyl. During that same November period, Blough—who had been previously convicted of a felony—unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Indictment additionally charges Blough with possessing with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl and heroin on various dates in and around August 2024.

According to the one-count Indictment against Triplin, in and around December 2025, Triplin possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Triplin had previously been convicted in August 2023 of attempting to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl (read the guilty plea news release related to this case here).

For each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Both defendants have been ordered detained pending trial.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Cambria County Drug Task Force, and Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigations leading to the Indictments.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of the Dominican Republic who entered the United States illegally has been sentenced in federal court to eight years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of federal supervised release, on his drug trafficking conviction, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Santos Castro-Mota, 46.

According to information presented to the Court, a joint investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, determined that Aliquippa drug trafficker Kijana Lowe frequently communicated with Castro-Mota while Castro-Mota was serving a five-to-ten year sentence at State Correctional Institution Phoenix (Collegeville, Pennsylvania) on a drug trafficking conviction. Recordings of calls between Lowe and Castro-Mota revealed that Lowe would order kilogram quantities of cocaine from Castro-Mota, with the defendants referring to a kilogram of cocaine as a “white car.” After Castro-Mota negotiated the sale with Lowe, Castro-Mota would then direct a co-defendant, who Castro-Mota referred to as “the mechanic,” to deliver the controlled substances to Lowe. The investigation established that Lowe would then supply the drugs to another co-defendant, Anthony Tusweet Smith Jr., who would subsequently sell them to end users.

In November 2021, investigators learned that an in-person delivery of kilogram quantities of cocaine was planned to Lowe in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and, during a surveillance operation, observed Lowe accept a suitcase outside of a Coraopolis motel. Law enforcement detained the individuals involved and executed search warrants on the suitcase, a motel room, and Lowe’s vehicle. The suitcase contained nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine, while Lowe’s vehicle contained over $280,000 that was to be used to purchase the seized cocaine. In conjunction with the interdiction, law enforcement obtained search warrants for cell phones found in the possession of Lowe and a co-defendant (“the mechanic”), with digital extractions from these devices revealing numerous communications and photographs between the conspirators regarding their drug trafficking activity, in addition to Castro-Mota’s involvement in the conspiracy.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman emphasized that Castro-Mota entered the country illegally and then engaged in drug trafficking. Judge Stickman stated that Castro-Mota learned “absolutely nothing” from his prior sentence and observed that Castro-Mota has nothing but disregard for the laws of the United States. Finding that Castro-Mota served as the “point person for the distribution of an enormous amount” of drugs into the district, the judge also denied Castro-Mota’s request to have his federal sentence run concurrent to his undischarged state sentence, explaining to the defendant that “Repeat offenders don’t get a discount; they get an enhancement.”

Following the completion of his sentence, Castro-Mota will be deported from the United States.

Judge Stickman previously sentenced Castro-Mota’s co-defendants Kijana Lowe to 10 years of imprisonment and Anthony Tusweet Smith Jr. to five years of imprisonment for their roles in the conspiracy.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Castro-Mota and his co-conspirators.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Davion Xavier Thompson, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 23, 2026, Thompson, who had been previously convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a Glock-style handgun with an extended magazine. Attached to the rear of the unserialized firearm was a machinegun conversion device, also known as a Glock switch. Under federal law, Thompson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as a result of his multiple prior felony convictions involving firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Narcotics Task Force, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team, Stowe Township Police Department, and McKees Rocks Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to failure to surrender for a term of imprisonment and to violating a federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Julian Thompson, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy to one count of failure to surrender and one count of distributing a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 21, 2024, Thompson was sentenced in the Western District of Pennsylvania to 10 years of imprisonment on his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, with the Court granting a request to allow Thompson to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons at a later date. Thompson failed to surrender on the date instructed, leading to a search and investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force.

In the summer of 2025, authorities learned that Thompson had returned to Pittsburgh and was distributing controlled substances as part of a new drug investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In September 2025, the FBI purchased controlled substances from Thompson, which included a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin packaged across more than 250 glassine bags (with one glassine bag commonly considered a single dose). Authorities then executed federal search warrants upon Thompson and a residence, along with the arrest warrant related to Thompson’s failure to surrender. The searches resulted in the seizure of a loaded drum magazine, jewelry, and $65,900.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2026. The maximum total penalty for the failure to surrender count is up to 10 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other offense, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum total penalty for the distribution of controlled substances count is up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, Judge Hardy ordered Thompson remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

The U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thompson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Westland, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed a sentence of three years of probation on Roy Brown, 57, also ordering Brown to serve the first 30 days of his probation period on home detention. Brown previously pleaded guilty in the case to conspiring to distribute cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024.

According to information presented to the Court, Brown was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy based in Detroit and in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Specifically, Brown participated by assisting with cocaine trafficking in Detroit.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brown.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Michael William Boston, 41, on March 5, 2026.

According to information presented to the Court, on October 25, 2022, Boston transported material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors in interstate commerce by uploading the material to a cloud-based server. As part of his plea agreement, Boston also took responsibility for transporting child sexual abuse material on two other dates in 2023 and for the possession of more than 1,500 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material across seven different electronic devices. Many of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of toddler-aged and infant males as young as several months old. Boston’s collection of images and videos additionally depicted acts of bestiality and blindfolded children tied to stationary objects.

Boston was previously employed by an intermediate unit as a resource instructor for hearing-impaired students. In this role, he traveled to various schools across nine Pennsylvania counties to work with children from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade who suffered from hearing impairments. Boston also was known to be active in his local community, particularly at local churches. As a result of this prosecution, Boston was fired from his teaching position and forced to surrender his teaching license.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police’s Northwest Computer Crime Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boston.

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.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on March 4, 2026, to two years of probation, including 90 days of home confinement, and ordered to pay over $54,000 in restitution on her conviction of food stamp fraud, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Bolaji Michael, 46, who pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025, to one count of food stamp fraud.

According to information presented to the Court, Michael owned and operated an African food market where she knowingly allowed individuals to exchange their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamp, benefits for cash. SNAP benefits may only be used to purchase eligible food items and cannot be exchanged for cash. In addition to exchanging SNAP benefits for cash herself, Michael also authorized others at her store to make such exchanges, despite knowing that doing so was a violation of the SNAP program’s rules and regulations. The monetary loss associated with Michael’s conduct for the charged timeframe totaled $54,996.05.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police Organized Crime Unit West for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Michael.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Robert Bookshar, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV on March 3, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around September 2021 through in and around June 2023, Bookshar communicated with an online criminal organization that offered child sexual abuse material in the form of “Ultimate Packages”—which investigation determined consisted of seven videos and 30 images of a nude minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct—as well as a “menu” of minor females who were available for the creation of child sexual abuse material during live video calls. Bookshar requested images, videos, and live video calls depicting child sexual abuse from the criminal organization on a social media app, participated in the live video calls through a second social media app, and paid for the material with gift cards or through various mobile payment apps. Specifically, Bookshar pleaded guilty to the inducement of two minors, one on August 23, 2022, and the other on May 12, 2023, for the purpose of creating child sexual abuse material during a live video call.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 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, if any, of the defendant. Bookshar remains in custody pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County Police Department, Tampa (Florida) Police Department, and Colorado Springs (Colorado) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bookshar.

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 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 76 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 46 months of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Thomas Thornton, 49.

According to information presented to the Court, on December 19, 2024, Thornton discharged 10 rounds of ammunition from a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol into an occupied residence within the City of Pittsburgh. Officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police detained Thornton within minutes of the incident, and, following the execution of a search warrant on Thornton’s vehicle, recovered the 9mm pistol Thornton used in the shooting. At the time of the offense, Thornton was on federal supervised release following a 37-month sentence in federal prison for a drug trafficking and firearms conviction. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Penn Run, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 57 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Eldon Sajko, 55.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about March 21, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Sajko possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine along with quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. On the same date, Sajko—who had been previously convicted of a felony—unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Further, on July 27, 2022, Sajko possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.

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

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, and Indiana Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sajko.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court on March 2, 2026, to a charge of cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Wade Shaw, 51, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to one count of possession with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine in September 2023.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Sharon Police Department, Farrell Police Department, Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaw.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Mexico was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Manuel Sebastian Valenzuela Olivas, 20.

According to information presented to the Court, Olivas exploited a temporary visitor visa to traffic in fentanyl. Specifically, on or about August 10, 2025, Olivas traveled from the U.S./Mexico border to New York City to obtain fentanyl from a narcotics supplier located in the Bronx. Olivas was on his way to sell the fentanyl to a buyer in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, when Pennsylvania State Police stopped his vehicle on a traffic violation. During a search of Olivas’ vehicle, troopers discovered one kilogram of fentanyl under the driver’s seat.

Olivas has been in custody since his arrest and will be returned to immigration custody following his imprisonment for his removal from the U.S., to which Olivas agreed as part of his plea and sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Drug Law Enforcement Division, Western SHIELD Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Olivas.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farmington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Nathan Fike, 41, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about October 4, 2023, Fike distributed videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Further, on or about February 9, 2024, federal agents executing a search warrant at Fike’s residence found the defendant in possession of videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent and under 12 years of age.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Middle Eastern man illegally residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, and aggravated identify theft, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Mahmoud Almasry, aka Mohammad Jiham, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Almasry assumed the identity of another person to fraudulently gain entry into the United States in 2016 and continued to use that person’s name for the next decade. Further, Almasry used various forms of identification of the other person, who was already deceased at the time Almasry assumed his identity in order to enter the United States.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

ERIE, Pa. - Two residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, each have been sentenced in federal court to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $250,000 fine on their convictions of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and healthcare fraud, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentences on Aaron Hertel, 47, of North East, Pennsylvania, and Michael Brown, 49, of Erie, Pennsylvania. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count in March of 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Hertel and Brown led, managed, and supervised a conspiracy involving numerous employees at Hertel & Brown Physical and Aquatic Therapy that involved the use of unlicensed technicians to treat patients and then billed health insurance providers as if licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants had provided the treatment. Additionally, the conspirators consistently billed more treatment time each day than the five locations of Hertel & Brown clinics were open, resulting in massive fraudulent overbilling. Conspirators also tampered with the patient schedule to make it appear that patients had received one-on-one treatment as required by Medicare, which the patients had not received, with the clinics instead treating multiple patients at the same time and billing the patients as if they had received individualized treatment.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted the significant negative impact on Hertel & Brown’s employees caused by the defendants’ actions and the enormous theft of taxpayer money that resulted from the conspiracy led by the defendants. Restitution from the company and the two former owners will be determined during an April hearing.

“Our office is committed to combating health care fraud and ensuring that health care professionals follow the law and act with integrity,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Today’s sentences make clear that those who defraud our health care system face serious consequences and will be punished for their crimes.”

“Federal healthcare programs are not an open checkbook,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Amie Loos. “When dishonest providers knowingly skew paperwork to line their pockets, it gives them an unfair advantage over honest agencies playing by the book. Complex fraud cases leave a trail – one the FBI and our partners will follow with every tool and resource at our disposal to bring those responsible to justice.”

“Today’s sentences send a clear message: anyone who exploits a position of trust to fuel personal greed will be found and held accountable,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Deliberately inflating services to boost profits is a serious violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded health care programs. HHS-OIG will continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice against those who defraud the American people.”

“Ensuring high-quality healthcare for veterans is a top priority and these sentences reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding VA programs and services,” said Special Agent in Charge Nate Landkammer with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “We are grateful for the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in bringing this case to justice.”

“Today’s sentencings demonstrate that DCIS, the criminal investigative arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, will hold all those that conspire to defraud TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their families, accountable,” said Christopher M. Silvestro, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Northeast Field Office. “Defendants Hertel and Brown led a company that valued greed over care. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice, and the Defense Health Agency to protect the integrity of the TRICARE system.”

Hertel and Brown were among 20 individuals, along with the physical therapy business itself, indicted in November of 2021, with the company and 17 of the defendants pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and healthcare fraud and one additional defendant being convicted of healthcare fraud following an April 2025 jury trial.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christian A. Trabold, Paul S. Sellers, and Molly W. Anglin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Veterans Affairs–Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section, and United States Office of Personnel Management–Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the defendants.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Jeffrey A. McLaughlin Jr., 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between August 5, 2021, and November 17, 2021, McLaughlin—pretending to be a teenage boy—solicited nude images and videos from a 12-year-old female over social media. McLaughlin also sent explicit sexual content to the same minor.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, McLaughlin will remain in federal custody.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh and Buffalo, New York; the Allegheny County Police Department; and the Allegheny County Probation Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McLaughlin.

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 Ross Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Ralph Talerico, 45, pleaded guilty to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bisson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in and around June through July 2023, Talerico produced videos of two minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Additionally, on or about June 6, 2024, Talerico possessed videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent and under 12 years of age.

Chief Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Talerico.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chad Antoine Lindsay, 35, pleaded guilty to one-count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack; a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Lindsay also pled guilty to one-count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

According to admissions made during Lindsay’s plea hearing, on June 17, 2025, a resident of New Brighton, Pennsylvania called 911 related to Lindsay damaging her home. The caller reported that Lindsay deals drugs and that he was moving the drugs out of the house into his vehicle. Authorities attempted a traffic stop of Lindsay as he drove his vehicle shortly after it departed the 911 caller’s residence. Lindsay fled in the vehicle before crashing. A search warrant executed upon the vehicle resulted in the seizure of two loaded handguns, over 40-rounds of ammunition, two cellular phones, drug packaging material, over $4,000, about 43 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, about 343 grams of cocaine, and about 10 grams of fentanyl. Following the search, authorities determined that one of the handguns recovered from Lindsay’s vehicle was reported stolen.

At the time Lindsay possessed the loaded handguns, he had previously been convicted of eight (8) felonies. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2026. The maximum penalty for the drug trafficking crime committed on June 3, 2022, is a term of imprisonment of at least ten (10) years and a maximum of life, as well as a $10,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime is a term of imprisonment of at least five (5) years and a maximum of life, which must be served consecutively to the sentence imposed on the drug trafficking crime. There is also a maximum fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Judge Wiegand ordered Lindsay remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The New Brighton Area Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Kevin Damont Scott, age 26, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on July 28, 2025, Scott, who had been previously convicted of several crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed 9 mm ammunition. Additionally, Scott was found in possession of one 9 mm caliber Polymer 80, Inc. handgun bearing no serial number, which law enforcement determined to be an unregistered ghost gun. Scott is prohibited from possessing both firearms and ammunition as a result of his felony convictions for two counts of aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and three counts of firearms not to be carried without a license.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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 Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for two days, a federal jury on February 19, 2026, found John O’Brien of Masury, Ohio, guilty of three counts of wire fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud a non-profit medical organization, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

O’Brien was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The evidence presented during the week-long trial established that O’Brien engaged in a scheme with others to defraud Primary Health Network, a non-profit medical organization headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, through the submission of fraudulent invoices, including from the telecommunications company O’Brien controlled. The four other defendants in the case all previously pleaded guilty, including three leaders of the organization last fall (read the November 2025 plea news release here).

Judge Ranjan indicated he would schedule O’Brien’s sentencing by future Order. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or of not more than twice the loss from the offense, or both on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of O’Brien and his co-defendants.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors and possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Seth Hollerich, 31, on February 19, 2026.

According to information presented to the Court, Hollerich distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors—including infants and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct— on two occasions, in March 2021 and September 2021. Further, in November 2024, while in pretrial detention for these crimes, Hollerich was found to be in possession of prohibited objects (homemade shanks) intended to be used as weapons.

In imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that it was “hard to fathom the level of depravity it takes to find pleasure in the victimization of little children” and explained to Hollerich that his crimes are not merely “virtual” crimes, but revictimized real human beings who had already endured being victims of sexual abuse.

Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Marshals Service, and Butler County Prison for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hollerich.

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.

WASHINGTON — A federal jury convicted a former vice president of Corsa Coal Corporation (Corsa) for his role in a multi-year scheme to bribe Egyptian government officials in connection with nearly $140 million in coal supply contracts.

“Charles Hunter Hobson won business for his company by paying bribes — and he even took a cut for himself,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Businessmen and companies that pay bribes to foreign government officials to win contracts undermine the rule of law and distort competition, which hurts American business interests worldwide. The Criminal Division will continue its commitment to vindicating our national interests by combatting foreign corruption in violation of U.S. law.”

“Bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain business, and then laundering that money, is illegal, corrupts the global marketplace, and disadvantages law-abiding U.S. companies,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Along with our law enforcement colleagues at the FBI and other agencies, we will continue to investigate and bring to justice defendants such as Charles Hobson who seek to enrich themselves while engaging in flagrant, fraudulent conduct.”

"Hobson used his leadership position at Corsa to bribe Egyptian government officials and secure millions of dollars in sales contracts for the company," said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. "Through this bribery scheme, he violated American and Egyptian laws and robbed law-abiding coal companies of the chance to compete for profits. His conviction is the latest result of the FBI's work to investigate individuals who resort to corrupt practices to increase international business."

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Charles Hunter Hobson, 50, of Knoxville, Tennessee, agreed to bribe Egyptian government officials to obtain and retain business with Al Nasr Company for Coke and Chemicals (Al Nasr), which was then a state-owned and state-controlled chemical manufacturing company in Egypt. Hobson, together with others, paid the bribes through purported sales commissions and laundered the bribes through bank accounts in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Hobson also secretly received kickback payments as part of the scheme.

The evidence at trial showed that, between 2016 and 2020, Hobson, who was then a vice president at Corsa responsible for international sales, conspired to and did pay bribes to Egyptian government officials — whom Hobson referred to as “the Team” — in order to win contracts for Corsa to sell coal products to Al Nasr. The bribes were paid through an intermediary in Egypt, who, received more than $4.8 million in purported sales commissions. In addition to using the corrupt commissions to pay bribes, the intermediary paid Hobson over $200,000 in kickbacks from the scheme.

The jury convicted Hobson of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), two counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the FCPA and FCPA conspiracy counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy counts, respectively.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Frederick Cushmore, Jr., another Corsa executive, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing. The department resolved its investigation into Corsa in March 2023 through a declination and the disgorgement of profits as defined in Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy.

The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Natalie Kanerva and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

A federal jury convicted a former vice president of Corsa Coal Corporation (Corsa) for his role in a multi-year scheme to bribe Egyptian government officials in connection with nearly $140 million in coal supply contracts.

“Charles Hunter Hobson won business for his company by paying bribes — and he even took a cut for himself,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Businessmen and companies that pay bribes to foreign government officials to win contracts undermine the rule of law and distort competition, which hurts American business interests worldwide. The Criminal Division will continue its commitment to vindicating our national interests by combatting foreign corruption in violation of U.S. law.”

“Bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain business, and then laundering that money, is illegal, corrupts the global marketplace, and disadvantages law-abiding U.S. companies,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Along with our law enforcement colleagues at the FBI and other agencies, we will continue to investigate and bring to justice defendants such as Charles Hobson who seek to enrich themselves while engaging in flagrant, fraudulent conduct.”

“Hobson used his leadership position at Corsa to bribe Egyptian government officials and secure millions of dollars in sales contracts for the company,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Through this bribery scheme, he violated American and Egyptian laws and robbed law-abiding coal companies of the chance to compete for profits. His conviction is the latest result of the FBI's work to investigate individuals who resort to corrupt practices to increase international business.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Charles Hunter Hobson, 50, of Knoxville, Tennessee, agreed to bribe Egyptian government officials to obtain and retain business with Al Nasr Company for Coke and Chemicals (Al Nasr), which was then a state-owned and state-controlled chemical manufacturing company in Egypt. Hobson, together with others, paid the bribes through purported sales commissions and laundered the bribes through bank accounts in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Hobson also secretly received kickback payments as part of the scheme. 

The evidence at trial showed that, between 2016 and 2020, Hobson, who was then a vice president at Corsa responsible for international sales, conspired to and did pay bribes to Egyptian government officials — whom Hobson referred to as “the Team” — in order to win contracts for Corsa to sell coal products to Al Nasr. The bribes were paid through an intermediary in Egypt, who, received more than $4.8 million in purported sales commissions. In addition to using the corrupt commissions to pay bribes, the intermediary paid Hobson over $200,000 in kickbacks from the scheme.

The jury convicted Hobson of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), two counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the FCPA and FCPA conspiracy counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy counts, respectively.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Frederick Cushmore Jr., another Corsa executive, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing. The department resolved its investigation into Corsa in March 2023 through a declination and the disgorgement of profits as defined in Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy.

The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Natalie Kanerva and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Daniel Feliciano, 49, pleaded guilty to six counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on February 12, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between October 2022 and March 2024, Feliciano conspired with others to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania, specifically in the New Castle area. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Feliciano pleaded guilty to distributing and/or possessing with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine on three different dates, as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

On March 14, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Feliciano’s New Castle residence, where they seized approximately 150 grams of cocaine and cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack, multiple digital scales that contained or later tested positive for cocaine residue, an assortment of drug packaging materials, nearly $2,000 in cash, three cell phones, three firearms, and various calibers and quantities of ammunition and loaded and unloaded magazines that totaled more than 2,400 rounds. The firearms included two 9mm semi-automatic pistols—one loaded with approximately 10 rounds of ammunition, including one round in the chamber, and that was accompanied by a similarly loaded second magazine, and the second firearm loaded with a magazine capable of holding approximately 31 rounds of ammunition and containing 14 rounds—and a .40 semi-automatic pistol that contained 13 rounds of ammunition, including one round in the chamber, that was accompanied by three magazines, each loaded with between 12 and 18 rounds.

Investigators determined that Feliciano possessed these firearms to protect his product, his profits, and his person in relation to his drug trafficking crimes. Feliciano was convicted in 2002 of an aggravated assault felony in Puerto Rico, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

Feliciano was one of 17 defendants from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, indicted in March 2024 in this case, which saw members of the conspiracy transporting drugs from Puerto Rico to Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and elsewhere for distribution (read the Indictment news release here). Feliciano was the last of the defendants to plead guilty.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation in this case, with significant assistance from the New Castle Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and United States Department of Agriculture.

Lawrence County is one of six Western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of bank fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The 16-count Indictment named Aaron B. Collins, 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Collins falsified applications for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds under the Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to authorize forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indictment further alleges that Collins engaged in a series of monetary transactions involving the funds he fraudulently obtained through his falsified applications.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Ja’Shon Spencer, 22, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about June 16, 2025, Spencer possessed a Glock semiautomatic pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD) or “Glock switch.” A MCD is a device that converts a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm. Under federal law, both the MCD itself as well as the firearm equipped with it are considered machineguns and are illegal.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2026. The law provides for a maximum 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Spencer will remain in federal custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Spencer.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced in federal court to 420 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws in relation to a transnational criminal organization (TCO), United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendant was among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here).

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Bryce Hill, 28. Hill was convicted by a jury following a two-and-a-half-week trial in September 2025.

Evidence presented during the trial established that Hill was a member of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization—a transnational criminal organization responsible for the distribution of millions of fentanyl pills, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine, from August 2021 to June 2023. The Monarrez TCO provided the drugs to a network of subordinate drug distributors, who redistributed the narcotics throughout the country, including into western Pennsylvania. Hill was intercepted over a federal wiretap obtaining hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and kilograms of fentanyl powder for redistribution.

Additional evidence presented at trial included testimony regarding the execution of a search warrant on January 11, 2023, during which law enforcement seized 27 kilograms of fentanyl pills, multiple firearms, and $387,000 cash from Hill’s apartment, and the seizure of 28 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, three kilograms of cocaine, 48 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 20 firearms (pictured below) from a short-term rental property in Scottsdale, Arizona, on December 25, 2022.

The jury found that, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Hill conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Hill’s sentencing follows those of 32 co-defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Hill. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies, including the Scottsdale, Arizona, Police Department.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Arnold, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 156 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for fentanyl and heroin trafficking, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Kevin Watson, 36, on February 4, 2026.

According to information presented to the Court, on April 26, 2019, Watson was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police for traffic violations, with a young child present in the back seat of Watson’s vehicle. When asked to get out of the vehicle, Watson sped away and led officers on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 115 mph before Watson crashed the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the child, who was not seriously injured, alone and unattended in the vehicle. Later, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which revealed more than $100,000 of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin in the trunk. Watson has an extensive criminal history that includes, among other convictions, three previous drug trafficking convictions, and was on parole at the time of this offense.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Watson.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 3, 2026, to charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Jamar Perminter, 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 31, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants of Perminter’s person, residence, and two vehicles, and recovered a loaded and chambered 9mm pistol, a firearm magazine, and 9mm ammunition. In addition, law enforcement recovered dozens of bricks of fentanyl/heroin, a digital scale, multiple cell phones, and approximately $84,000 in United States currency from Perminter’s home and vehicles. Perminter has previously been convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 27, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 45 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,250,000, 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. Perminter will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Perminter.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Nicaragua illegally residing in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of assaulting a federal officer, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez, 33, as the sole defendant. Davila-Perez was initially charged in a December 23, 2025, Criminal Complaint.

According to the Indictment and Criminal Complaint, on December 17, 2025, Davila-Perez assaulted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer while being apprehended for being illegally present in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security previously had learned that Davila-Perez had attempted to purchase a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in the Western District of Pennsylvania, claiming to be a United States citizen. The firearm sale was denied by the FFL as Davila-Perez is a citizen and national of Nicaragua with no legal status to be present in the United States. Federal law prohibits those without legal status from purchasing firearms.

When officers with ICE activated the emergency lights on their vehicle and attempted to detain him, Davila-Perez forcefully resisted, including backing his vehicle into a law enforcement vehicle with an officer still inside, fleeing his vehicle, elbowing an officer in the face, attempting to unholster an officer’s service weapon, biting an officer’s arm, and striking an officer in the forehead with a swinging handcuff. Throughout this incident, officers gave commands to Davila-Perez, such as to stop and to give up his hands, in both English and Spanish. Davila-Perez, however, actively resisted, ignored their commands, and remained noncompliant until he was secured and in handcuffs. The officers suffered contusions, abrasions, and a bite mark, requiring medical attention.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Davila-Perez has been in custody since his arrest and remains detained pending resolution of this criminal charge.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee A. Fry is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, and a resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Derek Hunter, 34, of Claysburg pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026, and John Rickenbach Jr., 44, of Reading pleaded guilty before Judge Haines on January 28, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach and Hunter conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine Further, in and around August 2024, Rickenbach and Hunter distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, with Rickenbach also possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencings for May 27, 2026, for Rickenbach and June 5, 2026, for Hunter. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 defendants.

The guilty pleas follow those of co-defendants Kayla Rickenbach and Angel Diaz-Gibson Jr., who each pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

William Knight, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on February 2, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Knight participated in a conspiracy in which conspirators obtained credit card numbers and other personal information for numerous individuals through the dark web. Working with a complicit employee, Knight and his conspirators used the fraudulently obtained credit card numbers to rent approximately 100 vehicles that Knight and his conspirators either used themselves or then rented to other individuals.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 12 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Knight.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Timothy Bazmore, aka “Shim,” 35.

According to information presented to the Court, Bazmore was caught in possession of approximately 22 grams of crack cocaine as well as a firearm magazine loaded with several rounds of ammunition. The defendant was prohibited under federal law from possessing ammunition due to his multiple prior felony convictions.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that the sentence was warranted for a number of reasons, including Bazmore’s extensive criminal history.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Genesis Delgado Rosa, 31, pleaded guilty on February 2, 2026, to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Rosa participated in a conspiracy commonly referred to as a grandparent fraud scheme. In this instance, an international organized crime group based in the Dominican Republic conducted a scam in which they called elderly individuals impersonating a loved one (often a grandchild) and falsely claimed that the loved one was in a crisis and needed cash quickly, typically to pay bond related to criminal charges. The victims would then access cash, typically from their financial institutions, and provide the cash to unknowing ride share drivers, who would transport the cash, often across state lines, and deliver the money to a conspirator in the scheme.

Specifically, Rosa’s participation in the conspiracy included arranging, through her ride share account, to pick up the stolen money from victims, as well as depositing the stolen money into bank accounts at the direction of higher-level participants and that she controlled. She also established a bank account in a fake name using a fraudulently obtained driver’s license and caused the deposit of fraud proceeds into that account, which she then used to pay the ride share drivers transporting the fraudulently obtained money.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rosa.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Jamar Everett, 21.

According to information presented to the Court, in April 2025, FBI executed a search warrant at Everett’s residence and recovered a chambered Glock pistol equipped with a loaded 30-round magazine. Everett has previously been convicted of several felonies, including two separate convictions for carrying firearms without a license, on each of which Everett was sentenced in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas to two years of probation. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Everett.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal racketeering laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Blake Young, 36, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around July 2023 to in and around December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Young conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Young bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely cell phones, K2, and Suboxone, which were then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Cambria County Prison conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Young.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Troy Rivetti was appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on January 28, 2026, to serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and was sworn into the role yesterday afternoon by the Honorable J. Nicholas Ranjan, United States District Court Judge.

Mr. Rivetti has led the office since the resignation of United States Attorney Eric Olshan in January 2025, with Rivetti having served as Acting United States Attorney until November 2025 and then continuing to lead the office as First Assistant United States Attorney, the role Rivetti held prior to becoming Acting United States Attorney.

Mr. Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned nearly 30 years and has included a series of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition to previously holding the positions of Acting United States Attorney (February 2023 to June 2023) and First Assistant United States Attorney (November 2021 to January 2025), Rivetti served as Chief of the office’s Criminal Division from 2019 to 2021. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1997.

Throughout his career as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Rivetti’s primary area of concentration has involved the investigation and prosecution of violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking organizations and firearms offenses. Of particular note, Rivetti co-led the multi-year investigation and prosecution of United States v. Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the worst antisemitic mass shooting in U.S. history. He served as first chair for the trial team throughout the three-month capital jury selection, trial, and sentencing.

Mr. Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, 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.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Corey Adkins, 28, entered the guilty plea before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to (1) possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2,250,000, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

ERIE, Pa. - Four Chinese nationals residing in Flushing, New York, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, human trafficking, immigration violations, and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The nine-count Indictment named Shuhua Qiu, 56; Chunlong Lin, 38; Lijuan Zhao, 40; and Ming Zhai, 39, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from at least November 2023 through January 20, 2026, the defendants conspired together to commit offenses against the United States that included the use of a place of interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate, promote, manage, establish, or carry on commercial prostitution; the transport of individuals in interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of commercial prostitution and the commission of immigration and sex trafficking violations relative to non-citizens kept, harbored, or controlled for prostitution; and money laundering.

Specifically, defendants Qiu, Lin, and Zhao owned and managed businesses called “Sunny Spa,” located at 4615 Buffalo Road in Erie, and “Point Spa,” located at 4432 Peach Street in Erie. The Indictment alleges that these businesses were illicit massage establishments where customers were required to pay a “house fee” to meet with a “masseuse” and would then pay “tips” in exchange for commercial sex acts. In many instances, these “tips” were paid in amounts between 100% and 400% of the initial “house fee.” According to the Indictment, the defendants caused those individuals engaged in prostitution to reside within the commercial properties leased by the defendants and within efficiencies located adjacent to the business properties.

As part of the conspiracy, defendants Qiu, Lin, and Zhao are alleged to have kept, harbored, or controlled non-citizens as sex workers in violation of immigration reporting requirements under federal human trafficking statutes. Lin and Zhai are alleged to have transported an individual into New York for the purpose of prostitution, with Zhai also having transported an individual from New York into the Western District of Pennsylvania to engage in prostitution. The Indictment further alleges that the defendants opened and maintained bank accounts to manage, promote, and facilitate their illicit massage businesses, and that Qiu engaged in monetary transactions with a value greater than $10,000 with money obtained from the operation of the businesses to purchase the Flushing residence the group shared.

“This Indictment represents the culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort involving all levels of municipal, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as the commitment of our office and law enforcement partners—not only during this National Human Trafficking Prevention Month but throughout the year—to combatting human trafficking and protecting its victims and survivors,” said United States Attorney Rivetti.

“Homeland Security Investigations-Erie, together with our law enforcement partners, worked relentlessly in a joint investigation to take down an alleged family run sex trafficking operation in Western Pennsylvania through two illicit massage businesses run by Chinese nationals,” said HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin. “As a result of our coordinated efforts, multiple individuals have been arrested, and significant assets and evidence have been seized. HSI extends our gratitude to FBI-Erie, the IRS, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office who collaborated with us at every stage of this case. This investigation is yet another reminder that there is no place in our communities for illicit enterprises that facilitate sex trafficking, exploit vulnerable individuals, and pose serious threats to public health and safety.”

“Investigations like this are about protecting our community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The focus of this joint investigation is the criminal operation undermining the safety of our neighborhoods, fueling organized crime, and exploiting the vulnerable behind closed doors. The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners will never stop fighting for an end to victimization and for the safety of our communities.”

“IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to lending our financial expertise and working with our law enforcement partners whenever and wherever we are needed,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and commend their exceptional dedication, cooperation, and professionalism,” said Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz. “This investigation underscores the critical importance and strength of unified law enforcement efforts and shared resolve to identify, disrupt, and eradicate these crimes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continued collaboration to protect victims, safeguard our community, and eliminate human trafficking and related exploitation wherever it exists.”

For the charges involving human trafficking and prostitution of alien persons, as well as money laundering, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. As to the conspiracy and use of a facility of interstate or foreign commerce charges, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The United States has filed motions with the Court requesting that all four defendants be detained pending trial.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Erie County Detectives, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The HSTF for the Western District of Pennsylvania comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Bureau of Police, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, and the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

January is designated National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Read a recent news release from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security recognizing the month here.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Anthony Crews, 52, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 25, 2025, Crews possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The defendant is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple prior felonies, including on state aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. Crews also was previously convicted on a federal drug trafficking offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5.5 million 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal sex offense laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Joseph Primiero, 27, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Five of the Indictment before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about January 24, 2022, Primiero produced images, and a video of a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Then on or about June 27, 2022, Primiero once again produced an image and videos of another minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2026. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Primiero.
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 Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment following his conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Gerald Ford III, 25, on January 15, 2026.

According to information presented to the Court, officers from the Munhall Police Department encountered Ford in a convenience store on July 19, 2024, at which time, Ford was the subject of an active arrest warrant on charges related to trafficking fentanyl. When officers took Ford into custody pursuant to that warrant, the officers discovered a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine tucked into the waistband of Ford’s pants.

Ford has previously been convicted of several felonies, including having pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute heroin in September of 2019, for which he was sentenced in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas to a term of probation. He also unlawfully possessed a firearm in that case. Additionally, on the same date, Ford pleaded guilty in a separate case to possessing heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol (an opioid analgesic), and similarly received a sentence of probation in that matter. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

During Ford’s sentencing hearing, the Court also was informed that the firearm that Ford unlawfully possessed on July 19, 2024, was test-fired by the Allegheny County Crime Lab and that ballistic examination established that the weapon had been used in a homicide that occurred on May 17, 2024. The Court also received evidence establishing that the defendant had been involved in a shooting on June 3, 2024, in which Ford again illegally possessed a gun and fired it while walking near Maple Street and 18th Avenue in Munhall.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Munhall Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ford.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Thomas James Clark, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy to a one-count Indictment charging Clark with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on January 20, 2024, law enforcement apprehended Clark on an outstanding arrest warrant relating to aggravated assault charges. Upon encountering law enforcement, Clark dropped the belongings in his possession, which included an AR 15-style rifle with no serial number, a revolver, and dozens of rounds of ammunition. Clark was previously convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, Pennsylvania, of methamphetamine production and criminal conspiracy. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Hardy scheduled Clark’s sentencing for May 13, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police (Butler Patrol and Fugitive Apprehension Unit), and the Butler City Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Clark.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distributing and possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Marissa Lynn Segal, 31, pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026, to two counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 14, 2025, Segal distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor—including photographs and videos of infant victims and victims engaged in acts of bestiality—via a mobile application. Additionally, Segal possessed child sexual abuse material including images and videos depicting prepubescent minors.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for April 27, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered Segal detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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