Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Murrieta, California, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for one count of conspiracy to smuggle misbranded drugs into the United States and introduce them into interstate commerce, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab sentenced Justin Ash, 37, to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Ash was also ordered to forfeit a total of approximately $780,000.

During his plea hearing on January 16, 2020, Ash admitted that between January 2016 and May 8, 2018, he engaged in a conspiracy to obtain unapproved drugs in bulk quantities from overseas suppliers, including suppliers in China, for the purpose of pressing the drugs into pills and distributing them to customers throughout the United States via his internet-based business Domestic RCS. Ash’s website, www.domesticrcs.com, advertised multiple unapproved or "misbranded" drugs—clonazolam, diclazepam, flubromazolam, and etizolam—each of which was a non-prescription benzodiazepine or substance with a similar chemical composition. As Ash further acknowledged, these substances carried risks of dependency, toxicity, and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Although his website and the packaging contained in his shipments indicated that the substances were for "research purposes only," Ash admitted that he was aware that the vast majority of his customers purchased the drugs for individual consumption. Indeed, Ash or others acting at his direction communicated directly with individual customers about, among other things, the effects of the drugs when used for personal consumption. In an effort to evade detection by United States federal authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Customs and Border Protection, Ash also admitted that he caused his overseas suppliers to ship drugs to multiple addresses under his control and in smaller quantities that would draw less government scrutiny.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Tommy Lee Horner, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from around December 2019 to around January 2020, Horner conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

For Horner’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, 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 David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Kiskiminetas Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Aaron Lyons, 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge David Cercone to a one-count Superseding Indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the 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 from recovered from Lyons. 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2021. For Lyons’ offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 David Lew is prosecuting 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 indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Haley Lynne Hoffman, 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from around December 2019 to around January 2020, Hoffman conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

For Hoffman’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years imprisonment, 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 David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Kiskiminetas Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office 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 Beaver County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Antoine Cummings, age 37, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2019, the Beaver County Drug Task Force and Aliquippa Police Department searched an apartment in which Cummings was living. During the search, law enforcement officers found and seized around 51 grams of powder cocaine, a loaded Smith and Wesson 40 caliber pistol, ammunition, and over $5,800, all possessed by Cummings. Because Cummings had prior felony convictions, including one for drug trafficking, he was a person not to possess a firearm and ammunition.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2021 at 1:00 pm. For the charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, or both. For the charge of felon in possession, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 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 ordered that Cummings be detained.

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

The Beaver County Drug Task Force led the multi-agency investigation of this case. Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Beaver County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Aliquippa Police Department.

PITTSBURGH – Twenty-one members of a drug trafficking organization primarily operating in Washington, Allegheny and Fayette Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"From Erie to Fayette and Lawrence to Cambria, we are systematically dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating in every western Pennsylvania county," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The Marcus Brown DTO has joined a long list of cocaine and heroin distribution networks that are out of business and behind bars."

"The FBI and our partners will not let drugs and gun violence rip apart our communities," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Many of the people arrested have dangerous, violent criminal histories. They thrived on selling drugs that lead to dangerous consequences. Let this be a warning to other bad actors. The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to investigate, disrupt and hold accountable those who insist on bringing their harmful business to our neighborhoods."

Seventeen of the defendants were arrested yesterday as part of FBI Operation Skyfall, an OCDETF investigation that included seven months of judicially authorized federal wiretaps of ten phones and identified a drug trafficking organization allegedly headed by Marcus Brown that operated throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Four of the defendants were already in custody. According to a Criminal Complaint filed in October, Marcus Brown and Steve Law, IV obtained cocaine and heroin in New Jersey and then transported the cocaine and heroin back to the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution to others in the conspiracy.

Specifically, the Indictment returned on Nov. 12 and unsealed yesterday charges the following individuals at Count One with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around April of 2020 and continuing until on or about October 27, 2020:

Marcus Brown, 33, of Washington, PA;

Brandon Boone, 38, of Washington, PA;

Kenneth Brooks, Jr., 27, of Washington, PA;

Kevin Bush, 51, of Washington, PA;

Marc Cain, 57, of Washington, PA;

Brian Householder, 57, of Greensburg, PA;

Steve Law, IV, 29, of Washington, PA;

Princess Makokele, 40, of Washington, PA;

David McComb, 32, of Coraopolis, PA;

Steve Miller, 48, of Allegheny, PA;

Andrew Molinaro, 42, of Canonsburg, PA;

Johnnita Richardson, 33, of Washington, PA;

Warren Sadler, 56, of Washington, PA;

Matthew Spicer, 50, of Canonsburg, PA;

Kristen Steffan, 36, of Canonsburg, PA; and

James Vance, 36, of Jersey City, NJ.

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

Marcus Brown, 33, of Washington, PA;

Brandon Boone, 38, of Washington, PA;

Kenneth Brooks, Jr., 27, of Washington, PA;

Michael Brown, 56, of Brownsville, PA;

Steve Law, IV, 29, of Washington, PA;

Princess Makokele, 40, of Washington, PA;

Michael Pusateri, 39, of Washington, PA; and

Warren Sadler, 56, of Washington, PA.

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

Walter Brunson, Jr., 51, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Shawn McFarland, 51, of Lawrence, PA;

Matthew Spicer, 50, of Canonsburg, PA; and

Bradley Stopperich, 49, of Washington, PA.

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

Marcus Brown, 33, of Washington, PA;

Kenneth Brooks, Jr., 27, of Washington, PA;

Steve Law, IV, 29, of Washington, PA; and

James Vance, 36, of Jersey City, NJ.

As to Counts One and Two, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. As to Counts Three and Four, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years, a fine up to $1,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

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

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania has established an annual award to recognize sustained outstanding performance by an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s office.

"The Dick Thornburgh Award will be presented annually to an outstanding federal prosecutor in the Western District of Pennsylvania who exhibits the commitment to justice and the highest ethical standards that were embodied by General Thornburgh throughout his career," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "General Thornburgh casts a long shadow, and his impact on the US Attorney’s Office, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Justice and to our great Republic has been profound."

Mr. Thornburgh is a former Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Governor.

"General Thornburgh’s legacy has been one not only of fierce intellect and love of justice, but also, like the Pittsburgher he is, an impact infused with his trademark integrity, grace and humility," U.S. Attorney Brady added. "Because of this great legacy, I thought it was important to honor him with an annual award for our top prosecutor."

The inaugural award was presented on November 5, 2020, at the Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Agency Directors’ (LEAD) 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony at Freedom Farms Event Center, in Valencia, Pennsylvania. Former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, presented the inaugural award to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway, Chief of the Major Crimes division.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr provided a videotaped statement of congratulations to AUSA Conway in which AG Barr recalled his work experiences with Dick Thornburgh, the first Attorney General for whom he worked. AG Barr recalled General Thornburgh as "substantive – a lawyer’s lawyer", "an outstanding leader" and "a man of unquestioned integrity and courage".

"Away from the Department, he was a model of personal decency and public service, contributing on issues ranging from international affairs to the rights of the disabled," AG Barr added. "He remains a generous, good-hearted man, and all those he touched along the way will be forever grateful.

John Thornburgh, a senior partner with WittKieffer, offered brief remarks on behalf of his father. "My father is truly honored by this recognition," he said. "He has a lifelong passion for the Department of Justice, and is thrilled to have his name associated with this annual award given for outstanding service in the U.S. Attorney's office where his career began."

"I am humbled and honored to be named the recipient of the inaugural Dick Thornburgh award. General Thornburgh has a long legacy of integrity and public service that we at the U.S. Attorney’s Office try to emulate," said AUSA Conway. "This award represents the hard work and dedication of many, including not only professionals in our office, but also our law enforcement partners who investigate the cases we prosecute. I am proud to represent them in accepting this prestigious award."

Dick Thornburgh was born on July 16, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Yale University in 1954 and earned his LL.B degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1957. Mr. Thornburgh also holds honorary degrees from 31 colleges and universities.

Following law school, Mr. Thornburgh worked in private industry until 1959 when he joined the Pittsburgh law firm then known as Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. In 1967, he was elected as a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention. From 1969 to 1975, Mr. Thornburgh was the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division in 1975, serving two years in Washington, D.C. in that role before returning to private practice as a partner at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Pennsylvania elected Mr. Thornburgh governor in 1979 and he served two terms. Mr. Thornburgh also taught courses at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and directed that school’s Institute of Politics from 1987 to 1988.

Appointed by President Reagan, Dick Thornburgh was sworn in as Attorney General on August 12, 1988. President George H.W. Bush reinstated him as Attorney General in 1989 and he served until 1991. In 1992, the American Legion honored Mr. Thornburgh with its highest award, the "Distinguished Services Medal." He published his autobiography in 2003 entitled, Where the Evidence Leads: The Autobiography of Dick Thornburgh.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawfully distributing or dispensing a controlled substance, and was sentenced to six months probation and fine of $3,000, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Joseph Martella, Jr., 57, pleaded guilty before, and was sentenced, by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between November 2013 and June 2016, Martella, a licensed Pennsylvania pharmacist, dispensed oxycodone, morphine sulfate and hydrocodone by filling prescriptions at Martella Pharmacy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, knowing said prescriptions were not issued for legitimate medical purposes.

In addition, Martella agreed in a settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that he would not dispense Schedule II or III narcotics for a period of three years and that Martella’s Pharmacy would pay a civil settlement of $300,000 and follow regulatory and reporting requirements established by the DEA.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martella.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months’ imprisonment and 15 years of supervised release on his conviction of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jack Brian LaForte, 56, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Mr. LaForte for violations of online child exploitation offenses after receiving information about an individual who had uploaded an image depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents were able to trace the upload of this child sexual abuse material to Mr. LaForte’s residence in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Upon executing a search warrant at Mr. LaForte’s residence in June 2019, Agents seized a laptop computer from Mr. LaForte that contained material, namely videos, of minors engaging in the lewd and lascivious display of their genitals, as well as engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child sexual abuse material recovered from Mr. LaForte’s computer included videos depicting prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age. At that time, Mr. LaForte spoke to agents and admitted to engaging in the criminal conduct.

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

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

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 Fayette County, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervised release on charges of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to forfeit to the United States approximately $926,940, and additional funds she maintained in a 401K retirement account held by her employer, Grandview Medical Management. She was also ordered to make restitution to the IRS totaling $270,426.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Cynthia L. Demniak, 60, of Leckrone, PA.

The government represented to the court that between 2013 and 2018. Demniak, in her position as office manager for Grandview Medical Management located in Uniontown, PA, embezzled approximately $926,940 from her employer, which she used for personal expenses and to satisfy a gambling addiction. The court was also advised that for tax years 2013 through 2018, Demniak materially underreported the embezzled income from Grandview Medical Center on her federal income tax returns.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service are conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution and conviction of Cynthia L. Demniak.

Erie, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of filing false income tax returns and aiding and assisting the filing of false and fraudulent income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Andrea Jones, 52, pleaded guilty to fourteen counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones prepared and filed false federal income tax returns for herself and others, who used her as their return preparer, for tax years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 42 years in prison, a fine of $3,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Jones on bond.

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to unlawfully exporting firearm ammunition magazines, smuggling goods from the United States, and possessing unregistered firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Donald Robert Witherow, 47, 6661 Buffalo Road, Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, in September 2019, Witherow, without first obtaining the required approval, sent ammunition and ammunition magazines to the Netherlands. In addition, on March 26, 2020, Witherow possessed unregistered firearms, namely destructive devices.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA), headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, has been charged by criminal information in federal court and a former supervisor has been indicted for violating the Clean Water Act, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has been charged and will plead guilty to one count of violating its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (the NPDES Permit) by discharging sludge into the Allegheny River. The Authority will also plead guilty to seven counts of making false statements in written reports about the amount of sludge it was sending the ALCOSAN’s waste treatment facility. Under the terms of the plea agreement, PWSA will agree to adhere to the terms of a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Program to correct the violations of federal law and to prevent further unlawful pollution of the Allegheny River.

In a related matter, former Aspinwall Drinking Water Treatment Plant supervisor Glenn Lijewski, 69, of Pittsburgh, was indicted on November 12, 2020, and charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act and two counts of violating the PWSA’s Clean Water Act Industrial User Permit. The indictment alleges that Lijewski was directly responsible for the unauthorized discharge of clarifier sludge into the Allegheny River in violation of the PWSA’s NPDES Permit. It further alleges Lijewski directed other plant employees to discharge sludge into the river. Finally, the indictment alleges Lijewski directed employees to use estimated sludge flow numbers instead of actual numbers, and that the use of these estimated numbers violated PWSA’s Industrial User Permit.

"For seven years, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has failed to meet its public trust obligations in complying with the Clean Water Act during the production of drinking water for the citizens of Pittsburgh," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Today’s criminal charges shed light on years of mismanagement and malfeasance. The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency are committed to protecting you and your families by ensuring that the water you drink is produced safely and that the area’s rivers are not polluted with waste."

"The people of Pittsburgh deserve and expect local utilities to obey environmental requirements that protect natural resources," said EPA Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn. "The defendants in this case are accused of dumping sludge into the Allegheny River. Today’s charges show that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing regulations that help protect our communities from environmental and health hazards."

The Criminal Information filed today alleges that PWSA violated its NPDES Permit when its employees at the Aspinwall Drinking Water Treatment Plant discharged sludge generated during the drinking water treatment process into the Allegheny River. During this process various chemicals are added to water drawn from the Allegheny River. These chemicals cause small particles suspended in the water to clump together. Afterwards, the partially treated water is transferred to two large sedimentation basins where solids and debris settle out. The water is then transferred back to the Aspinwall Plant where it was subjected to a clarification process. This took place in a facility known as the Clarifier Building, which contains four large concrete basins known as clarifiers. The addition of chemicals to the water promoted the generation of additional clumps of solids which settled on the bottom of each clarifier and were pumped to a large concrete structure located near the banks of the Allegheny River. The solids were referred to as sludge and the large concrete pit was referred to as "the sludge pit," "the ALCOSAN pit," or "FM-5." FM-5 had pipes that led to the Allegheny River and sewer line.

Under the terms of its NPDES Permit, PWSA was only permitted to discharge storm runoff water and partially treated drinking water that needed to be emptied out of a clarifier prior to cleaning and repairs. That water was referred to as "clarifier blowdown." PWSA was not permitted to discharge clarifier sludge into the Allegheny River.

Instead, between 2010 and May 2017, PWSA employees and supervisors at the Aspinwall Plant diverted and discharged sludge into the Allegheny River. By using electronic or manual controls at FM- 5, the employees caused the sludge to flow from FM-5 to a discharge point known as Outfall 012 and then into the Allegheny River.

At various points, plumes of discolored water, some of which were several hundred feet long, and solids were visible in the river. Over time, the sludge discharge resulted in a buildup of solids. Employees at the Aspinwall Plant referred to the buildup as an island. Birds were also observed walking on the island when the river levels were low. The river’s currents dissipated the island over time, but the island would reappear when new discharges occurred.

PWSA had also been issued a Clean Water Act Industrial User Permit by ALCOSAN. Under the terms of this permit, PWSA was permitted to ship one million gallons of sludge per day to ALCOSAN’s waste treatment facility. The permit required PWSA to determine the daily amount of sludge through the use of a meter. PWSA installed flow meters at FM-5 and at the clarifier basins. The readings from the meters had to be included in bi-annual reports PWSA was required to submit under the penalties of perjury to ALCOSAN.

The flow meters at two of the clarifier basins broke in or around late December 2014 or early January 2015. The meter at FM-5 also broke and was inactive by early 2015. As a result, PWSA supervisors at the plant instructed the plant’s operators to estimate the amount of sludge flowing from the clarifier basins to FM-5 and from there to the ALCOSAN facility. These estimates were also included in the reports PWSA sent to ALCOSAN. These reports also represented that PWSA’s employees periodically checked the calibration of the sludge flow meters to ensure they were within factory limits.

Each report was signed by a PWSA representative as being "true, accurate, and complete."

In July 2019, PWSA’s management obtained approval from PWSA’s Board of Directors for funds in "the amount of $47,852,71 to furnish and install four new flow meters for the sludge valves associated with each of the four clarifiers at the Aspinwall Water Treatment Plant." On January 15, 2020, investigators from the EPA, an attorney from the United States Attorney’s Office, and an attorney from EPA, Criminal Enforcement visited the Aspinwall Plant to interview employees and tour the facility. Part of the tour included a walk through the Clarifier Building and past the meters. No mention as to the inoperability of the meters was made. The following day, two of PWSA’s employees informed the investigators and the prosecutors that two of the meters were broken and had been for years. In February 2020, PWSA replaced the sludge flow meters, more than five years after they had broken.

Under the terms of the plea agreement PWSA will be placed on probation for a period of three years. In lieu of a fine, PWSA will be required to pay $500,000 into a self-funded Compliance Fund. Under the terms of the plea agreement, PWSA is not permitted to use the fund’s cost as a justification for any rate increase proposal it may submit to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The fund will be used to pay for comprehensive environmental compliance program to which PWSA must adhere. This program will be subject to the approval of the United States Attorney’s Office and will focus on the production of drinking water; PWSA’s compliance with it NPDES and Industrial User Permits; and the proper storage of chemicals at the plant. The United States Attorney’s Office and the EPA will monitor implementation of the plan during PWSA’s period of probation. PWSA will also be required to provide annual environmental audits to the United States Attorney’s Office and the EPA. These audits will also be available on the Authority’s website for the public’s benefit. PWSA will also be required to install an Environmental Compliance Manager at the Aspinwall Plant. This individual will be authorized to receive complaints and conduct investigations concerning environmental issues occurring at the plant.

For Lijewski, the law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of five years as to the Conspiracy count and three years for a violation of a Clean Water Act Industrial User Permit. There are also potential fines associated with these crimes. 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 defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory and Martin Harrell, a criminal enforcement attorney with EPA Region 3 Office of Regional Counsel, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 32 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Dennis Alan Riggs, 51.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that Riggs, a prohibited felon, possessed seven firearms and over 1000 rounds of ammunition, including an AR-15, a semi-automatic weapon capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.

The search of Riggs’ residence and cellular phone revealed Riggs’ obsession with Nazi ideology, Adolf Hitler and mass shooters. His cellular phone displayed photographs and videos of Riggs posing with the AR-15 wearing a Nazi Swastika shirt. The video specifically depicts Riggs cocking the illegal AR-15 and performing the Nazi "Heil Hitler salute", which Judge Colville indicated "exceeds the bounds of mere political expression".

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government money, Social Security fraud, and Social Security representative payee misuse, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

John Robert Mahoney, age 53, of pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mahoney applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) be the representative payee for his minor child and receive Social Security Title II survivor benefits and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on her behalf. As a representative payee, Mahoney was required to report to the SSA if his child left his household and was required to use SSA funds for the child’s benefit or save them.

In October 2015, Mahoney’s child was removed from his custody, and he failed to report the removal to the SSA as required. Mahoney continued to receive Title XVI payments on behalf of the child until December 2017 and Title II payments until April 2018. He also submitted a Representative Payee Report to SSA in which he falsely stated that the child had resided with him the prior year. Mahoney used money he received from SSA to pay his rent rather than for the child’s benefit. The overpayment by the SSA to Mahoney was $22,611.62.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2021. For the offense of theft of government money, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. For each offense of Social Security fraud and Social Security representative payee misuse, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Kendre Cain, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 20, 2020, the defendant possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute and a firearm, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. 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. The Indictment further alleges that the firearm, which had an obliterated serial number, was possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 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 remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Nanty Glo, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Seth Long, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 3, 2020, Long was found in possession of numerous firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Further, on or about June 3, 2020, Long possessed with intent to distribute quantities of a mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of methylenedioxymethampehtamine (MDMA), heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine and ketamine.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years up to life in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

WASHINGTON – A Pennsylvania man has been indicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania for violating the Lacey Act. 

The three-count indictment charged Anthony Nguyen, aka JoJo Nguyen and Jackie Lee, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with trafficking in endangered Asian arowana and invasive snakehead fish. Nguyen owned and operated a Pittsburgh business specializing in the sale of rare and exotic freshwater tropical fish species.

"Snakeheads present a serious risk to our native ecosystems," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. "These fish are prohibited for a reason. They are voracious predators, can live out of water for days, can move across land, and can wipe out the native species that inhabit freshwaters of the United States."

"The illegal trafficking of endangered and invasive wildlife represents a serious threat to our critical ecosystems," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania. "I commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement for their investigation of this matter. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those individuals who engage in the illegal selling of wildlife."

According to the indictment, Nguyen violated the Lacey Act in 2016 when he sold illegally imported Asian arowana, which are native to Southeast Asia and are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Arowana, also known as "dragon fish" or "Asian bonytongue fish," are considered the most expensive freshwater fish on earth, with highly sought-after specimens selling for tens of thousands of dollars. Arowana are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), which is reserved for the most endangered species of fish and wildlife.

Nguyen was also charged under the Lacey Act for selling invasive injurious snakehead fish in 2019, in violation of Pennsylvania law, and for falsifying documents related to the snakehead shipment. Snakeheads are native to Asia, but have been introduced into freshwater habitats in the U.S.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also provided assistance during the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

A Pennsylvania man has been indicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania for violating the Lacey Act.

The three-count indictment charged Anthony Nguyen, aka JoJo Nguyen and Jackie Lee, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with trafficking in endangered Asian arowana and invasive snakehead fish.  Nguyen owned and operated a Pittsburgh business specializing in the sale of rare and exotic freshwater tropical fish species.

“Snakeheads present a serious risk to our native ecosystems,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.  “These fish are prohibited for a reason.  They are voracious predators, can live out of water for days, can move across land, and can wipe out the native species that inhabit freshwaters of the United States.” 

“The illegal trafficking of endangered and invasive wildlife represents a serious threat to our critical ecosystems,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “I commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement for their investigation of this matter.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those individuals who engage in the illegal selling of wildlife.”

According to the indictment, Nguyen violated the Lacey Act in 2016 when he sold illegally imported Asian arowana, which are native to Southeast Asia and are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Arowana, also known as “dragon fish” or “Asian bonytongue fish,” are considered the most expensive freshwater fish on earth, with highly sought-after specimens selling for tens of thousands of dollars.  Arowana are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), which is reserved for the most endangered species of fish and wildlife.

Nguyen was also charged under the Lacey Act for selling invasive injurious snakehead fish in 2019, in violation of Pennsylvania law, and for falsifying documents related to the snakehead shipment.  Snakeheads are native to Asia, but have been introduced into freshwater habitats in the U.S. 

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.  The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also provided assistance during the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Home, Pennsylvania, and a federal detainee housed at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ) have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to a bribery conspiracy involving smuggled contraband cellphones, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Indictment, returned on November 13 and unsealed today, charges Alex Lewis, 25, and Rashon Richardson, 30, with conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, and use of a facility in interstate commerce in aid of bribery. Lewis is also charged with extortion under color of official right.

According to the Indictment, between June and August 2019, Lewis accepted multiple bribes from Rashon Richardson, while Lewis was employed as a corrections officer and Richardson was a federal detainee housed at ICJ pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service. As part of the conspiracy, the Indictment alleges Richardson used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet with Lewis and pay bribes in the form of cash and, on one occasion, via a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. In return for the bribe payments, Lewis allegedly smuggled multiple contraband cellphones into ICJ for use by Richardson and other federal detainees housed at the facility.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 15 years for the bribery charges, 20 years for the extortion under color of official right charge, and five years for the use of facilities in interstate commerce in aid of bribery charge. The maximum fine per count in this case is $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - Thomas Hopes was sentenced to 41 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug-trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Hopes, age 29, formerly of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that 15 months of the 41-month prison sentence be served consecutively to the federal prison sentence Hopes was serving at the time of the crime. Hopes’s prior federal prison sentence was for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin. He was serving that sentence at FCI-Elkton in Ohio when he committed the money-laundering crime between 2017 and 2019.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

 

 

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on child sexual exploitation charges and for making threatening interstate communications with the intent to extort, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Markell Smith, age 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 31, 2018, Smith transmitted a communication containing a threat to injure the person, property, and reputation of Minor 1, a minor female resident of New Jersey, and her family. The Indictment further alleges that on that day, Smith attempted to and did coerce and induce Minor 1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual image and received and attempted to receive a visual depiction of Minor 1 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Indictment also alleges that on November 8, 2019, Smith possessed other visual depictions, namely videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Red Bank (New Jersey) Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between June 2017 and December 2017, Thompson possessed and used fraudulent mobile device coupons at numerous Kmart stores in approximately 25 states. Thompson used the fraudulent coupons to purchase third party gift cards and prepaid credit cards. The total loss to Kmart was approximately $94,977.50.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court permitted Thompson to remain free on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tanya Thompson a/k/a Tanya Wetzel.

PITTSBURGH – A couple from Miami, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on September 23, 2020, named Samuel T. Johnson, 31, and Daphne Debrosse, 30, as defendants.

According to the Indictment and information presented to the court, Johnson, Debrosse, and others conspired to defraud Verizon Wireless by fraudulently obtaining new, in-box cellular devices and reselling them on the illicit market. Through various means, Johnson was able to compromise existing Verizon accounts and charge the various devices to them. Johnson also created fraudulent accounts and charged devices to those as well. Afterwards, Johnson, Debrosse, and other others would retrieve the purloined devices from various Apple Stores and other third-party vendors, located throughout the United States. Johnson, Debrosse, and others would then resell them.

According to information presented in court, the conspiracy illegally obtained approximately 2,941 devices worth approximately $3,398,394.21. The devices were purchased in the names of various aliases. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the apartment Johnson and Debrosse shared, they recovered currency totaling $619,184.00, which was seized. Law enforcement also initiated forfeiture proceedings against a 2019 Lamborghini Urus that Johnson had purchased on the grounds that it had been bought with illegal proceeds. The court also received information that Johnson and Debrosse conspired to commit money laundering by depositing the fraud proceeds into 13 different bank accounts. Between January 2017 and April 2019, a total of $813,227.59 was deposited into the accounts. Johnson used some this money to further the wire fraud conspiracy to pay for traveling expenses when he retrieved the illegally obtained cellular devices. The court received information that Johnson traveled to 21 different states during the conspiracy’s existence to obtain the phones.

At the conclusion of a detention hearing held on November 5, 2020, Chief United States Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan in the Southern District of Florida ruled that Johnson was to be detained pending trial on the grounds that he constituted a flight risk

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $6,796,788.00 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 Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of Verizon Global Corporate Security Solutions and Apple Global Security Loss Prevention, 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 former resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Nathan L. Troup, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, Troup attempted to induce, entice and persuade an undercover investigator posing as a fifteen year old male to engage in illegal sexual activity and then traveled to Ohio for the purpose of meeting the purported fifteen year old for illegal sexual activity. Troup also sent pictures of his exposed penis to the undercover investigator posing as a fifteen year old.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Indiana, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release on his conviction of a violation of federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Justin Kromer, age 31.

According to information presented to the court, on March 30, 2016, Kromer possessed and distributed stamp bags marked with "Block Party" and containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual with the initials J.W. On March 30, 2016, J.W. overdosed and died from using the controlled substances. As part of his guilty plea, Kromer accepted responsibility for causing J.W.’s death.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Offices of the District Attorneys of Allegheny and Indiana Counties, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kromer.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Rico Taylor, 35.

According to information presented to the Court, in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

Intercepted communications revealed that Mr. Taylor was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Specifically, Mr. Taylor served as a source of supply of heroin and fentanyl for Christopher Highsmith, who is among the most culpable co-defendants. As a condition of his guilty plea on April 29, 2020, Mr. Rico accepted responsibility for possessing with the intent to distribute 39 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF.  OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.  It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice.  By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking,  money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court on charges related to federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Clayton Sowell, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, before United States District Judge Jagan N. Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the early evening of December 19, 2019, Pittsburgh Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Clayton Sowell. During the traffic stop, officers recovered a loaded handgun containing 17 rounds of ammunition in the driver’s side door.

The court was further advised that in the late morning of April 28, 2020, an officer of the Penn Hills Police Department conducted a separate traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Mr. Sowell. During the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered a loaded handgun containing 18 rounds of ammunition in Mr. Sowell’s front waistband.

Finally, the Court was advised that Mr. Sowell has two prior felony convictions. On May 21, 2012, Mr. Sowell pled guilty to Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer in the Court of Common Pleas, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On June 20, 2016, Mr. Sowell pled guilty to Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License in the Court of Common Pleas, County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021, at 10:00 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Sowell remains detained pending sentencing.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to serve a total of 72 months’ imprisonment followed by 36 months’ supervised release on his convictions for violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Julius Maurice Hurt, 35, formerly of Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, who was convicted of possessing quantities of heroin and cocaine intending to redistribute those substances, and possessing firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented to the court, in the early morning hours of May 3, 2017, Waynesburg Borough Police Officers were dispatched to the area in and around the Greene County Courthouse based on 911 calls that an individual, later determined to be Mr. Hurt, was observed carrying firearms. The responding officers located Mr. Hurt in that area and found him in possession of two loaded firearms (a .45 caliber Colt pistol and a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol). On his person, police found quantities of cocaine and heroin, which Mr. Hurt admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute. In Mr. Hurt’s Waynesburg residence, the state police found drug paraphernalia commonly used to package heroin and cocaine for further distribution. In connection with his guilty plea, Mr. Hurt admitted to possessing the firearms in furtherance of the charged drug trafficking offense.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Waynesburg Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Hurt.

PITTSBURGH – Dorian Dawson was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months (142 months) in prison for fentanyl trafficking while on state parole for prior heroin trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dawson, age 31, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge David S. Cercone. Judge Cercone also sentenced Dawson to serve six years of supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence.

On October 17, 2016, Dawson was arrested for trafficking fentanyl as a result of an investigation into the overdose death of one of his customers earlier that day. At the time, Dawson was on state parole following a four-year to 10-year state prison sentence that was imposed in 2012 for heroin trafficking. Dawson was convicted of heroin trafficking four times in four state prosecutions between 2010 and 2012.

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

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Brentwood Police Department conducted the investigation in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute heroin and aiding in the preparation of false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on David Francis, age 69. 

According to information presented to the court, Francis was the owner and operator of Next Step Recovery Housing, LLC, a purported drug rehabilitation center, located in McKees Rocks, PA. While operating Next Step Recovery Housing, the defendant also conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin with suppliers from New York City, codefendants William Rosario and Jose Ortega, from November 2016 through February 2017. Francis redistributed the heroin that he obtained from Rosario and Ortega to his own customers, many of whom were current or former clients of Next Step Recovery Housing. During the same timeframe, Francis was also the owner and operator of All Personal Matters, an income tax return preparation business. Through All Personal Matters, Francis aided in the preparation and filing of fraudulent federal income tax returns on behalf of clients of All Personal Matters, resulting in a loss to the Internal Revenue Service of $1,681,607.54. Francis funded the heroin trafficking operations, in part, through the money he unlawfully obtained through the scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that the sentence satisfied the goals of punishment, rehabilitation and deterrence.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Monroeville Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Ingram Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monaca Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Francis.

PITTSBURGH - Michael S. Frawley pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Frawley, age 49, formerly a resident of Allegheny County, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on March 3, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Frawley was serving a federal prison sentence for a prior cocaine-trafficking conviction when he committed the additional drug-trafficking crime to which he pled guilty.

The law provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $8,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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 part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count Indictment named Ryan Matthew Holden, 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, Holden used Instagram to induce a minor female to provide him sexually explicit images and sent images of his penis to the minor victim. Holden also sent images of child pornography to the minor victim. Holden also received and possessed thousands of other items of child pornography.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $1,750,000, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Western Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court on convictions of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence of twelve months plus one day of imprisonment, and three years of supervised release, on Gregory Luptak, 52, of North Huntingdon, PA.

According to information presented to the Court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh. Law enforcement identified several individuals who were illegally distributing controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as members of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled "SCO" and whose leader was identified as Howard McFadden.

In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wiretap investigation, which continued through May of 2019. As a result of this investigation, Luptak, along with 32 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.

The Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Luptak obtained large quantities of heroin, which he distributed to others in and around the North Huntingdon area. Luptak informed the Court that he would sell the heroin to his drug customers at a mark-up so that he could buy more heroin for himself. On at least one occasion, law enforcement observed Luptak meet McFadden at a stash house location on Seddon Avenue in Braddock to conduct a drug transaction.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the multi-agency team, which was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moore. Partners in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies included the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Scott W. Brady, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, today announced that the number of cases being prosecuted by the district reached another all-time record high in fiscal year 2020.

From October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, the office filed cases against 757 defendants, an increase of 67% versus FY 2016. The total number of drug defendants prosecuted reached 376, a 122% increase versus FY 2016. The total number of firearms defendants prosecuted was 187, a 78% increase versus FY 2016.

All numbers represent the most defendants prosecuted in any one year in the history of the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the cases filed against defendants in the last fiscal year also exceeded FY 2019’s record amounts. The total number of defendants prosecuted last year vs. FY 2019 increased by 14%; the number of drug defendants increased by 22%; and the number of firearms defendants increased by 50%.

"The commitment of the men and women of the US Attorney’s Office to the safety of our region is nothing short of remarkable," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "Despite a global pandemic and grand jury being shut down for two months this year, our office has prosecuted a record number of total defendants, drug dealers and violent felons federally."

Brady continued: "I believe there is a direct, linear and causal relationship between the number of violent felons that our federal prosecutions remove from communities they are terrorizing, and how safe our neighbors are. We have just completed the two most productive years in the history of this office, and as the head of this office, I am proud that western PA families and their loved ones have safer communities in which to live and flourish than they did in 2016."

U.S. Attorney Brady highlighted seven significant cases involving drug trafficking organizations and the violence associated with these groups, all of which were charged federally and arrested/dismantled during the COVID-19 pandemic:

"OPERATION RENTS DUE" - In May and June 2020, 22 total people were charged with drug conspiracy and firearms violations following an intensive investigation into the narcotics trafficking activities of a neighborhood street gang, known as "11 Hunnit", operating in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood and beyond.

"OPERATION CRYSTAL HIGHWAY" - In June 2020, an indictment was returned charging 38 residents of Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and Erie Counties with narcotics trafficking, money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms. The organization was bringing kilo quantities of methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution throughout north central Pennsylvania.

"OPERATION COPPER BEACH" - In June 2020, 19 Pennsylvania residents were indicted for their roles in a Philadelphia-to-Indiana County drug trafficking network that distributed methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine, primarily in Indiana County.

"OPERATION NORTH COUNTRY" – In June 2020, 9 members of a significant Philadelphia-to-Butler drug organization whose pipeline brought fentanyl, heroin and cocaine into Butler communities, including near neighborhood playgrounds and schools, were charged.

"OPERATION BEELINE" - In August 2020, 26 residents of western Pennsylvania were charged following a wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and gun violence by a street gang known as the "Shot Boyz", who were wreaking havoc in Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood.

"OPERATION NO MERCY" - In September 2020, 13 members of a drug trafficking organization based in New Castle, PA were indicted for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. The organization’s source of supply was traced to a cartel in Mexico.

"OPERATION TRIPWIRE" – In September 2020, 27 members of an international drug trafficking organization were indicted, following an investigation that dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking pipeline that brought hundreds of kilos of cocaine from Mexican cartels, into the United States through California and Arizona, and across the country to the streets of Pittsburgh.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Joseph Edward Schwenk, 68, 61 Parade Street, Apt. 201, Union City, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2018 to May 2020, Schwenk received and possessed computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

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

Harrisburg, Pa – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and Pennsylvania Director of Homeland Security Marcus Brown recently met with Pennsylvania’s three United States Attorneys and FBI agents from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to review security and preparations for the Nov. 3 general election.

United States Attorneys Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania, David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania participated in the Oct. 2 meeting, along with FBI Special Agents in Charge Michael Driscoll of the Philadelphia Field Office and Michael Christman of the Pittsburgh Field Office. 

“Strong collaboration and communication between our federal, state, and local partners is key to ensuring that we protect every Pennsylvanian’s right to vote and maintain confidence in a safe, secure and accurate election,” said Secretary Boockvar.  “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss these critical issues and expand our partnerships. We are also in close coordination with other key agencies such as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, all 67 counties across the commonwealth, and many other state and federal security and elections partners, to ensure a free and fair election for every Pennsylvanian.”

During the meeting, the officials discussed their shared commitment to ensuring the safety, security and integrity of the election for all Pennsylvanians and areas where they can continue to collaborate to strengthen protections in advance of and on election day.

“To maintain ordered liberty and the consent of the people, we must ensure that our elections are free and fair – both in reality and in the public’s perception,” U.S. Attorney Brady said. “This meeting was an important opportunity to work with the Secretary, my fellow U.S. Attorneys, and the FBI to discuss statewide and regional issues.  With a stronger understanding of each other’s efforts, we are all in a better position to work toward the free and fair election that Pennsylvanians deserve.” 

The Department of State has collaborated with the U.S. Attorneys and the FBI on election security and preparedness in the past.

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Secretary Boockvar and her team to discuss the upcoming general election,” U.S. Attorney Freed said.  “From our office based in Harrisburg, we have worked closely, along with our colleagues from the FBI, with Pennsylvania Department of State elections staff on previous elections. This year will be no different.  Our discussion and information sharing will further the joint goal of ensuring a free, fair and safe general election in Pennsylvania.”

In July 2018, the Inter-Agency Election Preparedness and Security Workgroup was created to ensure Pennsylvania meets the highest standards of election preparedness and integrity and to coordinate election security. The member agencies include the Departments of State and Military and Veterans Affairs, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police and the offices of Administration, Governor, Homeland Security and State Inspector General.

“Coordination between our federal, state and local election officials, emergency managers and law enforcement is how Pennsylvania is ensuring our election is as safe as possible,” said Marcus L. Brown, director of the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security. “On the state level, the Election Security and Preparedness Interagency Workgroup is the forum that we have been using for the last several years to strategically identify election security gaps and then develop solutions.”

The commonwealth also works with all 67 county boards of elections, the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Center for Internet Security and other key partners to maintain and enhance the security of Pennsylvania’s election process.  Pennsylvania uses a layered set of defenses to protect its voting systems, which are never connected to the internet nor permitted on internet-facing networks.

“Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and therefore safeguarding their integrity is critical to the health of our Republic.  Pennsylvanians can rest assured that their federal and state officials are working together– as they should be – on this shared mission,” U.S. Attorney McSwain said. “As President Lincoln once put it: ‘elections belong to the people.’  We will work tirelessly to give meaning to that simple but profound statement.”

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Phillip John Dechant, 37, 739 Buffalo Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about April 22, 2020, Dechant possessed numerous firearms while being a convicted felon.

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 Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to her theft of Social Security benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment charges Jacqueline Waters, 55, with one count of theft of government property, one count of make a false statement to retain Social Security Income benefits, and one count of fraudulent concealment to retain Social Security Income benefits. According to the Indictment, between July 2004 and July 2018, Waters concealed from the Social Security Administration a common law marriage that would have affected her continued eligibility for Social Security Income benefits by repeatedly failing to disclose that she lived with her spouse, including during a Social Security redetermination on or about May 14, 2018.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison for theft of government property and five years in prison for the false statement and fraudulent concealment charges. The maximum fine per count is $250,000. 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 Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Social Security Administration – 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, PA - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of misappropriation of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") beneficiary funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment charges Andrew Ziacik, 57, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, Ziacik was appointed as a Federal Fiduciary for a VA beneficiary and, as such, was responsible for receiving the beneficiary’s VA income and ensuring the beneficiary’s debts were paid. The Indictment further charges that Ziacik engaged in a pattern of conduct between July 2013 and late 2017 that violated his Fiduciary Agreement, including by making approximately $25,000 in unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals from the beneficiary’s VA bank account and transferring approximately $135,000 of the beneficiary’s VA benefits to Ziacik’s personal bank accounts. In addition, the Indictment alleges that the defendant misused the beneficiary’s VA benefits for his personal benefit including through financing payments made to Harley Davidson, the purchase of a diamond ring, and the purchase of a GMC truck, all in violation of Ziacik’s Fiduciary Agreement. Moreover, the Indictment also alleges that Ziacik failed to maintain accurate records and receipts related to the disposition of the beneficiary’s VA benefits, as required. and failed to provide complete and accurate records in response to a formal accounting initiated by the VA.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five (5) years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 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, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jonathan Laur, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Laur and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment. The defendant ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 12 grams of heroin and fentanyl.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications revealed that the defendant distributed bag and bundle level quantities on behalf of a co-conspirator. Additionally, law enforcement arrested Mr. Laur in June 2019 while he was in possession of narcotics he had just obtained from a co-conspirator. Mr. Laur ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 12 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area as a condition of the plea.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2021 at 10:30 am. 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. Mr. Laur remains in detention pending the sentencing hearing.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

PITTSBURGH – Brandon Massie was sentenced to 15 months in prison for conspiring to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids) while serving a federal prison sentence in 2017, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Massie, age 35, formerly of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the prison sentence Massie was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Massie serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Massie was incarcerated at the federal prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania, when he conspired to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids). He was serving a prison sentence at that time for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

The Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) announced that it has awarded almost $4 million to support the establishment or expansion of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs that offer medical forensic care, advocacy and other victim services to sexual assault survivors on campuses of higher education. OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan made the announcement during a roundtable discussion with U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady, OVC Director Jessica E. Hart, Dean of Duquesne University School of Nursing Mary Ellen Glasgow, and law enforcement leaders from Pittsburgh and surrounding jurisdictions.

“Victims of sexual assault deserve the best of care, including expert medical forensic attention that can help close out cases and bring perpetrators to justice,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sullivan. “These grants will build a cadre of skilled medical professionals capable of responding immediately and holistically to the needs of sexual assault survivors. Making SANE Nurse positions available on college campus will help ensure survivors receive the trauma informed care they deserve and vital forensic evidence will be collected to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”

“Nurses serving on the front lines of our communities are often the first to respond to and treat victims of sexual assault,” said U.S. Attorney Brady. “Far too many victims endure the physical and emotional trauma of a sexual assault only to wait long hours and have forensic exams conducted by personnel who lack the appropriate training and experience in forensic evidence collection. These SANE grants will allow our universities to create a pipeline of highly-skilled registered nurses to support victims of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable.”

This program will develop, expand or strengthen SANE services to improve the delivery of post-assault medical and advocacy services. Campuses will collaborate with victim service providers in the communities in which the institutions are located. If victim services programs are not available in the community or are not accessible to students, the institution will provide a victim services program on campus in collaboration with a community-based organization.

“Sexual assault is an appalling crime and an obscene violation of personal security and interpersonal trust,” said Director Hart. “The resources we are making available today will help institutions of higher learning bring comfort and relief to victims while widening the possibility for securing justice.”

OVC awarded $3,836,877 to eight institutions, listed below. Funds will help raise awareness and expand outreach about the SANE program and will provide more SANE services to survivors. Operational costs (including salaries and benefits for program staff), training and mentoring for aspiring and current SANEs and advocates, and equipment costs can be supported under this program. This program aims to respond to and empower sexual assault survivors while increasing perpetrator accountability.

• University of South Alabama, Alabama
  • Total Awarded $493,244
• Arizona Board of Regents, University of Arizona, Arizona
  • Total Awarded $499,382
• Duquesne University, Pennsylvania
  • Total Awarded $499,391
• The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  • Total Awarded $500,000
• The Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, South Carolina
  • Total Awarded $345,926
• Tennessee Technological University, Tennessee
  • Total Awarded $500,000
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas
  • Total Awarded $499,948
• The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin
  • Total Awarded $498,986

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The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W, Brady announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Eric G. Olshan and Lee J. Karl will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSAs Olshan and Karl have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "To maintain ordered liberty and the consent of the people, we must ensure that our elections are free and fair. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will be active and vigilant this election season to protect the integrity of the election process."

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Brady stated that AUSAs/DEOs Olshan and Karl will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Olshan can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 412-644-3500 or 412-894-7446. AUSA Karl can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 412-644-3500 or 412-894-7488.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 412-432-4000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

United States Attorney Brady added, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

PITTSBURGH, PA – On October 17, 2020, a resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to two years (24 months) in prison on his conviction of making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Karl Alexander, 79.

According to information provided to the court during the plea hearing, on Sept. 29, 2019, Alexander, an attorney and administrative law judge, knowingly made a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer when purchasing a Ruger AR556MPR AR-15 style rifle. Alexander admitted that he expressly lied on the ATF Form 4473 and answered "Yes" to the question: "Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm listed on this form?" In fact, Alexander was purchasing the firearm for a convicted felon, Dennis Alan Riggs. Alexander admitted that Riggs was with him for the purchase and that Riggs picked out the firearm and paid Alexander for the firearm. Alexander also admitted he agreed to purchase the weapon because of their personal relationship.

Riggs pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18, 2020.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that Mr. Alexander should have known better than to purchase the firearm for a known felon, especially in light of Mr. Alexander’s prior lengthy tenure as an Administrative Law Judge. In addition to 24 months in prison, Alexander was also sentenced to one year of supervised release and a fine of $10,000.00.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Brian M. Czarnecki prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in the case. Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Probation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

This case was brought as part of Project Guardian. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jajuan Cash, age 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 17, 2020, Cash possessed a firearm, specifically a Glock semi-automatic pistol, knowing he had been previously convicted of Aggravated Assault, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, on May 7, 2018. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. However, if it is determined that the defendant has three previous convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, then the term of imprisonment is not less than 15 years to a maximum of life imprisonment. 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 Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Lamar Middleton pled guilty to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Middleton, age 33, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Middleton was serving a federal prison sentence at FCI-Hazelton in West Virginia when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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 part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two homeless residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Elijah Sayon and Rexford Wright, both 23.

According to Indictment, on August 3, 2020, Sayon and Wright robbed a Sunoco gas station on Donner Avenue in Monessen, PA and a Marathon gas station on State Route 51 North in North Belle Vernon, PA. The Indictment further alleges that on August 4, 2020, Sayon and Wright robbed a GetGo on Steubenville Pike in Kennedy Township, PA and a 7-Eleven on Dry Run Road in Monongahela, PA. All four robberies were at gunpoint.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 80 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County Police Department, Monessen Police Department, and the Monongahela City 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 - A resident of McKees Rocks, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Lamont Benton, age 24, 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 in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

Benton was identified as a member of DS44 and a mid-level distributor, and in connection with his guilty plea, he accepted responsibility for distributing 39 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin. Mr. Benton is one of 40 defendants charged in the case.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Benton be detained.

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

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

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Devon Johnson-Brown, age 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 16, 2020, Johnson-Brown possessed a firearm, specifically a Remington semi-automatic pistol, knowing he had been previously convicted of a crime with punishment exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. However, if it is determined that the defendant has three previous convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, then the term of imprisonment is not less than 15 years to a maximum of life imprisonment. 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 Vasquez Schmitt 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.

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

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