Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six years’ (72 months’) imprisonment and seven years’ supervised release on his conviction of Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Michael Riley, age 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2, 2020 through March 3, 2020, Riley used a computer issued to him by his employer to knowingly receive and attempt to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, namely videos.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan 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 Riley.

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 – The former president of an Ohio healthcare management company waived indictment and pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Harold Sosna, age 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

"Sosna perpetrated a $59 million check kiting scheme that exploited banks throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "His greed and callousness caused significant financial harm to these community banks. Now he will be held accountable for these crimes. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we stand committed to protecting financial institutions from fraud."

"There is no question about it, this was a game for Mr. Sosna," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "He tried to game the system by floating money around to make it look like his accounts had millions of dollars in them. Instead, he committed large-scale fraud. One of the goals of the FBI is to safeguard the financial industry, which in turn protects the broader economy. We will investigate those who seek to defraud this system."

According to information provided to the Court, Sosna engaged in what is commonly known as "check kiting" scheme. The term "check kiting" refers to a form of check fraud which involves taking advantage of the float – the time between presentment of a check and the actual receipt of funds – to make use of non-existent funds in a checking or other bank account. The purpose of check kiting is to falsely inflate the balance of a checking account in order to allow written checks that would otherwise bounce to clear.

The court was advised that during the time of the check kite, Sosna was the president of Premier Healthcare Management (Premier), located in Blue Ash, Ohio. It owned and operated nine nursing care facilities in southern and central Ohio. Premiere provided in-facility, post-acute, and long-term care for individuals recovering from medical procedures, as well as assisted living services through various corporate entities. Each entity had a subsidiary relationship with Premier and operated individual bank accounts at various banks to include S&T Bank, headquartered in Indiana Pennsylvania, and First Financial Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

According to information provided during the plea hearing, Sosna wrote checks between various S&T Bank and First Financial Bank accounts under his control and associated with Premier, in increasing dollar amounts. This was done to manipulate the numerical balance in the accounts and thereby create the false and fraudulent appearance that the defendant had sufficient legitimate available funds in various accounts, and to trick the banks into honoring checks drawn against accounts with insufficient funds. Between May 15, 2020, and May 18, 2020, by writing and negotiating checks, Sosna, sent more than $118,000,000.00 through S&T Bank and First Financial Bank, which were unfunded amounts and were the equivalent of obtaining money from the banks without actual properly secured loans. A total of 203 checks were negotiated in execution of his scheme. S&T Bank incurred a loss of $59,240,000.00.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Jeffrey R. Bengel are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

On Oct. 15, 2020, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned an indictment charging six computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the Russian Federation (Russia) and officers in Unit 74455 of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), a military intelligence agency of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. 

These GRU hackers and their co-conspirators engaged in computer intrusions and attacks intended to support Russian government efforts to undermine, retaliate against, or otherwise destabilize: (1) Ukraine; (2) Georgia; (3) elections in France; (4) efforts to hold Russia accountable for its use of a weapons-grade nerve agent, Novichok, on foreign soil; and (5) the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games after Russian athletes were banned from participating under their nation’s flag, as a consequence of Russian government-sponsored doping effort. 

Their computer attacks used some of the world’s most destructive malware to date, including: KillDisk and Industroyer, which each caused blackouts in Ukraine; NotPetya, which caused nearly $1 billion in losses to the three victims identified in the indictment alone; and Olympic Destroyer, which disrupted thousands of computers used to support the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.  The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy, computer hacking, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false registration of a domain name.

According to the indictment, beginning in or around November 2015 and continuing until at least in or around October 2019, the defendants and their co-conspirators deployed destructive malware and took other disruptive actions, for the strategic benefit of Russia, through unauthorized access  to victim computers (hacking).  As alleged, the conspiracy was responsible for the following destructive, disruptive, or otherwise destabilizing computer intrusions and attacks:

• Ukrainian Government & Critical Infrastructure: December 2015 through December 2016 destructive malware attacks against Ukraine’s electric power grid, Ministry of Finance, and State Treasury Service, using malware known as BlackEnergy, Industroyer, and KillDisk;
• French Elections: April and May 2017 spearphishing campaigns and related hack-and-leak efforts targeting French President Macron’s “La République En Marche!” (En Marche!) political party, French politicians, and local French governments prior to the 2017 French elections;
• Worldwide Businesses and Critical Infrastructure (NotPetya): June 27, 2017 destructive malware attacks that infected computers worldwide using malware known as NotPetya, including hospitals and other medical facilities in the Heritage Valley Health System (Heritage Valley) in the Western District of Pennsylvania; a FedEx Corporation subsidiary, TNT Express B.V.; and a large U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturer, which together suffered nearly $1 billion in losses from the attacks;
• PyeongChang Winter Olympics Hosts, Participants, Partners, and Attendees: December 2017 through February 2018 spearphishing campaigns and malicious mobile applications targeting South Korean citizens and officials, Olympic athletes, partners, and visitors, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials;
• PyeongChang Winter Olympics IT Systems (Olympic Destroyer): December 2017 through February 2018 intrusions into computers supporting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, which culminated in the Feb. 9, 2018, destructive malware attack against the opening ceremony, using malware known as Olympic Destroyer;
• Novichok Poisoning Investigations: April 2018 spearphishing campaigns targeting investigations by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) into the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal, his daughter, and several U.K. citizens; and
• Georgian Companies and Government Entities: a 2018 spearphishing campaign targeting a major media company, 2019 efforts to compromise the network of Parliament, and a wide-ranging website defacement campaign in 2019.

Cybersecurity researchers have tracked the Conspirators and their malicious activity using the labels “Sandworm Team,” “Telebots,” “Voodoo Bear,” and “Iron Viking.”

The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers; FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich; U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady; and Special Agents in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Pittsburgh Field Offices, J.C. “Chris” Hacker, Melissa R. Godbold, and Michael A. Christman, respectively.

“No country has weaponized its cyber capabilities as maliciously or irresponsibly as Russia, wantonly causing unprecedented damage to pursue small tactical advantages and to satisfy fits of spite,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “Today the department has charged these Russian officers with conducting the most disruptive and destructive series of computer attacks ever attributed to a single group, including by unleashing the NotPetya malware.  No nation will recapture greatness while behaving in this way.”

“The FBI has repeatedly warned that Russia is a highly capable cyber adversary, and the information revealed in this indictment illustrates how pervasive and destructive Russia’s cyber activities truly are,” said FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich.  “But this indictment also highlights the FBI’s capabilities.  We have the tools to investigate these malicious malware attacks, identify the perpetrators, and then impose risks and consequences on them.  As demonstrated today, we will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the United States and its citizens.”

“For more than two years we have worked tirelessly to expose these Russian GRU Officers who engaged in a global campaign of hacking, disruption and destabilization, representing the most destructive and costly cyber-attacks in history,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “The crimes committed by Russian government officials were against real victims who suffered real harm.  We have an obligation to hold accountable those who commit crimes – no matter where they reside and no matter for whom they work – in order to seek justice on behalf of these victims.” 

“The exceptional talent and dedication of our teams in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Oklahoma City who spent years tracking these members of the GRU is unmatched,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Christman.  “These criminals underestimated the power of shared intelligence, resources and expertise through law enforcement, private sector and international partnerships.”

The defendants, Yuriy Sergeyevich Andrienko (Юрий Сергеевич Андриенко), 32; Sergey Vladimirovich Detistov (Сергей Владимирович Детистов), 35; Pavel Valeryevich Frolov (Павел Валерьевич Фролов), 28; Anatoliy Sergeyevich Kovalev (Анатолий Сергеевич Ковалев), 29; Artem Valeryevich Ochichenko (Артем Валерьевич Очиченко), 27; and Petr Nikolayevich Pliskin (Петр Николаевич Плискин), 32, are all charged in seven counts: conspiracy to conduct computer fraud and abuse, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, damaging protected computers, and aggravated identity theft.  Each defendant is charged in every count.  The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, however, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment accuses each defendant of committing the following overt acts in furtherance of the charged crimes:

Defendant

Summary of Overt Acts

Yuriy Sergeyevich Andrienko

·      Developed components of the NotPetya and Olympic Destroyer malware.

Sergey Vladimirovich Detistov

·      Developed components of the NotPetya malware; and

·      Prepared spearphishing campaigns targeting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. 

Pavel Valeryevich Frolov

·       Developed components of the KillDisk and NotPetya malware.

Anatoliy Sergeyevich Kovalev

·       Developed spearphishing techniques and messages used to target:

-       En Marche! officials;

-       employees of the DSTL;

-       members of the IOC and Olympic athletes; and

-       employees of a Georgian media entity.

Artem Valeryevich Ochichenko

·       Participated in spearphishing campaigns targeting 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games partners; and

·       Conducted technical reconnaissance of the Parliament of Georgia official domain and attempted to gain unauthorized access to its network.

Petr Nikolayevich Pliskin

·       Developed components of the NotPetya and Olympic Destroyer malware. 

The defendants and their co-conspirators caused damage and disruption to computer networks worldwide, including in France, Georgia, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The NotPetya malware, for example, spread worldwide, damaged computers used in critical infrastructure, and caused enormous financial losses.  Those losses were only part of the harm, however.  For example, the NotPetya malware impaired Heritage Valley’s provision of critical medical services to citizens of the Western District of Pennsylvania through its two hospitals, 60 offices, and 18 community satellite facilities.  The attack caused the unavailability of patient lists, patient history, physical examination files, and laboratory records.  Heritage Valley lost access to its mission-critical computer systems (such as those relating to cardiology, nuclear medicine, radiology, and surgery) for approximately one week and administrative computer systems for almost one month, thereby causing a threat to public health and safety.

The conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the two counts of wire fraud carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; intentional damage to a protected computer carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and the two counts of aggravated identity theft carry a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.  The indictment also alleges false registration of domain names, which would increase the maximum sentence of imprisonment for wire fraud to 27 years in prison; the maximum sentence of imprisonment for intentional damage to a protected computer to 17 years in prison; and the mandatory sentence of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft to four years in prison.  These maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress, however, and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the assigned judge will determine any sentence of a defendant.

Defendant Kovalev was previously charged in federal indictment number CR 18-215, in the District of Columbia, with conspiring to gain unauthorized access into the computers of U.S. persons and entities involved in the administration of the 2016 U.S. elections.

Trial Attorney Heather Alpino and Deputy Chief Sean Newell of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Eberle and Jessica Smolar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting this case.  The FBI’s Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Pittsburgh field offices conducted the investigation, with the assistance of the FBI’s Cyber Division.

The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in this case.  The department also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Ukrainian authorities, the Governments of the Republic of Korea and New Zealand, Georgian authorities, and the United Kingdom’s intelligence services, as well as many of the FBI’s Legal Attachés and other foreign authorities around the world.  Numerous victims cooperated and provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

The department is also grateful to Google, including its Threat Analysis Group (TAG); Cisco, including its Talos Intelligence Group; Facebook; and Twitter, for the assistance they provided in this investigation.  Some private sector companies independently disabled numerous accounts for violations of the companies’ terms of service.

PITTSBURGH – On Oct. 15, 2020, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned an indictment charging six computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the Russian Federation (Russia) and officers in Unit 74455 of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), a military intelligence agency of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. 

These GRU hackers and their co-conspirators engaged in computer intrusions and attacks intended to support Russian government efforts to undermine, retaliate against, or otherwise destabilize: (1) Ukraine; (2) Georgia; (3) elections in France; (4) efforts to hold Russia accountable for its use of a weapons-grade nerve agent, Novichok, on foreign soil; and (5) the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games after Russian athletes were banned from participating under their nation’s flag, as a consequence of Russian government-sponsored doping effort. 

Their computer attacks used some of the world’s most destructive malware to date, including: KillDisk and Industroyer, which each caused blackouts in Ukraine; NotPetya, which caused nearly $1 billion in losses to the three victims identified in the indictment alone; and Olympic Destroyer, which disrupted thousands of computers used to support the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.  The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy, computer hacking, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false registration of a domain name.

According to the indictment, beginning in or around November 2015 and continuing until at least in or around October 2019, the defendants and their co-conspirators deployed destructive malware and took other disruptive actions, for the strategic benefit of Russia, through unauthorized access  to victim computers (hacking).  As alleged, the conspiracy was responsible for the following destructive, disruptive, or otherwise destabilizing computer intrusions and attacks:

• Ukrainian Government & Critical Infrastructure: December 2015 through December 2016 destructive malware attacks against Ukraine’s electric power grid, Ministry of Finance, and State Treasury Service, using malware known as BlackEnergy, Industroyer, and KillDisk;
• French Elections: April and May 2017 spearphishing campaigns and related hack-and-leak efforts targeting French President Macron’s “La République En Marche!” (En Marche!) political party, French politicians, and local French governments prior to the 2017 French elections;
• Worldwide Businesses and Critical Infrastructure (NotPetya): June 27, 2017 destructive malware attacks that infected computers worldwide using malware known as NotPetya, including hospitals and other medical facilities in the Heritage Valley Health System (Heritage Valley) in the Western District of Pennsylvania; a FedEx Corporation subsidiary, TNT Express B.V.; and a large U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturer, which together suffered nearly $1 billion in losses from the attacks;
• PyeongChang Winter Olympics Hosts, Participants, Partners, and Attendees: December 2017 through February 2018 spearphishing campaigns and malicious mobile applications targeting South Korean citizens and officials, Olympic athletes, partners, and visitors, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials;
• PyeongChang Winter Olympics IT Systems (Olympic Destroyer): December 2017 through February 2018 intrusions into computers supporting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, which culminated in the Feb. 9, 2018, destructive malware attack against the opening ceremony, using malware known as Olympic Destroyer;
• Novichok Poisoning Investigations: April 2018 spearphishing campaigns targeting investigations by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) into the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal, his daughter, and several U.K. citizens; and
• Georgian Companies and Government Entities: a 2018 spearphishing campaign targeting a major media company, 2019 efforts to compromise the network of Parliament, and a wide-ranging website defacement campaign in 2019.

Cybersecurity researchers have tracked the Conspirators and their malicious activity using the labels “Sandworm Team,” “Telebots,” “Voodoo Bear,” and “Iron Viking.”

The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers; FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich; U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady; and Special Agents in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Pittsburgh Field Offices, J.C. “Chris” Hacker, Melissa R. Godbold, and Michael A. Christman, respectively.

“No country has weaponized its cyber capabilities as maliciously or irresponsibly as Russia, wantonly causing unprecedented damage to pursue small tactical advantages and to satisfy fits of spite,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “Today the department has charged these Russian officers with conducting the most disruptive and destructive series of computer attacks ever attributed to a single group, including by unleashing the NotPetya malware.  No nation will recapture greatness while behaving in this way.”

“The FBI has repeatedly warned that Russia is a highly capable cyber adversary, and the information revealed in this indictment illustrates how pervasive and destructive Russia’s cyber activities truly are,” said FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich.  “But this indictment also highlights the FBI’s capabilities.  We have the tools to investigate these malicious malware attacks, identify the perpetrators, and then impose risks and consequences on them.  As demonstrated today, we will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the United States and its citizens.”

“For more than two years we have worked tirelessly to expose these Russian GRU Officers who engaged in a global campaign of hacking, disruption and destabilization, representing the most destructive and costly cyber-attacks in history,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “The crimes committed by Russian government officials were against real victims who suffered real harm.  We have an obligation to hold accountable those who commit crimes – no matter where they reside and no matter for whom they work – in order to seek justice on behalf of these victims.” 

“The exceptional talent and dedication of our teams in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Oklahoma City who spent years tracking these members of the GRU is unmatched,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Christman.  “These criminals underestimated the power of shared intelligence, resources and expertise through law enforcement, private sector and international partnerships.”

The defendants, Yuriy Sergeyevich Andrienko (Юрий Сергеевич Андриенко), 32; Sergey Vladimirovich Detistov (Сергей Владимирович Детистов), 35; Pavel Valeryevich Frolov (Павел Валерьевич Фролов), 28; Anatoliy Sergeyevich Kovalev (Анатолий Сергеевич Ковалев), 29; Artem Valeryevich Ochichenko (Артем Валерьевич Очиченко), 27; and Petr Nikolayevich Pliskin (Петр Николаевич Плискин), 32, are all charged in seven counts: conspiracy to conduct computer fraud and abuse, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, damaging protected computers, and aggravated identity theft.  Each defendant is charged in every count.  The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, however, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment accuses each defendant of committing the following overt acts in furtherance of the charged crimes:

Defendant

Summary of Overt Acts

Yuriy Sergeyevich Andrienko

·      Developed components of the NotPetya and Olympic Destroyer malware.

Sergey Vladimirovich Detistov

·      Developed components of the NotPetya malware; and

·      Prepared spearphishing campaigns targeting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. 

Pavel Valeryevich Frolov

·       Developed components of the KillDisk and NotPetya malware.

Anatoliy Sergeyevich Kovalev

·       Developed spearphishing techniques and messages used to target:

-       En Marche! officials;

-       employees of the DSTL;

-       members of the IOC and Olympic athletes; and

-       employees of a Georgian media entity.

Artem Valeryevich Ochichenko

·       Participated in spearphishing campaigns targeting 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games partners; and

·       Conducted technical reconnaissance of the Parliament of Georgia official domain and attempted to gain unauthorized access to its network.

Petr Nikolayevich Pliskin

·       Developed components of the NotPetya and Olympic Destroyer malware. 

 

The defendants and their co-conspirators caused damage and disruption to computer networks worldwide, including in France, Georgia, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The NotPetya malware, for example, spread worldwide, damaged computers used in critical infrastructure, and caused enormous financial losses.  Those losses were only part of the harm, however.  For example, the NotPetya malware impaired Heritage Valley’s provision of critical medical services to citizens of the Western District of Pennsylvania through its two hospitals, 60 offices, and 18 community satellite facilities.  The attack caused the unavailability of patient lists, patient history, physical examination files, and laboratory records.  Heritage Valley lost access to its mission-critical computer systems (such as those relating to cardiology, nuclear medicine, radiology, and surgery) for approximately one week and administrative computer systems for almost one month, thereby causing a threat to public health and safety.

The conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the two counts of wire fraud carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; intentional damage to a protected computer carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and the two counts of aggravated identity theft carry a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.  The indictment also alleges false registration of domain names, which would increase the maximum sentence of imprisonment for wire fraud to 27 years in prison; the maximum sentence of imprisonment for intentional damage to a protected computer to 17 years in prison; and the mandatory sentence of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft to four years in prison.  These maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress, however, and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the assigned judge will determine any sentence of a defendant.

Defendant Kovalev was previously charged in federal indictment number CR 18-215, in the District of Columbia, with conspiring to gain unauthorized access into the computers of U.S. persons and entities involved in the administration of the 2016 U.S. elections.

Trial Attorney Heather Alpino and Deputy Chief Sean Newell of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Eberle and Jessica Smolar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting this case.  The FBI’s Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Pittsburgh field offices conducted the investigation, with the assistance of the FBI’s Cyber Division.

The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in this case.  The department also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Ukrainian authorities, the Governments of the Republic of Korea and New Zealand, Georgian partners, and the United Kingdom’s intelligence services, as well as many of the FBI’s Legal Attachés and other foreign authorities around the world.  Numerous victims cooperated and provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

The department is also grateful to Google, including its Threat Analysis Group (TAG); Cisco, including its Talos Intelligence Group; Facebook; and Twitter, for the assistance they provided in this investigation.  Some private sector companies independently disabled numerous accounts for violations of the companies’ terms of service.

NOTE: To view the unsealed indictment, click here. To view Exhibit A, click here.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Venetia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and other controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael Norman, age 48, 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.

Norman was identified as a low-level distributor, and in connection with his guilty plea, he accepted responsibility for distributing between 8 and 16 grams of fentanyl/heroin. Mr. Norman is one of 40 defendants charged in the case.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 permitted Norman to remain on bond.

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 Johnstown, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Malicious Destruction of Property by Fire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Mark A. Hutchison, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 12, 2018 Mark Hutchinson intentionally set a fire that destroyed a large commercial building located at 151-161 Fairfield Avenue in Johnstown. The building had recently been purchased by a limited liability corporation based in New York known as "JoJe." The seller was a company known as "Citrona," which had an office in Johnstown but was based in Florida. The contract of sale set the price at $200,000 for the building, plus $275,000 more to cover renovations to be undertaken by Citrona. The renovations were underway as of the time of the fire. The building was being renovated to permit the operation of a laundromat at street level and rental apartments upstairs. The insurance claim made by JoJe as a result of the fire was for $1.2 million.

ATF’s investigation of the scene resulted in a determination that the fire originated in the middle section of the left side of the building at street level. Nearby businesses had surveillance cameras in place at the time of the fire. One of the cameras captured a person near the left side door of the building that burned. That person can be seen carrying some type of light, walking away from the building, at approximately 4:45 a.m., which was approximately 15 minutes prior to the fire being reported by a passerby. Other cameras led the agents to identify a truck, owned by Citrona, leaving the nearby premises shortly after the person with the light walked away from the building. Follow up investigation revealed that Mark Hutchison, who was one of the workers renovating the building, had the truck that night.

The agents interviewed Hutchison, who admitted that he had set the fire, and admitted that he was the person caught on video with the light. It was the light from his cell phone. He explained that he had purchased kerosene from a nearby Sheetz a couple days prior to the fire and that he had poured and ignited that kerosene inside the building. He then exited the side door, got in the Citrona truck and drove away.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 11, 2021. 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.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mark A. Hutchison.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to ten years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Romone Barnes, age 34, formerly of the City of Washington, Washington County, PA.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 26, 2017, investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into fentanyl distribution by Mr. Barnes. The Court was advised that on that date, Mr. Barnes distributed five "bricks" – the equivalent to 400 dosage units – containing fentanyl, which is a scheduled controlled substance under federal law, to an informant working on behalf of law enforcement. Thereafter, Mr. Barnes was charged in a one-count Indictment with distribution of fentanyl. On September 25, 2017, in connection with his arrest for that offense, agents seized approximately ten grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl. In connection with his plea, Mr. Barnes admitted to possessing that controlled substance intending to redistribute it.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Barnes.

This case was prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of ten districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shawn Everett Daley, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Daly distributed and received computer movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. An examination of Daly’s digital devices and cloud storage accounts revealed the presence of thousands of movies depicting young children being sexually abused. Daly has a prior conviction in Pennsylvania for the indecent assault of two minor females. Daly’s plea agreement contains a binding sentencing provision whereby the parties agreed to a sentence of 24 years in jail to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

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

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 that led to the prosecution of Daly.

Fourteen members of the transnational criminal organization, QQAAZZ, were charged by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania in an indictment unsealed today.  A related indictment unsealed in October 2019 charged five members of QQAAZZ.  One additional conspirator, a Russian national, was arrested by criminal complaint in late March 2020 while visiting the United States, bringing the total number of charged defendants to 20.  Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, made the announcement today.

The QQAAZZ members, acting in concert with cybercriminals across the world, are accused of conspiring to launder money stolen from victims of computer fraud in the United States and elsewhere.  More than 40 house searches were conducted in Latvia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy, with criminal prosecutions initiated in the United States, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.  The largest number of searches and arrests were carried out in Latvia by the Latvian State Police (Latvijas Valsts Policija), and an extensive bitcoin mining operation associated with the group was seized in Bulgaria.  Today’s announcement is in coordination with announcements by Europol and several law enforcement agencies across Europe who collaborated with the United States to develop parallel investigations and prosecutions of the QQAAZZ members in their own countries. 

“Today’s charges, brought in coordination with our European law enforcement partners, reflect the Criminal Division’s steadfast efforts to work with authorities worldwide to protect the public from fraudsters and the money launderers who help them hide their stolen money,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt.  “Our message to money laundering organizations like QQAAZZ is simple: international borders will not stop the dedicated efforts of law enforcement across the globe to bring you to justice.  In addition to the Criminal Division team, I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the team led by U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, FBI Pittsburgh, and our European partners.”

“Cybercrime victimizes individuals and companies all over the world, so our work to identify and disrupt cybercriminals requires global collaboration,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “For the past several years, law enforcement from 16 countries has been conducting coordinated investigations of this criminal gang, and now parallel prosecutions will commence in the United States, Portugal, United Kingdom and Spain.  As this case demonstrates, we will be relentless in our pursuit of cybercriminals regardless of where they reside.”

“This was an extensive investigation that had implications around the world,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “Partnerships are essential, as no one agency can combat cybercrime alone. This case highlights the FBI’s strategy to target and dismantle the most significant cybercriminal enterprises through a global task force approach. I can assure everyone that the FBI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to combat these cyber threats.”

“Cybercriminals are constantly exploring new possibilities to abuse technology and financial frameworks to victimize millions of users in a moment from anywhere in the world,” said Fernando Ruiz, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre.  “Today’s operation shows how through a proper law enforcement international coordination we can turn the table on these criminals and bring them to justice.”

The indictment alleges that the QQAAZZ network laundered, or attempted to launder, tens of millions of dollars’ worth of stolen funds from victims of cybercrimes since 2016.

Comprised of several layers of members from Latvia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Belgium, among other countries, the QQAAZZ network opened and maintained hundreds of corporate and personal bank accounts at financial institutions throughout the world to receive money from cybercriminals who stole it from bank accounts of victims.  The funds were then transferred to other QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts and sometimes converted to cryptocurrency using “tumbling” services designed to hide the original source of the funds.  After taking a fee of up to 40 to 50 percent, QQAAZZ returned the balance of the stolen funds to their cybercriminal clientele.  

The QQAAZZ members secured these bank accounts by using both legitimate and fraudulent Polish and Bulgarian identification documents to create and register dozens of shell companies which conducted no legitimate business activity. Using these registration documents, the QQAAZZ members then opened corporate bank accounts in the names of the shell companies at numerous financial institutions around the world, thereby generating hundreds of QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts available to receive stolen funds from cyber thieves.

QQAAZZ advertised its services as a “global, complicit bank drops service” on Russian-speaking online cybercriminal forums where cybercriminals gather to offer or seek specialized skills or services needed to engage in a variety of cybercriminal activities. The criminal gangs behind some of the world’s most harmful malware families (e.g.: Dridex, Trickbot, GozNym, etc.) are among those cybercriminal groups that benefited from the services provided by QQAAZZ. 

The 14 defendants named in the indictment unsealed today are:

1. Nika Nazarovi, aka “Nika Utiashvili,” aka “Mihail Atansov,” aka “Stefan Trifonov Zhelyazkov,” 32, of Georgia;
2. Martins Ignatjevs, aka “Yordan Angelov Stoyanov,” aka “Aleksander Tihomirov,” aka “Svetlin Iliyanov Asenov,” 33, of Latvia;
3. Aleksandre Kobiashvili, aka “Antonios Nastas,” aka “Ognyan Krasimirov Trifonov,” 32, of Georgia;
4. Dmitrijs Kuzminovs, aka “Parush Gospodinov Genchev,” 35, of Latvia;
5. Valentins Sevecs, aka “Marek Jaswilko,” aka “Rafal Szczytko,” 32, of Latvia;
6. Dmitrijs Slapins, 35, of Latvia;
7. Armens Vecels, 24, of Latvia;
8. Artiom Capacli, 31, of Bulgaria;
9. Ion Cebanu, 26, of Romania;
10. Tomass Trescinkas, 25, of Latvia;
11. Ruslans Sarapovs, 19, of Latvia;
12. Silvestrs Tamenieks, 21, of Latvia;
13. Abdelhak Hamdaoui, 48, of Belgium; and
14. Petar Iliev, 37, of Bulgaria.

The five defendants charged in the indictment unsealed in October 2019 are:

1. Aleksejs Trofimovics, aka “Aleksejs Trofimovich,” aka “Alexey Trofimovich,” aka “Aleko Stoyanov Angelov,” 24, of Latvia;
2. Ruslans Nikitenko, aka “Krzysztof Wojciech Lewko,” aka “Milen Nikolchev Nikolov,” aka “Rafal Zimnoch,” 41, of Latvia;  
3. Arturs Zaharevics, aka “Piotr Ginelli,” aka “Arkadiusz Szuberski,” 33, of Latvia;
4. Deniss Ruseckis, aka “Denis Rusetsky,” aka “Sevdelin Sevdalinov Atanasov,” 24, of Latvia; and
5. Deinis Gorenko, 25, of Latvia.                

The Russian national charged by criminal complaint and arrested in late March 2020 while visiting the United States is Maksim Boiko, aka “Maxim Boyko” aka “gangass,” 30, of Russia.

The U.S. victims who had funds stolen, or attempted to be stolen, from their online bank accounts (including from banks headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and destined for QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts overseas include:

• a technology company in Windsor, Connecticut;
• a Jewish Orthodox Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York;
• a medical device manufacturer in York, Pennsylvania;
• an individual in Montclair, New Jersey;
• an architecture firm in Miami, Florida;
• an individual in Acworth, Georgia;
• an automotive parts manufacturer in Livonia, Michigan;
• a homebuilder in Skokie, Illinois;
• an individual in Carrollton, Texas; and
• an individual in Villa Park, California.  

Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt and U.S. Attorney Brady praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office and their law enforcement partners from Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Australia, Sweden, Austria, Germany and Belgium.  Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt and U.S. Attorney Brady also thanked Europol in The Hague, Netherlands for coordinating the investigative efforts of the law enforcement agencies from the 15 participating countries.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance by coordinating requests to foreign countries for searches, arrests, extraditions and evidence sharing.  Assistance was also provided by the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) in Pittsburgh.   

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles A. “Tod” Eberle, Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Section for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Czarnecki of the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Trial Attorney Michael Parker of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.

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

Note: Pre-recorded statements from officials quoted in this news release can be viewed here, an infographic can be viewed here, and copies of the indictments can be obtained by clicking on: US v. Nazarovi, et. al. and US v. Trofimovics, et. al.

U.S. Victims of Various Cybercriminal Malware Schemes throughout the United States Had Stolen Multi-Million Dollar Funds Laundered by QQAAZZ

PITTSBURGH – Fourteen members of the transnational criminal organization, QQAAZZ, were charged by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania in an indictment unsealed today. A related indictment unsealed in October 2019 charged five members of QQAAZZ. One additional conspirator, a Russian national, was arrested by criminal complaint in late March 2020 while visiting the United States, bringing the total number of charged defendants to 20. Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, made the announcement today.

The QQAAZZ members, acting in concert with cybercriminals across the world, are accused of conspiring to launder money stolen from victims of computer fraud in the United States and elsewhere. More than 40 house searches were conducted in Latvia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy, with criminal prosecutions initiated in the United States, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The largest number of searches and arrests were carried out in Latvia by the Latvian State Police (Latvijas Valsts Policija), and an extensive bitcoin mining operation associated with the group was seized in Bulgaria. Today’s announcement is in coordination with announcements by Europol and several law enforcement agencies across Europe who collaborated with the United States to develop parallel investigations and prosecutions of the QQAAZZ members in their own countries.

"Today’s charges, brought in coordination with our European law enforcement partners, reflect the Criminal Division’s steadfast efforts to work with authorities worldwide to protect the public from fraudsters and the money launderers who help them hide their stolen money," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt. "Our message to money laundering organizations like QQAAZZ is simple: international borders will not stop the dedicated efforts of law enforcement across the globe to bring you to justice. In addition to the Criminal Division team, I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the team led by U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, FBI Pittsburgh, and our European partners."

"Cybercrime victimizes individuals and companies all over the world, so our work to identify and disrupt cybercriminals requires global collaboration," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "For the past several years, law enforcement from 16 countries has been conducting coordinated investigations of this criminal gang, and now parallel prosecutions will commence in the United States, Portugal, United Kingdom and Spain. As this case demonstrates, we will be relentless in our pursuit of cybercriminals regardless of where they reside."

"This was an extensive investigation that had implications around the world," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Partnerships are essential, as no one agency can combat cybercrime alone. This case highlights the FBI’s strategy to target and dismantle the most significant cybercriminal enterprises through a global task force approach. I can assure everyone that the FBI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to combat these cyber threats."

"Cybercriminals are constantly exploring new possibilities to abuse technology and financial frameworks to victimize millions of users in a moment from anywhere in the world," said Fernando Ruiz, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre. "Today’s operation shows how through a proper law enforcement international coordination we can turn the table on these criminals and bring them to justice."

The indictment alleges that the QQAAZZ network laundered, or attempted to launder, tens of millions of dollars’ worth of stolen funds from victims of cybercrimes since 2016.

Comprised of several layers of members from Latvia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Belgium, among other countries, the QQAAZZ network opened and maintained hundreds of corporate and personal bank accounts at financial institutions throughout the world to receive money from cybercriminals who stole it from bank accounts of victims. The funds were then transferred to other QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts and sometimes converted to cryptocurrency using "tumbling" services designed to hide the original source of the funds. After taking a fee of up to 40 to 50 percent, QQAAZZ returned the balance of the stolen funds to their cybercriminal clientele.

The QQAAZZ members secured these bank accounts by using both legitimate and fraudulent Polish and Bulgarian identification documents to create and register dozens of shell companies which conducted no legitimate business activity. Using these registration documents, the QQAAZZ members then opened corporate bank accounts in the names of the shell companies at numerous financial institutions around the world, thereby generating hundreds of QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts available to receive stolen funds from cyber thieves.

QQAAZZ advertised its services as a "global, complicit bank drops service" on Russian-speaking online cybercriminal forums where cybercriminals gather to offer or seek specialized skills or services needed to engage in a variety of cybercriminal activities. The criminal gangs behind some of the world’s most harmful malware families (e.g.: Dridex, Trickbot, GozNym,

etc.) are among those cybercriminal groups that benefited from the services provided by QQAAZZ.

The 14 defendants named in the indictment unsealed today are:

1. Nika Nazarovi, aka "Nika Utiashvili," aka "Mihail Atansov," aka "Stefan Trifonov Zhelyazkov," 32, of Georgia;

2. Martins Ignatjevs, aka "Yordan Angelov Stoyanov," aka "Aleksander Tihomirov," aka "Svetlin Iliyanov Asenov," 33, of Latvia;

3. Aleksandre Kobiashvili, aka "Antonios Nastas," aka "Ognyan Krasimirov Trifonov," 32, of Georgia;

4. Dmitrijs Kuzminovs, aka "Parush Gospodinov Genchev," 35, of Latvia;

5. Valentins Sevecs, aka "Marek Jaswilko," aka "Rafal Szczytko," 32, of Latvia;

6. Dmitrijs Slapins, 35, of Latvia;

7. Armens Vecels, 24, of Latvia;

8. Artiom Capacli, 31, of Bulgaria;

9. Ion Cebanu, 26, of Romania;

10. Tomass Trescinkas, 25, of Latvia;

11. Ruslans Sarapovs, 19, of Latvia;

12. Silvestrs Tamenieks, 21, of Latvia;

13. Abdelhak Hamdaoui, 48, of Belgium; and

14. Petar Iliev, 37, of Bulgaria.

The five defendants charged in the indictment unsealed in October 2019 are:

1. Aleksejs Trofimovics, aka "Aleksejs Trofimovich," aka "Alexey Trofimovich," aka "Aleko Stoyanov Angelov," 24, of Latvia;

2. Ruslans Nikitenko, aka "Krzysztof Wojciech Lewko," aka "Milen Nikolchev Nikolov," aka "Rafal Zimnoch," 41, of Latvia;

3. Arturs Zaharevics, aka "Piotr Ginelli," aka "Arkadiusz Szuberski," 33, of Latvia;

4. Deniss Ruseckis, aka "Denis Rusetsky," aka "Sevdelin Sevdalinov Atanasov," 24, of Latvia; and

5. Deinis Gorenko, 25, of Latvia.

The Russian national charged by criminal complaint and arrested in late March 2020 while visiting the United States is Maksim Boiko, aka "Maxim Boyko" aka "gangass," 30, of Russia.

The U.S. victims who had funds stolen, or attempted to be stolen, from their online bank accounts (including from banks headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and destined for QQAAZZ-controlled bank accounts overseas include:

• a technology company in Windsor, Connecticut;

• a Jewish Orthodox Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York;

• a medical device manufacturer in York, Pennsylvania;

• an individual in Montclair, New Jersey;

• an architecture firm in Miami, Florida;

• an individual in Acworth, Georgia;

• an automotive parts manufacturer in Livonia, Michigan;

• a homebuilder in Skokie, Illinois;

• an individual in Carrollton, Texas; and

• an individual in Villa Park, California.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbit and U.S. Attorney Brady praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office and their law enforcement partners from Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Australia, Sweden, Austria, Germany and Belgium. Acting Assistant Attorney General Rabbit and U.S. Attorney Brady also thanked Europol in The Hague, Netherlands for coordinating the investigative efforts of the law enforcement agencies from the 15 participating countries. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance by coordinating requests to foreign countries for searches, arrests, extraditions and evidence sharing. Assistance was also provided by the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) in Pittsburgh.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles A. "Tod" Eberle, Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Section for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Czarnecki of the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Trial Attorney Michael Parker of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.

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

 

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two separate federal criminal complaints were filed today charging employees of the United States Postal Service with delay or destruction of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"During this election season, the integrity of the mails is more important than ever," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "When any public employee, including a mail carrier, violates the law, we will respond quickly. These carriers each attempted to destroy mail, including both political advertisements and an application for a mail-in ballot. Anyone who would obstruct or delay United States mail that includes election-related materials should know that the Department of Justice will take quick, efficient action against them."

"The vast majority of the Postal Service’s 630,000 employees are trustworthy, dedicated individuals working around the clock to deliver the nation’s mail," said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, of the Eastern Area Field Office. "However, when one of those employees decide to violate the trust placed in them, Special Agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will conduct a thorough investigation, and seek criminal prosecution and termination of employment when appropriate. USPS OIG Special Agents are committed to ensuring that all election and political mail is delivered without delay or disruption. To report delay or destruction of mail, or any other crimes committed by postal employees, contact our Special Agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG."

A one-count Criminal Complaint named Sean Troesch, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA 15236 (Baldwin), as the sole defendant.

According to the criminal complaint, Sean Troesch was a City Carrier for and employee of the United States Postal Service. He worked out of the Post Office in Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, and lived on Meadowcrest Road in Baldwin, Pennsylvania. On or about October 8, 2020, an employee of the Postal Service received an allegation about a mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road in Baldwin. According to the report received by the Postal Service, the mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road had previously been seen taking mail from the rear of his vehicle and placing it into trash bags. The mail carrier who lives on Meadowcrest Road was later identified as Sean Troesch.

On Sunday, October 11, 2020, a Special Agent with the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General received a report that Troesch had placed nine trash bags at the street in front of his house. Trash pickup in Troesch’s neighborhood was scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2020.

Later on October 11, 2020, Special Agents went to Troesch’s residence to speak with him about the contents of the trash bags. When asked if the bags in front of his house contained mail, Troesch indicated that one of the bags did. An investigators opened that bag, which included only bundled mail. Although Troesch initially reported that only that single bag contained mail, he ultimately acknowledged that all of the trash bags did and told investigators to take them. Four mail items were also recovered from Troesch’s personal vehicle. Troesch told investigators that the mail had been intended for delivery on his route, and acknowledged that it was wrong to throw mail into the trash.

On October 13, 2020, at the Mount Oliver Post Office, agents inventoried the mail that had been recovered from Troesch’s vehicle and the trash bags in front of his residence. It included 314 items of First Class Mail, seven items of Certified Mail, one item of Priority Mail, and 1,311 items political advertisements or similar items of campaign mail. One application requesting the delivery of a mail-in ballot was included among the pieces of First Class Mail. The seized mail did not contain any mail-in ballots.

A second criminal complaint named James McLenigan, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA 15201, (Lawrenceville) as the sole defendant.

According to the criminal complaint, James McLenigan was a City Carrier for and employee of the United States Postal Service, working out of the Pittsburgh Post Office Bloomfield Station. His delivery route included parts of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

On or about October 8, 2020, a Special Agent with the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General spoke with an employee of the Persad Center, located at 5301 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, who reported recovering mail from a trash bin outside of their office. The employee also reported that, on October 7, 2020 and October 8, 2020, the Persad Center’s video surveillance system had recorded a mail carrier throwing mail into a trash bin. The Special Agent took possession of the mail that had been collected by the Persad Center and the video surveillance.

The mail that had been collected by the Persad Center was subsequently inventoried by agents. It included 75 items of First Class Mail and 25 items of political advertisements or similar items of campaign mail. The seized mail did not contain any mail-in ballots, but it did contain one request for a mail-in ballot.. Agents also showed the video surveillance obtained from the Persad Center to the Postmaster of the Pittsburgh Post Office Bloomfield Station, who believed that the depicted carrier was James McLenigan.

On October 8, 2020, investigators interviewed McLenigan about the mail recovered from the trash bin outside of the Persad Center. During the interview, McLenigan acknowledged discarding mail intended for delivery into multiple trash cans along his route. He estimated that he discarded mail intended for delivery into a trash can that day, October 8, 2020, and acknowledged that it was wrong to do so.

The law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bengel is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

Special Agents of the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General investigated these cases.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the defendant is guilty of an offense.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of the Beltzhoover neighborhood in Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation and 100 hours of community service on her conviction of a drug trafficking charge in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Amber Rogers, age 28, of North Carolina.

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

Intercepted communications confirmed that Ms. Rogers was conspiring with others to distribute controlled substances, including heroin and fentanyl, in and around the South Side of Pittsburgh. Specifically, Ms. Rogers conducted narcotics transactions on behalf of other members of the conspiracy by obtaining the drugs from stash locations and distributing them to individual customers. The Court has earlier accepted Ms. Rogers’ guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 10 grams of heroin and fentanyl.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that he was imposing a term of probation, rather than imprisonment, because, among other things, Rodgers was one of the least culpable of the defendants charged in the case, because she had no criminal history, and because she was lawfully employed.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna 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 Rogers. 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.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Rebecca Owens, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about May 17, 2019 to on or about May 18, 2019, aided and abetted by another person known as "M.K.," Owens induced a female child victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct for Owens to send to M.K. during a sexual online chat.

"Our mandate is to use every resource to protect our children from sexual exploitation at the hands of pedophiles," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "No matter what dark shadows these predators hide in, law enforcement will shine a light on them and hold them accountable for their conduct. Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will not rest until every victim of child sexual exploitation is rescued and defendants like Owens are behind bars."

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2020, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, as part of the Northeast Computer Crimes Task Force, and the Allegheny County Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Owens.

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

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

The six-count Indictment named Raymar McKenzie, age 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 12, August 19, September 15, and September 18, 2020, McKenzie possessed and distributed a quantity of cocaine base and fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that on or about September 18, 2020, the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. McKenzie, a convicted felon, is prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life imprisonment, a fine of $8,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Allegheny County Police Narcotics conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on September 16 and unsealed October 5, named Matthew Joseph Gourley, age 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 6, 2020, January 14, 2020 and March 2, 2020, Gourley coerced Minor A, a minor female victim, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, namely, digital images and videos, depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit content.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison but not more than 90 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County 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 former resident of the Bronx borough of New York City, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years’ imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years on his conviction of charges related to drug 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.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Holiday Vaughn, age 36, formerly of New York, New York.

According to information presented to the court at the time of his guilty plea, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation in 2017, 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 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

The court was further advised that Mr. Vaughn was a supplier of heroin and fentanyl to the drug trafficking organization, and that law enforcement officials intercepted conversations between Vaughn and his co-conspirator, Christopher Highsmith, discussing drug transactions. Additionally, law enforcement recovered 23 grams of fentanyl and heroin during a traffic stop on May 29, 2019, when Vaughn was traveling to Pittsburgh from New York. In connection with his guilty plea, Vaughn also accepted responsibility for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 39 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted the defendant’s early admission of criminal conduct and his obvious desire to turn his life around going forward.

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

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

This 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 McKeesport, has been sentenced in federal court to 9 years imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on J’Vhante Hampton, age 27. 

According to information presented to the court, between October 2016 and March 2017, Hampton participated in a conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and on March 21, 2017, he possessed three firearms and 74 rounds of ammunition after have been convicted of the felony offenses of Aggravated Assault (three counts), Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Carrying a Firearm without a License.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hampton.

PITTSBURGH - On October 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division are holding a virtual town hall event focused on protecting seniors from financial fraud and potential scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced.

One of the best ways to protect yourself or a loved one from financial fraud is to remain informed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the SEC, and the FBI have partnered to raise awareness and educate seniors in Pennsylvania about the latest financial scams.

The free virtual town hall will be live on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020 ET. Attendees are also able to call in using the dial-in: 415-527-5035 or 929-251-9612, with the event ID 199 951 7027.

Participants may submit questions for the speakers in advance to: SECSeniorOutreach@sec.gov. Attendees can also register in advance at usapaw-rsvp@usdoj.gov. Registration is encouraged but not required.

The DOJ Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educating older adults on how to identify scams; and promoting greater coordination with law enforcement partners. The DOJ provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov. Elder fraud complaints may be sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at usapaw.covid19fraud@usdoj.gov or to the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.

PITTSBURGH – Raymont Harris was sentenced to 68 months in prison for committing fentanyl and heroin trafficking and gun crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Harris, age 25, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Judge Stickman also sentenced Harris to serve three years of supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence.

In September 2018, while on bond in a state heroin-trafficking case, Harris distributed fentanyl and heroin and possessed a 9mm Ruger pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. He was subsequently indicted and convicted in federal court via guilty pleas.

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

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the North Fayette Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the fBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Duquesne, PA, has been sentenced to 22 years' (264 months’) imprisonment and eight years of supervised release after his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone imposed the sentence on Donte Taylor, 37, of 825 Catherine Street, Duquesne, Pennsylvania who was found guilty of possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.

The evidence introduced during the trial established that on May 10, 2018, Taylor was on parole for a previous drug trafficking conviction when Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole Agents arrived at his residence to conduct a home visit. Agents smelled an odor of marijuana in Taylor’s residence. Taylor’s co-defendant, Ericka Smith, provided agents and Officers with the Duquesne Police Department consent to search the residence. They searched the residence and recovered approximately 279 grams of crack cocaine, 33 grams of cocaine, 56 grams of heroin, 12 grams of fentanyl, 155 grams of marijuana, $14,466, scales, and other drug trafficking materials. This was Taylor’s fifth drug trafficking conviction.

In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Cercone referenced Taylor’s lengthy criminal history and willingness to engage in drug trafficking despite numerous, previous drug trafficking convictions. Judge Cercone also emphasized that Taylor committed the instant offense while on parole and has never accepted any responsibility for his criminal conduct. Judge Cercone remanded Taylor to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Duquesne Police Department, and Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of Taylor.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Glassport, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Conspiracy, Food Stamp Fraud, and Money Laundering Conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sin Y Sit, age 46, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that beginning in and around March 2014, and continuing thereafter until May 2017, the defendant engaged in acts of food stamp fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Sin Y Sit and his wife Qiao Jiang owned and operated Mei A. Asian Grocery in McKeesport, PA. Sit and Jiang allowed customers to unlawfully exchange food stamp credits under the USDA’s S.N.A.P. program for cash (the defendants paid out fifty cents on a dollar) and other ineligible grocery items, such as tobacco. The amount of fraud during the term of the conspiracy is between $250,000 and $550,000. The defendant also engaged in financial transactions involving cash withdrawals of money which had been transferred into the store’s business account by the USDA to reimburse the defendant and his store for the food stamp credits which had been scanned by the defendant and his customers at the store during the fraudulent transactions. The cash withdrawn by the defendant was then used by the defendant at his store to pay more customers in the unlawful use of the food stamp credits.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sin Y Sit.

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 Spayne Swindle, Jr., age 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 2, 2020, Swindle possessed a firearm, specifically a Glock 20, 10 mm semi-automatic handgun, knowing he had previously been convicted of Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, on January 8, 2014. 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case is 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 enhances coordination of federal, state, and local 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 Pennsylvania Instant Criminal Background Check System (PICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied 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: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

ERIE, Pa. - The founder of an Erie non-profit organization and a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and false writing or document to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sonya Arrington, 53, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone. Arrington also accepted responsibility for all of the other counts of the Indictment and agreed that the conduct alleged at those counts may be considered by the Court at sentencing and utilized to calculate her Sentencing Guideline range.

"Every individual who made a donation to Sonya Arrington’s non-profit organization to help prevent teen violence was cheated," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The Mothers Against Teen Violence has unofficially ceased to exist, and its initial intent to prevent violence among teens is left unfulfilled. We will continue to prioritize cases that compromise the public’s trust in prominent public servants."

"Ms. Arrington’s charity was supposed to help youth in the Erie community. Instead, she embezzled tens of thousands of dollars to line her own pocket," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "She deprived her community and its youth of that money and all the work it could’ve done. It is extremely disappointing when greed and selfishness take over, and today’s guilty plea sends a message that the FBI and our partners will continue our efforts to root out people who believe they are above the law."

"My office will work to hold accountable those who defraud or attempt to defraud the Social Security Administration," said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of Social Security. "I want to thank the FBI for its partnership throughout this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bringing the charges that resulted in today’s guilty plea."

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Arrington diverted funds donated to Mothers Against Teen Violence (MATV), a non-profit organization she created to help prevent violence among teenagers, to pay for her gambling and personal expenses. Specifically, from December 2011 to March 2018, Arrington engaged in a scheme to defraud MATV of at least $70,000. She solicited donations from individuals and entities in person and by email; received donations to MATV in cash and checks payable to MATV and deposited a portion of the donations into MATV bank accounts and kept a portion in cash for herself; and did not deposit cash but kept cash donations for herself. She also used the debit card for the MATV bank accounts to make purchases unrelated to the organization’s purposes, for things like personal items of clothing, groceries, car washes and food at restaurants; used the debit card for MATV to pay personal bills for

T-Mobile, State Farm, First Energy and others; and deposited checks to MATV into personal bank accounts and kept a portion for personal use.

Further, on at least 113 occasions from April 2012 to January 2018, Arrington used the MATV debit card to withdraw MATV funds at Presque Isle Downs & Casino. She would also on occasion leave the casino to travel to a nearby Sheetz for the purpose of using the MATV debit card to withdraw MATV funds and then immediately return to the casino to gamble with those funds. Arrington also fraudulently received approximately $29,558 in Social Security disability benefits and submitted a document to the Social Security Administration that contained a false statement which falsely claimed that she had submitted wage documentation to the Social Security Administration

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2021, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Arrington on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent Kenneth Grubb of the Social Security Office of the Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Michael McGill, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arrington.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 20 years (240 months) in prison on his conviction of violating federal drugs and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Dona Arell Cowans, 38.

According to information presented to the court, Cowans sold a quantity of fentanyl that caused the death of R.R.W. on July 8, 2019. Investigators were able to conduct additional controlled buys from Cowans and during a search of Cowans’ residence the following day, located an additional 34 grams of fentanyl, cash, a loaded firearm, scales and packaging materials.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cowans. 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud and theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 12-count Indictment named Xiaodong Zhang, age 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from June 2015 to November 2016, the defendant falsified postage labels on the small parcels generated by his home business and defrauded the postal service in excess of $50,000.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Somerset County, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Joseph P. Barefoot, 63, of Berlin, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Feb. 1, 2017, to Aug. 14, 2017, Barefoot distributed a quantity of oxymorphone.

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

Mr. Brady commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Barefoot.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Wexford, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named James Thompson, 47, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, which follows a Criminal Complaint that was filed on September 4, 2020, the defendant called the police to his residence on July 17, 2020, and stated that he had multiple weapons, including guns and knives. When police arrived on the scene, Thompson exited the residence with a loaded AR15 style rifle, wearing a bulletproof vest, and threatening the use the weapon. The defendant was taken into custody and law enforcement was able determine that the rifle was homemade and not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Court was further informed that law enforcement had previously responded to a domestic call at the defendant’s residence on December 9, 2019.

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. The defendant is being housed at a mental health facility pending the resolution of the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, who serves as the office’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Northern Regional 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Lithonia, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months in jail on her conviction of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Jasmine Nicole Carter, 31.

According to information presented to the court, Carter and a co-defendant engaged in a years long scheme where they stole checks from the mail and used homeless individuals with valid identification to cash the checks. The defendants removed the legitimate names from the checks and replaced them with the homeless persons’ names. They then kept the bulk of the money obtained and paid a nominal amount to the check cashers. Carter and her co-defendant were caught with a typewriter that was found, after a forensic examination, to contain over 130 different names, all of which were traced to the fraudulent scheme.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted the complexity of the scheme and the fact that Carter and her co-defendant traveled around the country perpetuating the fraud.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.

PITTSBURGH – Thirteen members of a drug trafficking organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"Mexican cartels present a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of our western Pennsylvania communities," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Our success in dismantling such a broad-reaching drug trafficking network is due to strong local, state and federal coordination, and the leadership of Lawrence County DA Joshua Lamancusa and Mercer County DA Peter Acker. Together, we remain committed to keep these drugs – and the violence and public health challenges they bring – out of our neighborhoods and communities."

"McKnight and his associates are alleged to have distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine and over forty grams of illicit fentanyl across Western Pennsylvania. These are both dangerous drugs, however, illicit fentanyl has caused thousands of overdose deaths across our region," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "This investigation was successful due to our working relationship with our law enforcement partners such as HSI, IRS-CID, USPS-OIG, PSP, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force."

"Today we recognize the culmination of local, state and federal agencies working together toward one common goal – the dismantling of a serious drug ring," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "This coordinated effort resulted in the arrests of 12 subjects and seizures that included almost 100,000 doses of heroin and significant doses of cocaine, fentanyl, and more. This operation will have lasting positive impact in Pennsylvania, particularly Lawrence and Mercer counties."

"Yesterday’s operation was the culmination of months of federal, state and local collaborative policing efforts," said Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa. "Dozens of law enforcement officers and prosecutors from western Pennsylvania spent hundreds of hours investigating and preparing this case. It was through their tireless efforts and steadfast dedication to duty that Pennsylvania is a safer place today."

"Mercer County has a significant drug trafficking and overdose problem, which is not only local in scope but intercounty, interstate and apparently international, said Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker. "As District Attorney of Mercer County I am extremely grateful for the support of the U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and his staff in Pittsburgh, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the Lawrence County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Critical Incident Response Team and all our other partners who coordinate our efforts to attack our drug problems. Yesterday's arrests in Farrell and New Castle demonstrate the effectiveness of our coordinated efforts and they will not be the last."

The Indictment, returned on September 22 and unsealed yesterday, charges the following individuals 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 March of 2019, and continuing until in and around September of 2020:

• Bruce McKnight. 53, of Columbus, OH;

• Norberto Castillo-Lopez, 31, of Mexico;

• Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 39, of Kissimmee, FL;

• Luis Mattei-Albizu, 39, of Columbus, OH;

• Nathaniel McKnight, 28 of New Castle, PA;

• Michael Talbert, 41, of Farrell, PA;

• Tony McKnight, 55, of New Castle, PA;

• Trevor Austin, 46, of Sharon, PA;

• Thomas Pierce, Jr., 48, of Farrell, PA;

• Thomas Jones, 44, of Farrell, PA;

• Romondo Oatis, 46, of Farrell, PA;

• Darnell Latham, 51, of New Castle, PA; and

• Brandon Jetter, 39, of McKeesport, PA.

The Indictment also charges Defendants Bruce McKnight and his nephew, Nathaniel McKnight, with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around March of 2020, and continuing until in and around September of 2020.

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

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

The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Eastern Area Field Office; Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and the New Castle 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 –  In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the launch of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S), a program aimed at reducing the supply of synthetic opioids in 10 high impact areas, including the Western District of Pennsylvania, and identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

Under Operation SOS, the United States Attorneys in 10 districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates in the country each designated an area where they would focus on prosecuting every readily available case involving fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of the drug quantity.

"The Justice Department’s commitment to fighting the opioids epidemic is stronger than ever, and we are using every tool in our arsenal to disrupt the supply of these drugs on our streets," said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. "Operation SOS has had a significant positive impact on the communities where it is being employed. The Department will continue to build on these successes and work to stop the drug traffickers who so callously wreck lives."

"Under SOS, we have targeted the most significant and prolific synthetic opioid traffickers who are dealing the most harmful drugs that are killing our neighbors," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "By taking both the drugs and the traffickers off the streets, we are saving lives. That vital work continues."

The Western District of Pennsylvania has prosecuted 98 SOS cases thus far in FY 2020.

• Particularly noteworthy among them is the prosecution of Lynell Guyton. A federal jury in January convicted Guyton of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of cyclopropyl fentanyl and other charges, including firearms and money laundering violations. Guyton, who had been receiving shipments of fentanyl analogues from China, is both a Career Offender and an Armed Career Criminal. The case gained media attention when, during the execution of a search warrant in connection with the charges, the conspirators tipped over a table, sending cyclopropyl fentanyl into the air, sickening 18 Pittsburgh SWAT team members on the scene.

• Last autumn, we charged two people following eight drug overdoses in Pittsburgh and West Mifflin. According to the indictment and a criminal complaint filed in the case, on September 22, 2019, Peter Rene Sanchez Montalvo distributed fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl at a party in an apartment located on Tunnel Boulevard on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The indictment alleges that the distribution resulted in the deaths of R.M., J.P., and J.S., as well as serious bodily injury to F.M., G.G., and P.R. A separate, but related, indictment and criminal complaint alleges that on September 23, 2019, Derek Omar Smith possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. At 3:15 a.m., West Mifflin Police were dispatched to a suspected overdose on Bowes Avenue in West Mifflin. Upon arrival they located two individuals who had overdosed, and who medics were able to revive with naloxone.

• The charges in Tyric Allen, et al. arose out of an FBI OCDETF wiretap investigation, which targeted a violent street gang, known as the Shot Boyz, in Pittsburgh. Twenty-six targets (21 from Allegheny County and five from Westmoreland County) were indicted on charges of selling large quantities of fentanyl in the City of Pittsburgh, surrounding neighborhoods, and in Latrobe, PA.

• Finally, last week a criminal complaint was filed charging Yarelis Mary Garcia Corretjer, of Philadelphia, PA, and Reyelin Manuel Abreu Vasquez, of the Dominican Republic, with possessing approximately 400 bricks of suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop by Pennsylvania State Police troopers.

Nationally, since 2018, Operation SOS has resulted in approximately 750 defendants being charged in federal court, with 384 of those defendants charged thus far in FY 20. Most importantly, the districts participating in the program have seen a decline in opioid overdoses. From 2017 to 2019, most SOS counties reported a decline of 14% to 24%. One notable success was in the Western District of Pennsylvania, where the opioid overdose rates declined by nearly 45%.

The nine other participating SOS districts and some of their successes are listed below:

• The Eastern District of California has reported 60 active Operation S.O.S. investigations. Recently, the USAO charged one sentence-enhanced "death resulting" prosecution. In February 2020, another investigation resulted in the seizure of over 20,000 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills.

• The Eastern District of Kentucky reported that an SOS investigation led to a residential search warrant and seizure of more than 1,300 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, $15,000 cash, two firearms, and paraphernalia used to traffic narcotics including a device for pressing fentanyl into a brick-like shape

• The District of Maine reported a July 2020 arrest of a defendant on charges of distributing counterfeit fentanyl pills marked as Percocet, in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred in May 2020. In addition, a Maine man was sentenced in February 2020 to five years in prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in connection with an incident where the defendant was found in possession of fentanyl less than 24 hours after he was released on a state summons for possession of fentanyl.

• The District of New Hampshire reported the October 2019 arrest of a man on a warrant for distributing fentanyl. Manchester Police Detectives executed a search warrant on a local drug-house, where they located approximately 850 grams of methamphetamine and 56 grams of fentanyl, several assault-style rifles, a handgun, ammunition, scales, safes, cash, and cellphones.

• The Northern District of Ohio reported a 10-defendant wire case involving a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating out of Elyria and Sandusky, Ohio. The DTO purchased kilogram quantities of cocaine and oxycodone pills. Co-conspirators would later cook the cocaine and sell it as crack to local dealers in Elyria. During the conspiracy, agents seized approximately ½ kilo of cocaine, 100 grams of crack, oxycodone pills, and five firearms.

• The Southern District of Ohio reported the arrest of an individual who had previously served a nine-year state prison sentence for drug trafficking. On October 22, 2019, after law enforcement observed activity consistent with drug transactions, including the delivery of what appeared to be a kilogram of narcotics by a courier, members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Dayton, Ohio, where they located three firearms, 1,205 grams of methamphetamine, 1,716 grams of fentanyl, 305 grams of heroin, drug processing equipment, and 12 cellular telephones. One of the recovered cellular telephones contained photographs of multiple kilograms of fentanyl and communications with a narcotics supplier. Through subsequent investigation, law enforcement recovered an additional 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl/carfentanil.

• The Eastern District of Tennessee reported multiple cases arising out of a single investigation involving a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking heroin and fentanyl from Michigan to various communities in the Eastern District of Tennessee. 29 defendants have been indicted on various charges, including drug trafficking conspiracy, overdose death enhancements, money-laundering conspiracy, and various firearms offenses. More than 5.5 kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl and 11 firearms were seized during the investigation.

• The Northern District of West Virginia reported a July 21, 2020, forty-four count indictment against 12 defendants. During the nearly yearlong investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 280 grams of cocaine base and more than 40 grams of fentanyl from one of the defendant’s residences in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Throughout the investigation, officers seized more than 280 grams of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, and heroin; more than 350 grams of cocaine base; more than one kilogram of liquid PCP; various amounts of cocaine; five firearms; and over $28,000.

• The Southern District of West Virginia reported that after a three-day trial, a jury in the convicted Steven McCallister of distribution of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Officers conducted a 50-gram purchase of heroin from McCallister, which then led to the execution of a search warrant at McCallister’s home. Officers seized over one kilogram of fentanyl and a firearm.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served in prison, five years supervised release, and 180 days of home detention with electronic monitoring on his conviction of armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Lamar Sewell, age 39.

According to information presented to the Court, Sewell robbed the Key Bank, located at 217 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun but was later identified as a BB gun. A total of $1,198.00 was taken from the bank during this bank robbery. The Court was further informed that the money given to Sewell contained a GPS tracking device, which enabled law enforcement to ultimately locate Sewell.

After fleeing from the bank, Sewell was located driving a Honda Civic. Officers in a marked vehicle, activated their lights and sirens but Sewell refused to pull over. Eventually, he reached a dead end street. Sewell exited the vehicle and led law enforcement on a foot chase through Frick Park. Officers observed the mask, wig and BB gun inside of the vehicle.

Sewell was apprehended and taken into police custody. Once in custody, Sewell admitted to robbing the bank and apologized for scaring the victim tellers at the bank and the law enforcement officers and agents who chased him through Frick Park. Sewell explained that voices told him to rob the bank. Post-arrest, the Court was informed that Sewell was diagnosed with schizophrenia approximately 10 years ago and has had mental health issues since he was a teenager, including several commitments.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan explained that under ordinary circumstances, a substantial term of imprisonment would be warranted. The Court found Sewell’s case to be an exception, based primarily on his mental health status at the time of the offense and pre-sentence rehabilitation. The Court noted that Sewell’s current mental health treatment regimen, which includes a team of mental health professionals and counseling, coupled with his family’s support, has been effective over the last 18 months and is most likely to result in Sewell’s continued stability.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sewell.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 110 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction for distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Gary Whisner, 38.

According to information presented to the court, on August 5, 2017, Whisner distributed multiple videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including two females who were approximately 10 years-old. A subsequent search of Whisner’s electronic devices revealed approximately 10,700 images and 800 videos that depicted child pornography. Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Horan referenced the seriousness of the offense and the number of victims in Whisner’s child pornography collection.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Whisner.

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 Mongolian woman residing in western Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on September 15, 2020 and unsealed yesterday following her arrest, named Idertsetseg Ragon, age 38, of Coraopolis, PA 15108, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment presented to the court, Ragon is accused of the false swearing in immigration matters by making false statements with respect to material facts on an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. The indictment alleges that Ragon stated she had never been arrested, cited, charged, indicted, convicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law, which she knew was false, in that she had been indicted, cited and charged for intentionally causing severe bodily harm to others in Mongolia.

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

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

The Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The Pittsburgh DBFTF is a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigration benefit applications and petitions, financial fraud, criminal work-site enforcement, and public benefits fraud. The Pittsburgh DBFTF consists of the following agencies: Homeland Security Investigations, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, US Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), US Department of Agriculture-Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

The case originated from the DSS Overseas Criminal Investigations office in Mongolia, part of DSS’ global investigative team that deters and dismantles transnational criminal organizations, as a result of a joint investigation with the Mongolian National Police Agency.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment with credit for time served on any federal detainer; and three years supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Melvin Russaw, age 38.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 6, 2017, Russaw was apprehended by law enforcement on state charges, after attempting to flee in his 2008 Gray Chevy Impala. Upon execution of a search warrant for the vehicle, which was registered to Russaw, investigators discovered a small panel wherein a Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol, bearing serial number HVH758, was hidden. Russaw, who has multiple prior felony state convictions, as well as a federal conviction, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm.

Judge Bissoon ordered that the sentence imposed in this case run concurrently with the state sentence imposed on Mr. Russaw, at Docket Number 10326-2017, in the Court of Common Pleas Allegheny County, Criminal Division, on October 1, 2019.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Russaw. This case was brought under 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA –A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug 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.

Christopher Highsmith, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Highsmith is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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. In addition to communications about drug trafficking between Highsmith, the leader of the organization, and many of his coconspirators, agents made numerous seizures of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs from members of the organization, as well as maintained critical physical surveillance of Highsmith’s drug-trafficking activities.

The court was further advised that Mr. Highsmith was involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, to both other distributors and end users. Highsmith personally engaged in the distribution activity, as well as directed lower-level members of DS44 to make drug deliveries, to collect payment, and to maintain records of drug proceeds.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years or more than life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, 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 each defendant. Highsmith

remains in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan 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.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Redford, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Sean Kiara Williams, 31.

According to information presented to the court, on or about September 6, 2019, Williams possessed with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine which he had brought from Dearborn, Michigan to Erie on Amtrak.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

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

The one-count Indictment named Michael Carter Anderson, 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about August 26, 2020, Anderson attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Anderson is accused of purchasing methamphetamine on the Dark Web for the purpose of selling and redistributing those drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the McKean County Detectives, and the McKean County Drug Taskforce conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Joseph Hamilton, age 39.

According to information presented to the court, from March 11, 2019 until on or about April 18, 2019, Hamilton communicated online and via text messaging with an undercover FBI agent, believing the agent to be a minor, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce the purported minor to engage in sexual activity with him. Law enforcement arrested Hamilton on April 18, 2019, when Hamilton attempted to meet the purported minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan 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 Hamilton.

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. – Brian Bartels of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. While others were lawfully protesting over the death of George Floyd, Bartels initiated the damage to a police car outside of PPG Paints Arena, including spray painting the car and smashing its windshield. Others then joined Bartels and the police car was set on fire.

Bartels, 20, of of Allison Park, PA 15101, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

"On May 30, 2020, Brian Bartels incited the largest and most destructive riot in Pittsburgh history since 1968," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Armed with his homemade agitator toolkit, this self-identified extreme left-wing anarchist came to the protest in downtown Pittsburgh that day with one goal: to incite violence. Bartels succeeded – he was the first to incite violence during the protest. While protesters yelled for him to stop, Bartels spray painted and then smashed and jumped on the windshield of a Pittsburgh Police cruiser. Others then joined in and the cruiser was set on fire and destroyed."

"Bartels’s actions were the inflection point in the demonstration," U.S. Attorney Brady added. "What was peaceful became lawless. Ultimately, Pittsburgh police cars were burned. Mounted Pittsburgh Police Officers were attacked. Projectiles were thrown at Pittsburgh Police Officers. Reporters were attacked and their camera destroyed. What started as a peaceful demonstration, turned into a violent evening of destruction and looting throughout downtown Pittsburgh."

"The violent actions of this young person were appalling," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Mr. Bartels went downtown with the intent to incite panic and violence. His poor decisions put everyone, including those exercising their First Amendment

rights peacefully, in danger. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the city we all call home. Let this guilty plea send a message to others that we will use all of our investigative resources to bring to justice those who choose to participate in criminal activity."

According to information provided to the court, on the afternoon of May 30, 2020, there was amarch/protest in downtown Pittsburgh. The defendant was part of a large crowd of protesters milling around the area of Centre Avenue above the PPG Paints Arena, near an unoccupied Pittsburgh Police SUV. At that time, Bartels removed a can of red spray paint from his backpack and sprayed an "A" on the police vehicle. Bartels then jumped on the hood of the vehicle, sprayed more paint on the vehicle, and stomped on the windshield, breaking it. Several people in the crowd began to cheer him on, and some people joined in hitting and kicking the vehicle. Bartels then jumped off the hood and attempted to break the passenger side window of the vehicle.

When interviewed by investigators, Bartels admitted to his conduct in initiating the attack on the police vehicle, and expressed remorse and regret for it. Bartels was charged federally in a criminal complaint on June 5, 2020. He was then indicted by the federal grand jury on June 9, 2020.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 27, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation leading to the charge in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV, imposed the sentence on St. John Williams, age 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Williams conspired from January 2018 to June 2019, with more than 30 other individuals, many of whom were members of the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang operating in the South Side area of Pittsburgh, to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin. Members of the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation of the DS44 gang and its drug-trafficking activity. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation. The investigation revealed that Williams was obtaining distribution quantities of fentanyl and heroin from his codefendant, Anthony Jeeter, for further distribution, and was distributing fentanyl and heroin on behalf of his coconspirator Christopher Highsmith.

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

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

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of McKeesport, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on September 15, 2020 and unsealed today, names Joseph Teasdale, age 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 5, 2020, Teasdale possessed images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not reached the age of 12.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $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. The defendant remains under home detention pending the resolution of the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of tax fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 16-count indictment named David Reiter, age 51, as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years’ imprisonment for each of counts one through 11, and not more than three years for each of counts 12 through 16, a fine of $250,000, or a fine not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTBSURGH – A former resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Alexander Bishop Cole, age 38 pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville to a three-count Information charging him at two of the counts with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it on June 30, 2017. The third count of the Information charged Cole, a felon previously convicted in 2009 of federal narcotics and firearms law violations in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on June 30, 2017. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 30, 2017, detectives with the Monroeville Police Department performed a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Cole – a subsequent search of Cole’s person revealed ten "bricks" of fentanyl, which was packaged for resale. A subsequent search of Cole’s apartment revealed additional quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl packaging materials, and a .40 caliber Browning Arms pistol, and assorted ammunition.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Monroeville Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cole.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to nine years’ imprisonment and four years supervised release on his conviction of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jaymare Jackson, age 30.

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. Jackson and other individuals were identified as members and/or associates of a neighborhood based street gang, self-titled "SCO", which illegally distributed controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh Region..

In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Jackson, along with 33 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.

The Court was informed that Jackson is a member of SCO and, based upon intercepted communications occurring over telephones that were intercepted, law enforcement confirmed that Jackson was a heroin and cocaine base distributor. The Court was also advised that on June 12, 2019, Jackson illegally possessed two firearms as well as items used to package and distribute controlled substances. Mr. Jackson acknowledged that he knew, at that time, that he could not possess the firearms after having been previously convicted of carrying a firearm without a license. Federal law prohibits anyone who has previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, to possess a firearm or ammunition.

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 Jackson. 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.

ERIE, Pa. – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today the unsealing of two indictments returned by a federal grand jury in Erie, Pennsylvania, charging the leaders and members of separate drug trafficking organizations - one based in Erie and the other in Warren and Crawford Counties – with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

“We are going right to the source to stop these drug trafficking networks in their tracks and prevent them from putting methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs on the streets of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Brady. “Working with our state and local partners, we will take the fight to these drug dealers, to dismantle their operations in Erie, Titusville, Akron, Ohio or back to Mexico.”

The first indictment charges 15 Pennsylvania residents and an Ohio man with violating federal drug and firearms laws.

The nine-count Indictment, returned on September 8, 2020 and unsealed today, named as defendants:

• Carina Elizabeth Tucker, 31, Titusville, Pennsylvania;
• Gale Arthur Flick, Jr., 47, Garland, PA;
• Anthony James Stufflebeam, 33, currently incarcerated at SCI Albion;
• Charles John Vanderhoff, 36, Akron, Ohio;
• Stephanie Ann Bryan, 29, Butler, PA;
• Sarah Umanita Bloom, 29, currently incarcerated at SCI Muncy;
• Rusty Jay Bingman, 45, Titusville, PA;
• Scott Christopher Schreckengost, 42, Spartansburg, Pennsylvania;
• Kimberly Ann Gesin, 43, Titusville, Pennsylvania;
• Cody Tobias Greeley, 24, Tidioute, PA;
• Tedra Mae McGarvie, 40, address unknown;
• Trevor Allen McGarvie, 23, currently incarcerated at SCI Mercer;
• Nicholas James Barnes, 27, address unknown;
• Brandi Marie Hanna, 31, address unknown;
• Kevin Wayne Huet; 31, Grand Valley, Pennsylvania; and
• Kevin John Frederick, 43, Townville, PA.

 

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties. The Indictment alleges that Carina Elizabeth Tucker, Gale Arthur Flick, Jr., Anthony James Stufflebeam and Rusty Jay Bingman maintained premises for the purpose of manufacturing, repackaging and distributing the methamphetamine. Gale Arthur Flick, Jr. and Kevin Wayne Huet are also charged with possessing firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking activities, and Trevor Allen McGarvie is accused of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In addition, the Indictment alleges that Carina Elizabeth Tucker, Gale Arthur Flick, Jr. and Anthony James Stufflebeam unlawfully distributed methamphetamine on specific charged dates and that on or about September 20, 2019, Carina Elizabeth Tucker knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for defendants Charles John Vanderhoff, Stephanie Ann Bryan, Sarah Umanita Bloom, Scott Christopher Schreckengost, Kimberly Ann Gesin, Cody Tobias Greeley, Tedra Mae McGarvie, Nicholas James Barnes, Brandi Marie Hanna and Kevin John Frederick; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $16,500,000, or both for Carina Elizabeth Tucker; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $11,750,000, or both for Gale Arthur Flick, Jr.,; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $11,500,000, or both for Anthony James Stufflebeam; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,500,000, or both for Rusty Jay Bingman; and a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,250,000, or both for Trevor Allen McGarvie and Kevin Wayne Huet. 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.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police - Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

The second Indictment charges four residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, with violating federal drug laws.

The one-count Indictment, returned on August 11 and unsealed today, named as defendants:

• Manuel Lucero, 53 and Leann Marie Winebrenner, 44, both of Erie, Pennsylvania; and
• Jody Ann Joint, 30, and Robert Fulton, 29, both of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

 

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around November 2019, to in and around March 2020, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for each defendant. 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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Erie County Drug Task Force, Erie County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the City of Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Philadelphia woman and Dominican Republican man have been charged federally with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.

Yarelis Mary Garcia Corretjer, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Reyelin Manuel Abreu Vasquez, 23, of the Dominican Republic are charged by complaint with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, on September 16, 2020. Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez were taken into custody Wednesday evening and made their appearance in United States District Court in Pittsburgh today.

According to the complaint, on September 16, 2020, at approximately 2:30 PM, Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Safe Highways Initiative through Effective Law Enforcement and Detection (SHIELD) Unit, seized from the vehicle, occupied by Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez, approximately 400 bricks of suspected fentanyl. The suspected fentanyl field-tested positive for the controlled substance. Abreau Vasquez informed law enforcement that he was illegally in the United States and had crossed the Mexican border approximately four years ago.

The count charged in the criminal complaint carries a minimum potential penalty of ten years in prison, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison as well as a fine not to exceed $10,000,000.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case for the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to one day in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, followed by three years of supervised release, on her conviction of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Holly Shrum, age 30. 

According to information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy of Shrum’s codefendants. From 2012 through 2017, Shrum’s codefendants arranged for marijuana to be supplied from the West Coast and mailed to the Pittsburgh area through the United States Postal Service. Shrum’s codefendants would then distribute the marijuana in the Western District of Pennsylvania, primarily on college campuses, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the operation of the conspiracy, Shrum conspired to launder proceeds from her codefendants’ marijuana trafficking operations.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shrum.

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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of theft of government property, food stamp fraud and false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Bader Al-Dhumani, 55, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2015 to in and around April 2020, Al-Dhumani, who is the owner and operator of Palm Tree Market in Erie, committed food stamp fraud by accepting food stamps for cash, store credit, and ineligible items.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations 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 Albion, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Jeffrey Scott Artello, 68, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 25, 2020 and August 19, 2020, Artello possessed numerous firearms while being a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police 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 sentenced in federal court to one year of probation and ordered to perform 150 hours of community service on her guilty plea to mail fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Aliya Zaman, 51.

According to information presented to the court, Aliya Zaman and her husband owned and operated Ninja Babcock, a pawn/resale shop in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. The Zamans knowingly and willfully purchased health and beauty aids (HBAs), stolen by opioid-dependent individuals from various commercial retailers, such as Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle, for pennies on the dollar. The stolen HBAs were then resold through Amazon.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that although Aliya Zaman pled guilty to financial crimes, her conduct fueled the opioid addiction of numerous Pittsburgh residents.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Shaler Township Police Department and Ross Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aliya Zaman.