Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - An Allegheny County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Superseding Indictment named Jerome Frank Brown, age 50, formerly of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on August 19, 2021, Brown possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed a firearm after he had been convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year of incarceration. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,250,000 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and U.S. Postal Inspectors Service (USPIS) conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Distribution and Receipt and Attempted Distribution and Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

David Saban, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 16, 2020, Saban knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions, namely, videos in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Trevon McCrary, age 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV. Mr. McCrary is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2018 through in and around June 2019, McCrary participated in a conspiracy with Ronald Williams, Christopher Highsmith, and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl. McCrary was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap arranging purchases and sales of heroin/fentanyl and was the subject of physical surveillance while engaging in drug-trafficking activity. McCrary took responsibility for distributing between 32 and 40 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture as well as possession of a firearm.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant remain in custody.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jose Antonio Santiago Hernandez, age 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 28, 2021, Hernandez attempted to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

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

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years of incarceration on his conviction of several counts of robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on True Kinnon, age 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, True Kinnon and his coconspirators committed several armed robberies from November 2018 through February 2019. These robberies targeted local businesses in the City of Pittsburgh and several of the eastern suburbs of the city, including Penn Hills, Monroeville, Turtle Creek, and Oakmont. During these robberies, Kinnon and his coconspirators brandished a variety of weapons, including an assault-style rifle and a revolver, and robbed both store employees and customers who were in the store at the time of the robberies. Kinnon had pleaded guilty for his involvement in seven separate robberies.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted the severity of the defendant’s conduct, and found that the sentence of 14 years of incarceration, which was agreed upon by the parties, was a significant one that reflected the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroeville Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Wilkins Township Police Department, and the Oakmont Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kinnon.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 66 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for narcotics trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Marquis Brown, age 33.

According to previous information presented to the court, in October 2017, Brown possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl analogues. He also possessed a .40 caliber Taurus pistol in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force for the investigation of this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH – Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is the 2021 recipient of the Dick Thornburgh Award, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.  Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady established the annual award to recognize outstanding performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

AUSA Sheehan-Balchon, of Westmoreland County, oversees the U.S. Attorney’s Johnstown branch office.  She joined the office in March 2019 and is prosecuting several of the western District’s highest profile cases:

• U.S. v. John Bisbee et al. – Forty-two individuals were accused of bringing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution throughout northcentral Pennsylvania.  It is the largest drug investigation and prosecution in the history of Clearfield County.

• U.S. v. Mikal Davis et al. – Thirty-two individuals were accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from April 2019 to July 2021.

• U.S. v. Jon Osewalt – Osewalt was indicted in September 2021 on charges of producing and possessing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

• Operation Tri-County – This wiretap investigation resulted in charges against 20 individuals for conspiring to use the U.S. mail to receive kilogram quantities of cocaine for distribution in Lawrence County and surrounding counties from 2017 through May 2019.

AUSA Sheehan-Balchon received the award during an in-office Service Recognition Ceremony.

The Dick Thornburgh Award is presented annually to an outstanding federal prosecutor in the Western District of Pennsylvania who exhibits the commitment to justice and the highest ethical standards that were embodied by General Thornburgh throughout his career.  Mr. Thornburgh was a former Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Governor. 

The inaugural award was presented to AUSA Brendan T. Conway, Chief of the Major Crimes Section, on November 5, 2020.   

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ incarceration, to be served consecutively to a sentence of 10 to 20 years’ incarceration imposed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Matthew Joseph Gourley, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on January 6, 2020, Gourley forced Minor A, a minor female victim, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, namely, a digital image and a video, depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit content. Gourley’s conduct was discovered by law enforcement during an online undercover operation.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated “there is no room to debate the seriousness” of Gourley’s crime, calling Gourley’s documentation of his sexual abuse of Minor A “heinous, inexcusable, abhorrent.”

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gourley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

ERIE, Pa. - An individual believed to have entered the United States illegally in March 2018 has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months in jail and ordered to pay $106,341.07 in restitution on his conviction of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Janos Vaczi, 51.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2018 to June 22, 2019, Vaczi and his co-conspirators installed ATM skimming equipment on numerous ATM machines throughout Northwest Pennsylvania. The skimming equipment unlawfully captured the bank account and personal identity information of numerous individuals. Vaczi and his cohorts then placed the unlawfully captured information on to other cards which they then used at various ATM machines to unlawfully obtain thousands of dollars in victim funds.

During the investigation, the FBI searched a storage locker that Vaczi had rented in the Pittsburgh area. Inside the storage locker the FBI discovered hundreds of cards that contained stolen bank account information which enabled Vaczi and his co-conspirators to use the cards at various ATM machines to steal funds from the victims’ bank accounts. Vaczi’s storage locker also contained $10,000, ATM skimming equipment and numerous fake passports and international driver’s licenses bearing Vaczi’s picture but with different names.
Shortly before the FBI apprehended Vaczi, he attempted to bury hundreds of cards containing stolen identity information near a grocery store in the Pittsburgh area. Agents noticed that the ground had been disturbed in the area where Vaczi had been standing and discovered the cards shortly thereafter.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Vaczi.

PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for more than three hours on Friday, November 12, 2021, a federal jury of nine women and three men found Kevin Watson guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Watson, aged 32, formerly of Arnold, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Brian Czarnecki, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented over four days of trial proved that on or about April 26, 2019, Watson possessed with intent to distribute approximately 14,980 servings of heroin and fentanyl contained in bags stamped with “Blue Magic.” The bags were packaged in groups of fifty stampbags known as bricks, and then placed into six-gallon sized bags, each containing 50 bricks. Watson had five of the gallon sized bags in a box surround by wrapping paper in the trunk of his car. The other gallon sized bag was in a grocery bag, also in the trunk of his car.

Pennsylvania State Police found the drugs during a search of Watson’s car on April 29, 2019, which was impounded at the Police Barracks in Kittanning following a traffic stop on April 26, 2019. The traffic stop occurred on Route 28 northbound. Watson was originally pulled over overly tinted windows. Troopers noticed a four-year-old child in the back seat, and what started as a routine traffic stop turned into a highspeed pursuit after Watson fled the scene. Watson reached speeds of 115 miles per hour before exiting Route 28 at the Tarentum exit. Watson attempted to negotiate a righthand turn, but he lost control of the car and crashed into a utility pole.

After Watson crashed his car, he fled on foot, leaving the child in the car. Two troopers caught up to Watson and arrested him. Meanwhile another trooper secured the child from the backseat of Watson’s car. Watson was life flighted to Allegheny General Hospital due to injuries sustained from the crash, but the four-year-old child did not suffer serious injuries.

Expert witnesses at trial testified that the total weight of the heroin/fentanyl possessed by Watson was approximately 480 grams and the drugs had a street value in 2019 of around $100,000.

Judge Ambrose will issue an order scheduling the date and time for sentencing. The law provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years imprisonment to a maximum of life and a fine not to exceed $10,000,000. The sentence may be increased if Watson has prior drug trafficking convictions. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Matthew Camera, 50, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2017 to June 2020, while Camera was employed as the Pharmacy Chief at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, he unlawfully obtained multiple dosage units of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone from pill bottles awaiting delivery to Veterans Affairs patients.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 4 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court placed Camera on bond.

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

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Camera.

JOHNSTOWN – Thirty-two residents of Cambria, Indiana, Allegheny, Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania, one resident of Long Beach, California, and one resident of
Middletown, Delaware have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and unlawful possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The fourteen-count Superseding Indictment, returned on November 9 and unsealed today, names the following 32 individuals as defendants: Mikal Davis, 44, of Philadelphia, PA; Darren Alston, 29, of Johnstown, PA; Anthony Andrews, 40, of Johnstown, PA; Debra Bailey, 58, of Johnstown, PA; Sandra Box, 55, of Johnstown, PA; Jonathan Brunson, 50, of Johnstown, PA; Hector Concepcion, 32, of Johnstown, PA; Willette Cooper,39, of Johnstown, PA; James Dotson, 43, of Johnstown, PA; Joshua Edmonds, 28, of Johnstown, PA; Azheem Ellis, 45, of Johnstown, PA; Ruby Gil, 30, of Indiana, PA; Shawn Howard, 47, of Johnstown, PA; Kevin Johnson, 35, of Johnstown, PA; Rashim Kennedy-Williams, 41, of, Philadelphia, PA; Perry King, 45, of Johnstown, PA; Amber Lingafelt, 38, of Johnstown, PA; Dwight Logan, 42, of Johnstown, PA; Jeffrey Mann, 43, of Philadelphia, PA; George Mazey, 50, of Johnstown, PA; Timothy Mollett, 40, of Turtle Creek, PA; Mary Lou Nelson, 58, of Johnstown, PA; James Pearcy, 57, of Philadelphia, PA; Gina Petrucci, 51, of Conshohocken, PA; Derrick Polk, 58, of Long Beach, CA; Paul Smith, 43, of Middletown, DE; Rodney Smith, 65, of Johnstown, PA; Joseph Thornton, 31, of Johnstown, PA; Amanda Weidner, 37, of Johnstown, PA; Jessica Wilson, 35, of Johnstown, PA; Blake Young, 32, of Johnstown, PA; and
Daniel Culmer, 54, of Johnstown, PA.

The Superseding Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 280 grams or more of a mixture and substance continuing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, from April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The statue calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.

Jonathan Brunson is charged at Count Two with distributing heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on June 9, 2021. The statue calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Mikal Davis, Jonathan Brunson, James Dotson, Jeffrey Mann, and Derrick Polk are charged at Count Three with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from April 14, 2021 through April 18, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of incarceration.

Mikal Davis, James Dotson, and Jeffrey Mann are charged at Count Four with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.

Jonathan Brunson and James Dotson are charged at Count Five with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine on June 9, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.

Timothy Mollett is charged at Count Six with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.

Dwight Logan is charged at Count Seven with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.

George Mazey is charged at Count Eight with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine and fentanyl on April 20, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration.

James Dotson and Timothy Mollett are charged at Counts Nine and Thirteen, respectively, with unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

Hector Concepcion is charged at Count Eleven with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, on July 15, 2021. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

James Dotson, Timothy Mollett and Hector Concepcion are charged at Counts Ten, Twelve and Fourteen, respectively, with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration and up to life.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH- A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, now in custody at Allegheny County Jail, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Thomas Hunt, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about September 13, 2021, until on or about October 13, 2021, Hunt attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years and not more than life in prison, a fine not greater than $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minorsplain language statement of offense described in indictment or generic description such as violating various federal laws or violating various federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Sean Paul Conley-Refer, currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about October 8, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the defendant did knowingly receive a visual depiction of a minor using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, namely, the Internet and a cellular telephone, the production of which visual depiction involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

 

PITTSBURGH, PA. One resident of McKeesport, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Yadell Eric Jones, age 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Jones is alleged to have possessed a firearm as a convicted felon on or about October 26, 2021. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Largo, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA on charges of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Linda Baun, 72, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Baun was the Secretary and Treasurer for Jackson Township, which is located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. From approximately September 2011 until approximately December 2019, Baun embezzled approximately $170,000.00 from the township. Baun embezzled the funds by making unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the township’s general fund and by making online purchases, including several on Amazon.com, using the township’s general fund. Baun attempted to conceal her thefts by making false entries into the township’s QuickBooks accounting software.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Nina Marie Barkley, age 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Barkley was employed as a counselor at Clear Day Treatment Center. “KP” was a patient at Clear Day Treatment Center and was counseled by Barkley. As part of the patient intake process “KP” was required to provide Clear Day Treatment Center with personal identification information such as a Social Security number, date of birth, and home residence. Barkley had access to “KP”’s personal identification information and without permission or authorization used “KP”’s personal identification information to obtain loans from various financial institutions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,500,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Assistant United States Attorneys Karen Gal-Or and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced in federal court on charges of conspiracy and bribery by a public official, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Alex Lewis, 26, a former corrections officer at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ), was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment followed by 18 months of supervised release.

During his plea hearing on July 15, 2021, Lewis admitted that between June and August 2019, he accepted multiple bribes from Rashon Richardson, a federal detainee housed at ICJ pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service. As part of the conspiracy, Lewis admitted that Richardson used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet with him and pay bribes in the form of cash and, on one occasion, via a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. In return for the bribe payments, Lewis admitted smuggling multiple contraband cellphones into ICJ for use by Richardson and other federal detainees housed at the facility.

During Lewis’s sentencing, United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon rejected Lewis’s request for a probationary sentence and instead imposed a sentence consistent with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. In reaching her decision, Judge Bissoon stated, “If the people we place in trusted positions cannot be trusted, the entire system breaks down.”
Richardson has pleaded not guilty, and his case remains pending before Judge Bissoon. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. The Pennsylvania State Police and Indiana County Jail also provided valuable assistance during the course of the investigation.

A citizen of Cameroon pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a scheme to trick American consumers into paying fees for pets that were never delivered and for using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to extract higher fees from victims.

According to court documents and proceedings, from around June 2018 to around June 2020, Desmond Fodje Bobga, 28, of Cameroon, knowingly conspired with others to offer pets for sale on internet websites. He and others communicated by text message and email with potential victims to induce purchases. Following each purchase, Bobga and co-conspirators claimed that a transportation company would deliver the pet and provided a false tracking number for the pet. Bobga and his co-conspirators, posing as the transportation company, then claimed the pet transport was delayed and that the victim needed to pay additional money for delivery of the pet.

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

“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting fraud schemes that take advantage of American consumers, including schemes that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and to the FBI for their partnership on this matter, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of Romanian law enforcement.”

“Desmond Fodje Bobga exploited consumers who were seeking the companionship of a pet to alleviate the isolation and stress caused by the COVID pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today he acknowledged his deceitful and unlawful acts, and we will seek a sentence commensurate with the harm he caused by his criminal conduct.”

“Mr. Bobga preyed on American citizens looking for comfort from a pet during the COVID pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of FBI Pittsburgh. “His admission of guilt today will give his victims some solace in knowing someone is being held accountable. This investigation should also be a reminder to everyone to be careful who they’re buying from on the internet.”

The criminal charges detail the dealings of Bobga and his co-conspirators with victims in western Pennsylvania and elsewhere. For example:

• One victim, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was seeking to purchase a mini-dachshund for her mother in mid-March of 2020. Victim 1 was induced to pay $9,100 due to false claims that the pet was being shipped, needed insurance, and was exposed to COVID-19;
• Another victim, of Fruitland, Iowa, was seeking to purchase a mini-dachshund for herself in mid-March of 2020. False claims induced Victim 2 to lose $1,840; and
• A couple in Dallas, Texas, was seeking to purchase a dog. The victims were induced to make successive payments based on false claims about transportation issues and other matters and lost $1,800.

The criminal charges include a reference to a website, lovelyhappypuppy.com, to which Bobga directed numerous victims to view pets that he fraudulently claimed to sell:

Bobga pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2022 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Cook of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Wei Xiang of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.

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

If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive notifications or if you have any questions about your rights, please contact the Victim Witness Coordinator at 412-894-7400 or through our website (https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/webform/contact-victim-witness-coordinator). 

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. 

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury returned a five-count Superseding Indictment charging 20 members of a drug trafficking organization with trafficking significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals at Count One with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around April of 2020 and continuing until on or about November 19, 2020:

Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Brandon Boone, age 38, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Kevin Bush, age 51, of Washington, PA
Marc Cain, age 57, of Washington, PA
Brian Householder, age 57, of Greensburg, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PA
Princess Makokele, age 40, of Washington, PA
David McComb, age 32, of Coraopolis, PA
Steve Miller, age 48, of Allegheny, PA
Andrew Molinaro, age 42, of Canonsburg, PA
Johnnita Richardson, age 33, of Washington, PA
Warren Sadler, age 56, of Washington, PA
Matthew Spicer, age 50, of Canonsburg, PA
Patrick Ellis, age 47, of Washington, PA

The Superseding Indictment also charges the following individuals at Count Two with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around June of 2020 and continuing until on or about October 27, 2020:

Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Brandon Boone, age 38, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Michael Brown, age 56, of Brownsville, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PA
Princess Makokele, age 40, of Washington, PA
Michael Pusateri, age 39, of Washington, PA
Warren Sadler, age 56, of Washington, PA

At Count Three, the Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in the Western  District of Pennsylvania, from in and around June of 2020 and continuing until in and around August of 2020: 

Walter Brunson, Jr., age 51, of Pittsburgh, PA
Shawn McFarland, age 51, of Lawrence, PA
Matthew Spicer, age 50, of Canonsburg, PA
Bradley Stopperich, age 49, of Washington, PA

At Count Four, the Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around August of 2020 and continuing until on or about October 27, 2020:

Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PA

Finally, at Count Five, the Superseding Indictment charges Patrick Ellis, age 47, of Washington, PA, with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, on or about November 19, 2020.

As to Counts One and Two, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. As to Counts Three and Four, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years, a fine up to $1,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. As to Count Five, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Pittsburgh, PA led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Stowe Township Police Department, and North Versailles Police Department.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A physician pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of drug diversion and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Yee Chung Ho, age 72, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful dispensing and distributing Schedule II controlled substances and one count of health care fraud before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Dr. Ho is a licensed medical doctor who owns and operates a family medicine practice located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The court was further advised that, on several dates in May and June 2019, Dr. Ho knowingly dispensed and distributed Schedule II drugs, specifically, Oxycodone, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The court was further advised that from April 2018 through June 2019, Dr. Ho committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare for payments to cover the costs of unlawfully prescribed drugs.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2022. The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Dr. Ho faces an additional maximum per count sentence of 10 years and fine of $250,000.00 for the health care fraud charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Cessar and Karen Gal-Or and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Gregory Brown, 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 22, 2021, Brown knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, on or about August 5, 2021, Brown possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and was found in possession of ammunition, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. – A physical therapy practice in Erie County, Pennsylvania, and 20 people – 18 of them from northwestern Pennsylvania - have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire and health care fraud and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named the following individuals as defendants: Aaron Wilhelm Hertel, of North East, Pennsylvania 16428
Michael Robert Brown, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Sarah Elizabeth Bailey, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Jessica Jeanne Morphy, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Jacqueline Renee Exley, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Julie Ann Johnson, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Bobby Lee Rainey, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Steve Michael Bauer, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16502
Austin John Dudenhoefer, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16509
Philip Dale Sorensen, Jr., of Erie, Pennsylvania 16509
Patricia Susan Berchtold, of Melbourne, Florida 32940
Jeremy Richard Bowes, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Jennifer Marie Larmon, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Travis Walter Litz, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Erin Marie Riffe, of Conneaut, Ohio 44030
Abigayle Jane Fachetti, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16511
Lori Lynn Goss, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Marissa Sue Hull, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Justin Charles Burger, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Carl William Lewis, Jr., of Lake City, Pennsylvania 16423

The indictment also names Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy, main office located at 902 West Erie Plaza Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania 16505, as a defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, the defendants conspired from January 2007 to October 2021 to commit wire fraud and health care fraud. The multi-faceted conspiracy had numerous components including:

a) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy utilized unlicensed technicians to provide physical therapy treatment, including aquatic therapy, and billed that treatment as if performed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.

b) Unlicensed technicians at Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy were permitted and required to log into the treatment documentation system, WebPT, as a licensed physical therapist to facilitate documenting treatment as if performed by a licensed therapist.

c) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and its licensed employees regularly recorded and billed for treatment time in excess of actual treatment time spent with patients.

d) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and its licensed employees rarely if ever utilized group therapy codes when billing for treatment even when group billing codes were the only appropriate billing codes that could have been utilized.

e) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy regularly billed treatment time using the name and credentials of a physical therapist who was on vacation and not working on the day in question.

f) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy allowed physical therapy assistants and unlicensed personnel to treat patients with insurance that only reimbursed for treatment performed by a physical therapist. Then the practice and its employees covered up who actually treated the patient by removing the name of the actual person providing treatment from the treatment record.

g) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and some of its employees also manually changed the patient schedule after the fact to conceal that Medicare patients were scheduled at the same time as other patients. This was done to conceal that Medicare patients did not have one on one treatment with a physical therapist as billed by the practice and required by Medicare.

“The indictment alleges that essentially since Hertel & Brown opened in 2007, the defendants perpetrated a systematic and brazen fraud scheme that bilked insurance companies and the government of millions through blatantly false billings,” said U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “Addressing health care fraud is a top priority of our Office and of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.”

“Those charged today were in the business to make a quick buck and in turn violated the very basic ethical and moral standards medical professionals are held to,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Taking short cuts, illegal and improper billings and elaborate health care fraud schemes all increase the cost of medical care. The FBI will continue to work with our state, local and federal partners to detect and hold accountable those who abuse our health care system and patients’ trust.”

"When individuals and entities engage in health care fraud schemes, they steal from taxpayers and undermine the safeguards intended to protect patients,” stated Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate health care fraud to protect the integrity of federal health care programs and the beneficiaries served by them.”

“Health care fraud takes away limited resources from some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “My Office, as well as our local, state, and federal partners, are committed to stopping these bad actors and preventing them from undermining critical support that families across the Commonwealth rely on.”

“Today’s indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to fraudulently bill the government for healthcare services that were either not provided or not provided to standard,” said Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. “The VA OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to ensuring that our nation’s veterans receive only the highest quality health care for which they deserve.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary loss (whichever is greater), or both for each defendant and the business. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs – Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control and Abuse Unit, and the United States Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Chad Lawhead, 48, pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

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

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2022.The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of western Pennsylvania have been charged with offenses related to the unlawful killing of migratory birds, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Information filed today in federal court names Robert Yost, 50, of New Galilee, PA, and Jacob Reese, 25, of Enon Valley, PA, as defendants.

According to the Information, Yost operated Yost Farms in Beaver County, PA. In June 2020, Yost and one of his employees, Reese, allegedly conspired to kill migratory birds present on leased farmland operated by Yost Farms, using carbofuran, a registered restricted-use pesticide. As alleged, the Environmental Protection Agency concluded no later than 2009 that the dietary, worker, and ecological risks for all uses of carbofuran were unacceptable and that all products containing carbofuran generally caused unreasonable adverse effects on humans and the environment. According to the Information, on June 22, 2020, Yost directed Reese to spread whole kernel corn coated in carbofuran in and around a leased field used for soybean cultivation where children were regularly present. The tainted corn allegedly attracted protected migratory birds that were killed within a short distance of where they ingested the corn. Yost and Reese thereafter took steps to conceal their efforts to poison and kill migratory birds, including by destroying the feed bag containing the carbofuran-laced whole corn kernel. In total, Yost and Reese are alleged to have killed approximately seventeen (17) Canada geese, ten (10) red-winged blackbirds, and one (1) mallard duck.

Yost and Reese are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The defendants face a total maximum term of imprisonment of 13 months and a total fine of $31,000. The actual sentence imposed would be based upon a consideration of statutory sentencing factors and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, and Pennsylvania Game Commission conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

PITTSBURGH – A former Washington County, PA resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release on her conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Breanna M. Bane, 29, formerly of Fredericktown, Washington County, PA, who pleaded guilty in May 2020 to conspiring with codefendants Harvey Hicks and Matthew Pearson to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin between March 2019 and May 2019. While on bond for that offense, a grand jury returned an Indictment charging Bane with distributing a quantity of fentanyl analogue on July 3, 2020; Bane pled guilty to that offense on April 27, 2021.

According to information presented to the Court, beginning in March 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police began investigating Bane and her codefendants, whom agents believed to be large-scale distributors of heroin and fentanyl in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Through various investigative methods, agents determined that Bane, Hicks, and Pearson were trafficking large quantities of heroin-fentanyl mixtures from the Harrisburg and Hershey, PA areas to the Western District of Pennsylvania for redistribution. On May 1, 2019, agents interdicted Bane and her codefendants following a trip to Hershey, PA, at which time they seized approximately 625 “bricks” – the equivalent of more than 31,000 individual dosage units – of heroin-fentanyl mixtures. Agents seized numerous firearms, ammunition, bulk U.S. currency, and heroin-fentanyl packaging materials from Bane and codefendant Hicks. In connection with her guilty plea, Bane admitted to conspiring with Hicks and Pearson to distribute the heroin-fentanyl mixtures, and that she did so knowing that the drugs were intended for redistribution. In connection with her April 2021 guilty plea, Ms. Bane admitted that on July 3, 2020, she distributed a quantity of fentanyl analogue to a known individual in Washington County, PA, in stamp bags labeled “passion”. In a subsequent search of her residence, troopers seized “passion” stamp bags and a large sum of U.S. currency. Chemical testing determined that the “passion” stamp bags contained fentanyl analogues, which are scheduled controlled substances.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division, and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop-B Vice Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bane.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Raekwon Blankenship, 25, was sentenced to time served of five months followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

The court was previously advised that on May 30, 2020, Blankenship did knowingly and willfully throw projectiles at several vehicles occupied by police officers, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties. Blankenship also attempted to poke a police horse during the civil disorder.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Philipsburg, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Timothy Ferguson, 34, pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Ferguson did conspire to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Paris Wilson was sentenced to 8 months in prison for conspiring to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids) while serving a federal prison sentence in 2017, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Wilson, age 29, formerly of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the prison sentence Wilson was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Wilson serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Wilson was incarcerated at the federal prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania, when he conspired to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids). He was serving a prison sentence at that time for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, using a minor to commit drug crimes, and conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - William Curry Brown, following a guilty plea entered on January 13, 2020, was sentenced in federal court today for terroristic attacks and violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation on land, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1992(a)(5) and (a)(10) and 2.

United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose sentenced Mr. Brown, 28, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, to three years’ probation with standard and additional conditions.

In connection with the earlier entered guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about November 1, 2017, Brown knowingly and without lawful authority or permission did and did attempt to remove an appurtenance from, damage or otherwise impair the operation of a railroad signal system. Specifically, at one railroad location near Braddock, William Brown detached four railroad signal antennas by unscrewing them. Additionally, Brown used a pair of bolt cutters and cut the railroad signal cables which were housed in a signal bungalow, which caused a complete signal failure. At another location near McKeesport, Brown used the same bolt cutters to sever multiple bond strand signal wires that were attached to tracks along the rail line. The damage Brown caused to the rail lines resulted in significant financial loss. Further, the railroad system that was damaged was engaged in mass transportation, and carries both passenger and freight cars. The court was advised that the offense involved recklessly endangering the safety of this mass transportation facility.

As part of the defendant’s sentence, Judge Ambrose also ordered that the defendant pay restitution in the amount of $1,425.95 to CSX Transportation.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the CSX Transportation Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Washington, D.C., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Kela Stevenson, age 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on July 7, 2021, Stevenson, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of murdering an employee of the United States and using a firearm to do so, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Eric Kortz, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 7, 2021, Kortz shot and killed a United States Postal employee while he was working as a letter carrier.

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

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Collier Township Police Department, and the Carnegie Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A suburban Pittsburgh woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, making false statements in a matter relating to naturalization or citizenship, and attempting to procure naturalization or citizenship contrary to law, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The four-count Second Superseding Indictment named Man Ho, 32, of the 3300 block of Lenox Drive in Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the Second Superseding Indictment, Ho is charged at Count One with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States – namely, attempting to procure U.S. naturalization or citizenship contrary to law. At Count Two, Ho is charged with attempting to procure U.S. naturalization or citizenship contrary to law. At Counts Three and Four, Ho is charged with making false statements in a matter relating to naturalization or citizenship.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation leading to the Second Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - One Guatemalan national has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Reentering the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Sergio Ramirez-Lopez, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to a publicly filed Complaint, on May 15, 2021, Mr. Ramirez-Lopez was found in the Allegheny County Jail after he was arrested by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Mr. Ramirez-Lopez has been removed from this country on several previous occasions.

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

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

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to defraud the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Thomas Mouton, age 34, and Sara Mouton, age 36, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Ranjan to conspiracy to defraud the United States and an agency thereof, specifically the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from a date uncertain in 2018 and continuing thereafter until around May 2019, Thomas Mouton along with his wife, Sara Mouton, who was active in the fitness and body-building industry, conspired with each other, and with other persons known and unknown to the United States Attorney, to distribute steroids to consumers in the United States, through the internet and through personal acquaintance, including drugs or performance enhancers that counteract the side effects of steroid abuse. None of the drugs the defendants distributed were approved by the FDA, and the defendants were not permitted to distribute the drugs without the approval of the FDA. Substances distributed by the defendants were misbranded and included misleading labeling that did not include accurate drug/active ingredient names, labeling that did not contain adequate directions for use, and labeling that did not contain the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. The court was advised that the defendants acted with the intent to defraud the FDA, by impeding, impairing, obstructing, and defeating the ability of the FDA to regulate the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of drugs in the United States.

“Thomas and Sara Mouton began by distributing steroids to their associates in the fitness and body building industry, but their business ultimately expanded through word of mouth to serving a couple hundred clients,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “Individuals who defraud the FDA will be held accountable for their crimes.”

“The requirements that prescription drugs are labeled appropriately and approved by FDA before they are marketed help ensure the health and safety of consumers,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. "The FDA will continue to aggressively pursue those who place the public health at risk.”

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, along with the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas and Sara Mouton.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of the Hill District neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years (144 months) of incarceration followed by five years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly known as “RICO”), Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Sydney Pack, 23, who pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of RICO conspiracy.

According to information presented to the Court at the time of Pack’s guilty plea, Mr. Pack acknowledged that he was a member of the violent street gang known as “11 Hunnit,” which operated in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Mr. Pack acknowledged that he, along with alleged codefendants Dionte Griffin, Richard Kelly, and others, conspired to conduct and participate in the conduct in the affairs of the 11 Hunnit gang through a pattern of racketeering activity consisting generically of acts involving murder, robbery, and the distribution of controlled substances.

Mr. Pack acknowledged his personal participation in certain overt acts that were done in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy, which included an April 2015 shooting of a rival gang member, a January 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, an October 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, a November 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, the unlawful possession of heroin, fentanyl, and firearms on various dates, and his participation – along with other members of 11 Hunnit – in several publicly available rap music videos designed to intimidate rival gangs and enhance 11 Hunnit’s reputation as a violent enterprise.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, together with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pack.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A West Virginia resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Van Gregory Barrows, 29, of Bowden, West Virginia, who pled guilty to a two-count Indictment charging him with attempted possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and conspiracy to do the same. He also pled guilty to a one-count Information charging him with unlawfully possessing firearms while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

According to information presented to the Court, on November 17, 2017, agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police executed federal search warrants at a hotel in Ross Township, PA, where they located Barrows and others. Inside of the hotel room, agents seized multiple firearms, three of which Barrows admitted to possessing. Agents seized quantities of methamphetamine and electronic devices (i.e., cell phones and computers) and drug paraphernalia used in the packaging and distribution of controlled substances. In an interview with agents, Barrows admitted to being an unlawful user of methamphetamine and to possessing three of the seized firearms. Federal law prohibits an unlawful user of a controlled substance from possessing a firearm. Barrows further admitted to agents that he purchased large quantities of methamphetamine from an online marketplace commonly known as “the dark web”. Barrows admitted that he, and others in his home state of West Virginia, distributed the methamphetamine that he purchased online, and that he was in the Pittsburgh area at that time to convert U.S. currency into cryptocurrency, which he used to purchase the methamphetamine. Barrows further advised agents that one such order was being delivered to the Ross Township hotel. Agents interdicted that parcel and found it to contain approximately eight ounces of “pure” methamphetamine, which is a scheduled controlled substance. Evidence seized from Barrows electronic devices further evidenced his involvement in the online drug purchases and conspiracy.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barrows.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court following his guilty plea to a charge of misappropriation of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) beneficiary funds, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District J. Nicholas Ranjan sentenced Andrew Ziacik, 57, to one day of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Ziacik was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.

During the defendant’s plea hearing on June 2, 2021, the defendant admitted that between 2013 and 2017, he was the appointed Federal Fiduciary for a VA beneficiary—his older brother, who was a service-disabled veteran. In his role as a Fiduciary, the defendant was responsible for receiving his brother’s VA income and ensuring that all of his debts were paid. Between July 2013 and late 2017, the defendant admitted that he violated the terms of his Fiduciary Agreement by, among other things, misappropriating his brother’s VA funds for the defendant’s personal benefit, including by using VA funds to finance a Harley Davidson motorcycle, purchase a diamond ring, and buy a GMC Sierra truck The defendant also failed to maintain accurate records and receipts related to the disposition of his brother’s VA benefits, and he likewise failed to provide complete and accurate records in response to a formal accounting initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in August 2016.

As part of the defendant’s sentence, Judge Ranjan ordered that the defendant make restitution to his brother in the amount of $75,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of the defendant.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former physician has been sentenced in federal court to one day of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, including 15 months home confinement and 300 hours community service, on his conviction of drug diversion, health care fraud and money laundering, associated with his suburban Pittsburgh holistic medical practice, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Andrzej Kazimierz Zielke, 66, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101.

According to information presented to the court, Zielke owned and operated Medical Frontiers, LLC, a purported pain management practice, located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. On or about October 3, 2017, May 25, 2017, October 3, 2017, and December 17, 2014, Zielke knowingly dispensed and distributed Schedule II drugs, including Oxycodone, Methadone, Hydrocodone and Oxymorphone, to four patients outside the course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Zielke committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed drugs. Finally, Zielke violated federal money laundering statutes when he caused approximately $150,000 in proceeds obtained through his illegal drug distribution to be wired from a bank account to Kitco Metals, Inc., in Canada to purchase silver and collector coins.

In addition to the criminal penalties, Zielke agreed to forfeit $75,359 in U.S. currency and an unvalued amount of gold coins and bullion.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer F. Carroll prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for less than an hour, a federal jury on Friday found James Weldon Johnson, aka “300 Blocc Knocc”, guilty on four counts of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Johnson, age 36, was tried before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Ross E. Lenhardt, who prosecuted the case, the evidence established that James Weldon Johnson distributed fentanyl December 30, 2016 in a transaction that was observed by a detective from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and that occurred directly outside of 330 Renova Street in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police followed up that observation with a search warrant for that residence on January 2, 2017.

The search led to the seizure of substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as a stolen and loaded .45 caliber handgun, two extended length magazines for the .45 handgun, and numerous items commonly used in drug trafficking such as electronic scales, body armor, inositol, cash and baking soda. The defendant was arrested at that location while in possession of two cellular telephones, over $900 more in cash, and the keys to the residence. After obtaining search warrants and extracting the contents of those cellphones, experts concluded that the messages in those phones indicated that one of the cellular telephones was used in the December 30, 2016 transaction and that Johnson was regularly using that cellular telephone to sell illegal narcotics.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $4,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant back into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Acting United States Attorney, Stephen R. Kaufman commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation and assisting in the prosecution and conviction of James Weldon Johnson.

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

Jordan Lee Perrin, 25, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Perrin received computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Perrin on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Perrin.

 

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Shawn Ashley Pena, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during the period from March 2018 to May 2018, Pena and a co-defendant conspired to steal merchandise from business and retail establishments in multiple states and transport the stolen items across state lines.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Allegheny County, PA, have been sentenced in federal court to prison terms on their convictions of conspiring to set fire to a police vehicle during the downtown riot on May 30, 2020, and on a related charge of unlawful interference with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder on that same day, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed a 27-month sentence on Da’Jon Lengyel, 24, of McKees Rocks, PA 15136, and a 48-month sentence on Christopher West, 26, Pittsburgh, PA 15210.

According to information presented to the court, Lengyel and West attended a protest march held on May 30, 2020, in the downtown Pittsburgh area. The march was related primarily to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The march in Pittsburgh began at approximately 2:30 pm on Liberty Avenue in the downtown area, and eventually finished at approximately 4:30 pm on Centre Avenue near the intersection with Washington Place above the PPG Paints Arena. At that time, one man in the crowd spray painted and broke a window out of a police vehicle that was unoccupied and parked on Centre Avenue. Shortly thereafter, Lengyel and West climbed onto the vehicle, and then jumped up and down on the roof of the vehicle. West also sat on the roof and attempted to kick out a window of the vehicle. Lengyel and West, along with several other individuals, then began efforts to set fire to the vehicle. As one unidentified person set the fire in the backseat area of the vehicle, West and Lengyel placed pieces of cardboard and crumpled paper into the vehicle’s passenger compartment to provide more fuel to the fire. The police vehicle was completely destroyed as a result of the fire.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lengyel and West.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Rodney Domanick Evans, 21.

According to information presented to the court, on or about December 19, 2019, Evans distributed sixty-five grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Erie County Detective Bureau, Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Evans.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine on his conviction of possessing unlicensed firearms, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Richard Watson, age 33, of McKeesport, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Watson possessed unregistered firearm silencers at his place of business, Omerta Ink in McKeesport. The Court also heard and relied upon evidence that Watson had engaged in the covert and unlawful manufacture and sale of firearms, including two home-milled, AR-style pistols, which were effectively untraceable ghost-guns.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Watson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A federal grand jury returned a six-count Superseding Indictment charging ten defendants from Westmoreland, Allegheny, and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania with violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms grams or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, from in and around November 2019, and continuing thereafter until in and around June 2020: • Donald Epps, 66, of New Kensington, PA; • Michael Glenn, 58, of Pittsburgh, PA; • Michael Turner, 49, of Wampum, PA; • Gary Wilkinson, 58, of Pittsburgh, PA; • Dion Williams, 45, of Pittsburgh, PA; • Ivan Upsher, 59, of Pittsburgh, PA; • Gerald Bogan Jr., 41, of Pittsburgh, PA; • Michael Jones, 70, of Monessen, PA; and
• Jeremiah Irving, 32, of New Castle, PA.

Count Two charges Michael Glenn and Timothy Harris, 58, of Pittsburgh, PA, with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack”, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, from in and around November 2019, and continuing thereafter until February 2020. Donald Epps, Michael Glenn and Dion Williams are each charged with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as convicted felons in Counts Three, Four, and Five. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. The sixth and final count charges Defendant Irving with possessing a quantity of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it on or about November 23, 2020.

The defendants charged in Count One of the Superseding Indictment face a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. The defendants charged in Count Two of the Superseding Indictment face a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. As to the firearms offenses charged in Count Three, Four, and Five of the Superseding Indictment, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both (Defendants Glenn and Epps could face enhanced penalties set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), which includes not 15 years to life imprisonment). As to defendant Irving charged in Count Six, the law provides for a term of imprisonment up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (Bureau of Narcotics Investigations) led the multiagency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Distribution and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Alex Rogan-Laird, age 26, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

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

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 16, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Rogan-Laird on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rogan-Laird.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drugs laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Joel Nicholas Gustave, Jr., 40, of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about November 1, 2019, Gustave possessed with the intent to distribute 840.8 grams cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Gustave on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets task force, which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department, the Oil City Police Department, and the Titusville Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gustave.

PITTSBURGH - One Columbian national has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Reentering the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Elkin Lara-Lozano, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to a publicly filed Complaint, on September 11, 2021, Mr. Lara-Lozano was arrested by the Mount Lebanon Police Department in connection with the burglary of a nearby residence. Mr. Lara-Lozano has been removed from this country on several previous occasions.

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

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

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been charged by superseding indictment before a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotic laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The four-count Superseding Indictment named Guy Wallar, Jr., age 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about June 28, 2021, Wallar, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessed ammunition by a convicted felon. The Superseding Indictment further alleged that on or about July 1, 2021, Wallar, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base. Under federal law, possessing a firearm and/or ammunition is a violation of federal law for those who have previously been convicted of a crime punishable by greater than a year in prison.

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

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

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

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