Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of false impersonation of officer or employee of the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Ernest Lathrop, Sr., 59, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on January 31, 2021, Lathrop falsely pretended to be an officer and employee of the United States in that he activated emergency lights on his vehicle at the scene of a traffic accident, and falsely stated to others at that accident that he was a United States Marshal.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 3 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshal’s Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

WASHINGTON –The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Allen and Heidi Woodcock, owners and managers of rental properties in Oil City, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleges that Allen Woodcock sexually harassed a female tenant in April 2019 after he entered her home to perform maintenance. According to the complaint, Allen Woodcock touched the tenant’s body without her consent and forcibly tried to kiss her, and the Woodcocks evicted the tenant after she reported the harassment to Heidi Woodcock.

"People should never have to endure sexual harassment in their home, where they should feel safe and secure," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act against landlords who engage in this kind of abusive and illegal behavior."

"Combatting sexual harassment in housing is a high priority at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)," said Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing Jeanine Worden. "This is an example of how HUD and Justice Department work together to enforce the Fair Housing Act."

"Sexual harassment in housing is illegal," said Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Landlords, property managers or anyone else with control over housing should recognize by the filing of this lawsuit that we take action to combat such despicable conduct."

The lawsuit arose from a complaint that the former tenant filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination and the matter was referred to the Justice Department.

Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victim and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in court.

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 21 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Allen and Heidi Woodcock, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submit a report online.

Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a HUD complaint online.

Johnstown, PA - One resident of Johnstown, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute quantities of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Keith Pope 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about October 7, 2020, Pope was found to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and heroin, and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Corry, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Katelyn Marie Hall, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on March 31, 2018, Hall violated federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for another individual who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- A resident of Shawville, 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 Russell Glen Hurley, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about April 7, 2019, Hurley knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed a firearm, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Lawrence Township 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 Covina, California, has been 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 Kenneth Kim Parks, age 58, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 19, 2021, Parks attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 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 Brendan J. McKenna 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 Phoenix, Arizona has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh with charges of attempting to violate federal narcotics laws and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Juan Paredes, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 28, 2021, Paredes attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, from January 23 to 29, 2021, Paredes, a convicted felon, was also alleged to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of federal law.

Prior federal and state court filings allege that a package containing approximately one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine was mailed to a residence in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement seized the methamphetamine, replaced it with a non-controlled substance of similar appearance, sprayed fluorescent powder inside the package that is visible only with ultraviolet light, and delivered it to the residence. Paredes allegedly took the package into the residence, was found inside of the residence near the opened package and had the fluorescent powder on his hands and face when inspected with ultraviolet light. The package was submitted for testing and found to have a net weight of over 890 grams of which approximately 96% is methamphetamine hydrochloride.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, Cranberry Township Police Department, and 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, PA - A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on April 6, 2021 and unsealed today, named Michael Gamble, age 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about December 10, 2020, Gamble possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Verona, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised released on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Roderick Ferguson, age 19.

According to information presented to the court, Ferguson was a part of an investigation targeting the Darccide/Smash 44 or DS44 neighborhood gang and its drug trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, from approximately February of 2019 through June of 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept communications on nine telephones as part of the investigation.

Intercepted communications revealed that Roderick Ferguson was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, including serving as a runner for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The four-count Indictment, returned on April 7 and unsealed today, named Deia Eggleston, age 46, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from January 2017 through May 2019, Eggleston conspired with individuals known and unknown to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute Schedule I and Schedule II substances, including acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine. The Indictment further alleges that on May 3, 2019 and May 13, 2019, Eggleston aided and abetted others known and unknown to possess with the intent to distribute the previously named controlled substances. The Indictment further alleges that from January 2017 through May 2019, Eggleston did manage and control a place, that is, her Bleakley Avenue residence, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, as an occupant and did intentionally and knowingly make that residence available for the use and for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, and distributing controlled substances.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $35,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 years in jail, to be followed by ten years supervised release and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $12,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Shawn Everett Daly, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Daly distributed and received computer images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. An examination of Daly’s digital devices and cloud storage accounts revealed the presence of thousands of movies and images depicting young children being sexually abused. Daly has a prior conviction in Pennsylvania for the indecent assault of two minor females.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Daly.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court three years’ (36 months’) imprisonment and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Joshua D. Kudrav, age 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Kudrav, on October 4, 2019, was found in possession of hundreds of still images in computer graphics files and in printed format depicting minors, some of whom had not yet attained the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Kudrav admitted to downloading the images from the Internet and creating collages of the sexually abusive imagery.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that she believed that a three-year term of imprisonment would result in just punishment and would allow for necessary rehabilitation and deterrence.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Kudrav.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the state of Illinois has been sentenced in federal court to four years in prison on his conviction of Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Michael W. Decker, 33, of Vernon Hills, IL.

According to information presented to the court, Decker submitted fraudulent applications for loans to purchase several expensive vehicles, including two Jeep Cherokee Trackhawks, from dealerships in Western Pennsylvania. Decker was part of a conspiracy based in Chicago. The members of the conspiracy travelled to dealerships in several states and used stolen identity information to obtain loans for high-end vehicles. After obtaining the vehicles, members of the conspiracy would alter the Vehicles Identification Numbers and sell the vehicles..

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Western Regional Auto Theft Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Decker.

PITTSBURGH – Brothers Mehran David Kohanbash and Joseph Kohan, and their nephew, Nima Rodefshalom, have been sentenced for their roles in an elaborate fraud scheme that stole millions of dollars from health care systems across the United States.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter on Wednesday sentenced Nima Rodefshalom, 38, of Los Angeles, CA to 54 months’ imprisonment and today sentenced David Kohanbash, 53, of Beverly Hills, CA to 54 months’ imprisonment and Joseph Kohan, 62, of Encino, CA to 42 months’ imprisonment. The defendants pleaded guilty in December 2020 to charges of healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statutes. Additionally, 16 corporate entities (pharmacies) pled guilty to charges of healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and/or conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statutes. Sentencing for the defendant pharmacies has not yet been scheduled. The defendants have already paid more than $60 million to the government as part of forfeiture and a civil settlement. As part of the sentence the Court ordered $54.5 million in restitution to compensate the health insurance companies that were defrauded, including the military health insurance entity, TRICARE.

According to the information presented to the Court at the time of the pleas the three defendants conspired together to execute health care fraud schemes that targeted patients that had undergone, or were to undergo, bariatric surgical procedures. The individual defendants together with the defendant pharmacies engaged in a series of interconnected actions that resulted in misleading advertising associated with supplying what were described to the Court as nutritional shakes; the inducement to enlist various patients in ordering the nutritional shakes resulted in the defendants and the pharmacies securing the patients’ insurance information which in turn resulted in the defendants (individual defendants and by and through the pharmacies) soliciting the patients to appeal to their respective physicians to prescribe what were described for the Court as High Yield (expensive) medications.

These medications were often compounded, meaning that one or more of the pharmacies mixed together preexisting medications or substances to provide a new or different product. It was a part of the scheme(s) involved in the guilty pleas that the defendants conspired to promote these medications that often yielded extremely high profits. It was a part of the healthcare fraud scheme that the defendants defrauded healthcare benefit programs, both private insurance carriers and the government run health care program, TRICARE, for military members and their families, by manipulating the

collection of co pays on various medications to make it appear that co pays were being collected when in fact they were not. An honest reporting of the failure to collect co pays would have resulted in the defendants being unable to bill insurance carriers for the cost of the various medications. The various schemes in which the defendants were involved were overlapping and ran from September of 2013 through May of 2018.

"Identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit health care benefit programs for personal enrichment is a priority of our office," said Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman. "The sentencings of these defendants to federal prison and the significant amount of forfeiture - the largest in District history - should serve as a sign of our commitment to pursue justice and preserve the integrity of health care benefit programs."

"With these sentencings, the defendants will now be held accountable for their intentions to defraud our healthcare system," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. "They’ll spend the next few years behind bars thinking about what their selfish actions cost them, the patients and our healthcare systems. This case involves $60 million in penalties and forfeiture. It’s the largest forfeiture in a criminal case in the history of the Western District of Pennsylvania. I commend the work of the agents involved in our Erie office, which worked this case tirelessly from beginning to end, while having limited resources and working the numerous other violations the FBI investigates. This case will have an impact nationwide and should also serve as a warning to other companies who choose to operate with fraud schemes instead of honesty. The FBI is committed to working with our federal and public sector partners to stop fraud and ensure everyone receives quality medical care."

"These sentences and monetary forfeitures demonstrate the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Health Agency, and the United States Attorney's Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania, to protect the American warfighter and taxpayer from those that attempt to victimize them by defrauding our nation's healthcare programs including TRICARE," said Bryan Denny, Patrick Hegarty, and Chris Dillard, Special Agents in Charge, U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. "False and inappropriate billings, by virtue of intended schemes or willful ignorance, place the American Warfighter in danger, erode public confidence and undermine the mission of our military services. DCIS and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate healthcare fraud allegations in order to protect U.S. military members and the American taxpayer."

Assistant United States Attorneys Shardul S. Desai and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nima Rodefshalom, Mehran David Kohanbash, Joseph Kohan, Insure Nutrition, Inc., Affordable Pharmacy, Inc., ASC Pharmaceutical, LLC, DQD Enterprise Corporation, DTST Ventures, LLC, Econo Pharmacy, Inc., Emerson Pharmacy, Inc., Genorex Pharmaceutical, LLC, Nutrition Plus, Inc., Pharmatek Pharmacy, Inc., Premier Med Services, Inc., Rexford Pharmacy, Inc., Specialty Pharmacy Management of America, Inc., Solutech Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Village Drug & Compounding, Inc., and Vitamed LLC.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - Two residents of Pittsburgh, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Jared Thomas, 38, and Catherine Strong, 35, as defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the grand jury, on March 11, 2021, Thomas was found to be in possession of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and fentanyl, and Strong was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both for Thomas and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both for Strong. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. The defendants are currently being detained at the Allegheny County Jail.

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

The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been 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 Vincent Chambers, age 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 10, 2021, Chambers possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, heroin, a schedule I controlled substance, and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County 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 former resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been 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 Nicholas Lamont Carter, age 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 8, 2021, Carter knowingly possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a total sentence of at least five years in prison to a maximum of 40 years, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County 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 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been 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 Christopher Jordan, age 40, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 11, 2021, Jordan possessed with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue, as well as a quantity of fentanyl, all Schedule II controlled substances.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years to 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County 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 former resident of the City of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly known as RICO), Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Dionte Griffin, 25, formerly of the Hill District neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count of RICO conspiracy before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Mr. Griffin 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. Griffin acknowledged that he, along with alleged codefendants Sydney Pack, 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. Griffin acknowledged his personal participation in certain overt acts that were done in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy, which included a January 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, an October 2016 shooting of a rival gang member, the unlawful possession of fentanyl and firearms, 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.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 17, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court remanded Mr. Griffin to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 18 months to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge David Cercone imposed the sentence on Aaron Lyons, 26, of 617 Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.

Previously, in connection with Lyons’ guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 19, 2019, Pittsburgh Police conducted a traffic stop in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh of a vehicle in which Lyons was a traveling as a passenger. During the stop, officers conducted a pat down of Lyons for officer safety and felt a gun barrel in his jacket pocket. Following a scuffle resulting from Lyons’ failure to comply with officer instructions, a loaded .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol was recovered from him. Lyons had been convicted of four offenses in three different cases between 2014 and 2018. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lyons.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The five-count superseding indictment named Michael Champion, age 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on April 14, 2017 and August 15, 2017, Champion possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. Additionally, on April 14, 2017, Champion was in possession of numerous firearms, including an unregistered sawed-off shotgun, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Champion is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life 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 criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

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

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

Michael Brooks, age 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 25, 2020, in connection with the execution of a search warrant at his residence, Brooks was found in possession of more than 540 still images in computer graphics and digital files depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of whom were under the age of 12 years.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Brooks remain on bond and that he immediately register in Pennsylvania as a sex offender under the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

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 Brooks.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Tyler Goodnight, age 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on November 27, 2020, Goodnight was found to be in possession of a firearm. Goodnight is prohibited to possess a firearm due to a previous conviction.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1,407,649 to the Internal Revenue Service on charges of tax fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on David Reiter, age 52, currently serving a state sentence of five to 10 years in prison. The federal sentence will be served concurrently with his state sentence.

According to the information provided to the court, beginning in and around 2011, until his termination from employment in 2018, Reiter as business administrator at Westminster Presbyterian Church located in Upper St. Clair, PA, engaged in a pattern of deception and fraud by regularly embezzling and converting to his personal use $1.2 million in funds belonging to church. The court was further informed that Reiter failed to pay over employment taxes and filed false personal income tax returns relating to the embezzlement, which materially underreported his personal income.

"David Reiter embezzled more than a million dollars of church funds and used them for his own benefit, all the while committing business and personal tax fraud," said U.S. Attorney Kaufman. "Federal tax law violations have serious consequences, which we have witnessed today."

"In his role as the Church’s Business Administrator, Mr. Reiter abused his position of power by embezzling funds that could have otherwise been used by the Church to carry out their mission", said Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation . "By fraudulently failing to report the embezzled funds on his personal tax returns as income, Mr. Reiter violated a fundamental rule of taxes which states that gross income means all income from whatever source derived. Mr. Reiter also committed the crime of failing to pay over the employment taxes that were withheld from the employees of the Church, which is a serious offense that results in the lack of significant tax revenue to the Unites States government. IRS-CI will continue to pursue anyone who collects employment taxes and fails to remit those taxes."

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of David Reiter.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has been 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 Kwame Eddings, 41, formerly of Republic, PA 15475, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on or about March 17, 2021, Kwame Eddings possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin.

At each count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00 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 Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration 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, PA – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Michael Galanis, 32, of Export, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around March 2016 to in or around August 2017, Galanis participated in an IRS impersonation fraud conspiracy. The IRS impersonation fraud scheme involved call centers located in India that would use phone numbers to make their calls appear to originate in the United States. The calls would provide recorded information to individuals in the United States and fraudulently claim that the call was from the IRS concerning the individual’s failure to pay taxes. The call would provide a U.S.-based telephone number for the individual to call in order to resolve the matter. Calls to these U.S.-based telephone numbers would be automatically forwarded to call centers in India, and those who answered would tell callers that they owed money to the IRS and demand immediate payment via gift card or other means.

The court was further advised that Galanis was involved in activating cell phones in the United States to assist in this fraud scheme. Galanis knew that the cell phones that he programmed were used for a fraud scheme. At all times, Galanis activated these cell phones in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The government estimated that the total loss in this case is between $150,000 and $250,000.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2021. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The matter was investigated by United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, United States Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Anyone with information about allegations of elder fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833–372–8311. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.

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PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of managing and controlling a drug-involved premises, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Charles Curry, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in November 2019, Curry managed and controlled a premises as an occupant, which he made available for the use of manufacturing, storing and disturbing controlled substances, namely, acetyl fentanyl and heroin, both Schedule I controlled substances, and cocaine, cocaine base and fentanyl, all Schedule II controlled substances.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Brian M. Czarnecki are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monroeville Police Department, the Attorney General’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Maryland Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Curry.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Steven Lamont Spearman, 52, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about July 14, 2017, Spearman distributed more than twenty-eight grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base.

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

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Marcus Dwayne Thompson, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about December 11, 2019, Thompson distributed more than fifty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON – An Israeli national pleaded guilty today for his role in operating DeepDotWeb (DDW), a website that connected Internet users with Darknet marketplaces, where they purchased illegal firearms, malware and hacking tools, stolen financial data, heroin and fentanyl, and other contraband.

According to court documents, Tal Prihar, 37, an Israeli citizen residing in Brazil, owned and operated DDW along with co-defendant Michael Phan, 34, of Israel, beginning in October 2013. In addition to providing general information about the Darknet, DDW provided users with direct links to illegal Darknet marketplaces, which are not accessible through traditional search engines. For providing these links, Prihar and Phan received kickback payments from the marketplaces in the form of virtual currency, including approximately 8,155 bitcoins (worth approximately $8.4 million based on the bitcoin trading value at the time of the transactions). To conceal the nature and source of these illegal kickback payments, Prihar transferred the payments from his DDW bitcoin wallet to other bitcoin accounts and to bank accounts he controlled in the names of shell companies. DDW was seized by federal authorities in April 2019, and Prihar has agreed to forfeit $8,414,173.

"Tal Prihar served as a broker for illegal Darknet marketplaces — helping such marketplaces find customers for fentanyl, firearms, and other dangerous contraband — and profited from the illegal business that ensued," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "This prosecution, seizure of the broker website, and forfeiture send a clear message that we are not only prosecuting the administrators of Darknet marketplaces offering illegal goods and services, but we will also bring to justice those that aim to facilitate and profit from them."

"Tal Prihar today acknowledged his leadership role in operating a web site that served as a gateway to numerous dark web marketplaces selling fentanyl, heroin, firearms, hacking tools and other illegal goods," said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Mr. Prihar and his codefendant extracted a fee from each customer routed to these illegal sites, profiting in the millions of dollars."

"For six years, DeepDotWeb was a gateway to facilitate the illegal purchase of items to include dangerous drugs, weapons, and malicious software," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. "Prihar profited as a byproduct from other people’s dangerous transactions and today’s guilty plea sends a message to other cyber actors across the globe who think the dark web is a safe haven. The FBI works with our local, state, federal and international partners regularly to dismantle illicit websites and go after those responsible for them."

Prihar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 2, and faces a maximum penalty 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 FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.

The department thanks the French authorities as well as its law enforcement colleagues at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS, Brazilian Federal Police Cyber Division, Israeli National Police, Dutch National Police, Europol Darkweb Team, Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany, and National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom. Significant assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

This case was brought in conjunction with the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) Team. Established within the FBI’s Hi-Tech Organized Crime Unit, J-CODE is a U.S. Government initiative announced in January 2018, aimed at targeting drug trafficking, especially fentanyl and other opioids, on the Darknet. The J-CODE team brings together agents, analysts and professional staff with expertise in drugs, gangs, health care fraud and more. J-CODE entities, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Defense, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and Department of Justice focus on disrupting the sale of drugs via the Darknet and dismantling criminal enterprises that facilitate this trafficking.

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

An Israeli national pleaded guilty today for his role in operating DeepDotWeb (DDW), a website that connected internet users with Darknet marketplaces, where they purchased illegal firearms, malware and hacking tools, stolen financial data, heroin and fentanyl, and other contraband.

According to court documents, Tal Prihar, 37, an Israeli citizen residing in Brazil, owned and operated DDW along with co-defendant Michael Phan, 34, of Israel, beginning in October 2013. In addition to providing general information about the Darknet, DDW provided users with direct links to illegal Darknet marketplaces, which are not accessible through traditional search engines. For providing these links, Prihar and Phan received kickback payments from the marketplaces in the form of virtual currency, including approximately 8,155 bitcoins (worth approximately $8.4 million based on the bitcoin trading value at the time of the transactions). To conceal the nature and source of these illegal kickback payments, Prihar transferred the payments from his DDW bitcoin wallet to other bitcoin accounts and to bank accounts he controlled in the names of shell companies. DDW was seized by federal authorities in April 2019, and Prihar has agreed to forfeit $8,414,173.

“Tal Prihar served as a broker for illegal Darknet marketplaces — helping such marketplaces find customers for fentanyl, firearms, and other dangerous contraband — and profited from the illegal business that ensued,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution, seizure of the broker website, and forfeiture send a clear message that we are not only prosecuting the administrators of Darknet marketplaces offering illegal goods and services, but we will also bring to justice those that aim to facilitate and profit from them.” 

“Tal Prihar today acknowledged his leadership role in operating a web site that served as a gateway to numerous dark web marketplaces selling fentanyl, heroin, firearms, hacking tools and other illegal goods,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Mr. Prihar and his codefendant extracted a fee from each customer routed to these illegal sites, profiting in the millions of dollars.”

“For six years, DeepDotWeb was a gateway to facilitate the illegal purchase of items to include dangerous drugs, weapons, and malicious software,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “Prihar profited as a byproduct from other people’s dangerous transactions and today’s guilty plea sends a message to other cyber actors across the globe who think the dark web is a safe haven. The FBI works with our local, state, federal and international partners regularly to dismantle illicit websites and go after those responsible for them.”

Prihar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 2, and faces a maximum penalty 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 FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.

The department thanks the French authorities as well as its law enforcement colleagues at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS, Brazilian Federal Police Cyber Division, Israeli National Police, Dutch National Police, Europol Darkweb Team, Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany, and National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom. Significant assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

This case was brought in conjunction with the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) Team. Established within the FBI’s Hi-Tech Organized Crime Unit, J-CODE is a U.S. Government initiative announced in January 2018, aimed at targeting drug trafficking, especially fentanyl and other opioids, on the Darknet. The J-CODE team brings together agents, analysts and professional staff with expertise in drugs, gangs, health care fraud and more. J-CODE entities, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Defense, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and Department of Justice focus on disrupting the sale of drugs via the Darknet and dismantling criminal enterprises that facilitate this trafficking.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of committing theft as a postal employee, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Chelsea Balmer, age 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 19, 2020, Balmer was caught stealing mail matter while working as an employee of the postal service.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. 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 Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General 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, PA has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of committing theft as a postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Christa Murray, age 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on December 19, 2019, Murray was caught stealing mail matter while working as an employee of the postal service.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. 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 Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment and eight years’ supervised release on his conviction of narcotics trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jerry Coker, age 30, formerly of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court at the time Coker pleaded guilty, City of Pittsburgh police officers investigating Coker’s drug trafficking activity observed Coker’s sister and codefendant, Marleka Robinson, on September 11, 2016, obtain a large quantity of fentanyl from a distributor in the Knoxville section of Pittsburgh at Coker’s request. Robinson returned the drugs to the residence she shared with Coker and their other sister, codefendant Monique Robinson. A search warrant executed at the Coker residence the following day resulted in the seizure of more than 285 grams of fentanyl and small quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug packaging, weighing, and distributing materials were found strewn throughout the house, along with two Smith & Wesson pistols and $8,900 in cash, all of which was ordered by the court to be forfeited.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon noted that given Coker’s prior felony drug trafficking conviction, the law required that she impose a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of White, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of committing theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman, announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jacqueline Knupp, 41, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Knupp stole approximately $1,794.21 in currency from the United States.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. 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 Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General 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 Cabot, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of fraudulently issuing money orders, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Connie Hedrick, age 68, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about June 25, 2019, to on or about March 31, 2020, Hedrick was caught fraudulently issuing money orders to herself.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. 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 Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former Virginia resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Transportation With Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Obstruction of Justice—Hindering Communication Through Corrupt Persuasion, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on March 9, 2021 and unsealed today, named Apipat Vutipawat, also known as "Viktor Vutipawat," "Viktor Koi," "Arty Freedom," and "Victor Kim," age 27, of Alexandria, Virginia, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from May 29, 2020 through June 2, 2020, Vutipawat travelled in interstate commerce with the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct with Minor A and transported Minor A, a person who had not yet attained the age of 18 years, from Pennsylvania to Virginia with the intent that Minor A engage in criminal sexual activity. The grand jury further charges that from May 29, 2020 through June 2, 2020, Vutipawat knowingly corrupted and persuaded Minor A with the intent to hinder, delay, or prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a Federal offense.

"Combatting child sexual exploitation is one of our highest priorities." said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. "We will continue our targeted law enforcement strategies to identify and prosecute sexual predators, especially those who travel across state lines intent on harming children."

"The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous offense," said James D. Abbate, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Pittsburgh. "I commend the dedicated work of our agents and law enforcement partners. Together we were able to serve one of the most important roles of law enforcement – protecting our children."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years in prison and not more than life, a fine of $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, Homeland Security Investigations-York, Homeland Security Investigations-DC, Pennsylvania State Police, North Strabane Township Police Department, and the Fairfax County Police (Virginia) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Hollidaysburg, PA waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conversion of government funds and filing false tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Anthony Dibona, age 57, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about April 19, 2013, to on or about June 18, 2017, Dibona received and converted falsely to his own use a total of $57,242 in federally-funded grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, through payments made to him to which he was not entitled.

Further, when filing his original tax returns for tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015, Dibona omitted all grant income from his form 1040s, and made written declarations under the penalties of perjury, which he did not believe to be true and correct. After the IRS discovered that Dibona had received unreported income from the grant, Dibona was advised the grant income was taxable. Accordingly, Dibona through a tax preparer filed a first set of amended returns for the relevant tax years and added the grant income to his returns. However, on July 24 to July 25, 2018, Dibona went to a different tax preparer and filed a second set of amended returns removing the grant income, again making written declarations under the penalties of perjury which he did not believe to be true and correct. Similarly, Dibona also filed an original return for tax year 2017 and omitted his grant income. This conduct resulted in a total tax loss of $19,809.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 22 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dibona.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Mercer County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of tax evasion, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Dustin R. Golub, 35, of Hermitage, PA 16148 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that for the calendar years 2016, 2017 and 2018, Golub intentionally failed to report a total of approximately $3,791,891.00 in gross receipts from his business, Penn Ohio Roofing and Siding. Instead of depositing all of his business receipts into his business operating accounts, he attempted to conceal business receipts by spreading them among nine different personal bank accounts, including four personal accounts in the names of his children. Additionally, the Court was advised that, despite multiple warnings, Golub intentionally kept his bank transactions under $10,000 to avoid the bank’s currency transaction reports. The total tax loss to the United States is $438,134.00.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Golub on a $25,000 bond.

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

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Golub.

PITTSBURGH – Lamar Middleton was sentenced to 33 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug-trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Middleton, age 33 of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the federal prison sentence Middleton was serving for heroin and cocaine trafficking at the time of the crime.

Middleton was incarcerated at FCI-Hazelton in West Virginia when he conspired to launder the proceeds of the distribution of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances. Such substances have caused severe illness and deaths throughout the United States in recent years.

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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former 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.

Derrick Lamont Hemphill, Sr., 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, Hemphill acknowledged that he sold fentanyl that caused the death of K.A.J. on November 26, 2017. The indictment also alleged that on November 26, 2017, Hemphill possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and a heroin/fentanyl mixture.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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.

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

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office County Detective Bureau, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, the Millcreek Township Police Department, and the Erie Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hemphill.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - One resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Monique Matthews, 25, of Pittsburgh, PA 15208, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 25, 2021, Matthews was found to be in possession of cocaine and a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant is currently being detained at Allegheny County Jail.

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

The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of 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 resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been 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 Quenton McCoy, age 35, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15210, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 14, 2021, McCoy possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Doron McCarthy, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that McCarthy conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from September of 2018 through October of 2019. In 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigation a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which McCarthy was a member. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI initiated a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. McCarthy was intercepted communicating with his codefendants about acquiring quantities of heroin, prices of heroin, and the purity of the heroin. Through extensive physical and electronic surveillance, McCarthy was observed meeting with his co-conspirators to conduct heroin transactions.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2021. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $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 Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of McCarthy.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former University of Pittsburgh employee has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Christopher D. Casamento, age 42, of Pittsburgh, PA 15237, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Casamento was employed as Director of Emergency Management for the University of Pittsburgh and had access to quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 respirator masks and surgical face masks, which were designated for the use of school employees and students. The indictment alleges that from February 28, 2020 to March 22, 2020, Casamento stole from the University 13,615 pieces of PPE, namely, Aura N95 respirator masks, surgical face masks and particulate respirator masks, which he sold on his eBay vendor page "steel-city-motor-toys" and shipped to buyers in states outside of Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, Casamento earned approximately $18,783.50 from the eBay sales of the stolen PPE.

"At the start of the pandemic, when supplies of PPE were low and nationwide demand was intense, Mr. Casamento used his position of trust and access to critical PPE to enrich himself at the expense of Pitt students and faculty," said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. "We will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who illegally profit from COVID related fraud."

"Mr. Casamento had an obligation to make sure there was enough PPE to keep students and staff at the University of Pittsburgh safe," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Instead, he chose to line his pockets. The allegations set forth today are upsetting. With so much widespread suffering in our communities due to COVID, having this vital equipment taken away from people is unfortunate. I would like to thank the University of Pittsburgh for their full cooperation in this investigation and hope this continues to send a message that COVID fraud will be fully investigated."

The public can report suspected COVID-19 fraud by calling or emailing the U.S. Attorney’s Office at:

• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s Toll Free Hotline:

1-888-C19-WDPA or 1-888-219-9372

• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s email address:

usapaw.covid19@usdoj.gov

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, has been 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, Anthony Law, age 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about September 21, 2020, Law possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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, PA – A resident of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, 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 Deago Lee Eddings, age 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on September 16, 2020, Eddings, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 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 (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 Nicole Ann Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

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

Treasure Ann Gray, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, Gray conspired with two co-defendants to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for a co-defendant who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Gray on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jack Ulrich, Jr., age 43.

According to information presented to the court, Ulrich, Jr., on October 12, 2018, unlawfully possessed more than 100 photographs and videos in computer graphics files, which depicted minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Ulrich admitted to possessing and sharing the sexually exploitive material with other individuals using, among other applications, Chatous, Facebook, and Dropbox. At the time of the offense, Ulrich was a registered sex offender, having been convicted in 2006 of a sex offense involving minors in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that a 10-year term of imprisonment served the purposes of deterrence, just punishment, and protection of the public.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Ulrich, Jr.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Philadelphia woman and Dominican Republican man have been charged federally with violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named, Yarelis Mary Garcia Corretjer, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Reyelin Manuel Abreu Vasquez, 23, of the Dominican Republic.

According to the Indictment, on or about September 16, 2020, Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez conspired to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Also, on September 16, 2020, Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Safe Highways Initiative through Effective Law Enforcement and Detection (SHIELD) Unit, seized from the vehicle, occupied by Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez, approximately 400 bricks of suspected fentanyl. The suspected fentanyl field-tested positive for the controlled substance. Abreau Vasquez informed law enforcement that he was illegally in the United States and had crossed the Mexican border approximately four years ago.

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case for the government.

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