Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA – Three residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named brothers Jerwahn Atkins, age 23, Jerquay Atkins, age 25, and Jamir Atkins, age 21, all of Pittsburgh, PA 15212, as defendants.

According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing until on or about May 31, 2020, Jerwahn, Jerquay and Jamir Atkins conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, members of the conspiracy used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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 Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Indictment, which was filed on July 8, 2020 and unsealed today, named Joseph Plasan, 32, as the sole defendant. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Plasan yesterday in Portland, Oregon.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 5, 2020 the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition even though he knew that he was subject to a domestic violence protection order. A PFA in Pennsylvania provides that a person shall not "abuse, harass, stalk, threaten, or attempt or threaten to use physical force against" the persons protected by the order, including intimate partners and children. Federal law prohibits anyone who is subject to a PFA and anyone who has been convicted by crimes punishable by a year or more in prison from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.

"We are committed to protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence," said U.S. Attorney Brady, who has been a member of Attorney General William Barr’s Domestic Violence Working Group since June of 2019. "Abusers with guns are five times more likely to kill their victims, so prosecuting those abusers and taking them off the streets is one of our top priorities. These are serious federal felony charges that, if proven, come with jail time and no possibility of parole."

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 will be detained 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 conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Cecil Howard, age 48.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Cecil Howard conspired to distribute over 28 grams of crack cocaine.

Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howard.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named, Haliston Este, age 27, of Pittsburgh, PA 15207.

According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing thereafter until on or about May 31, 2020, Este conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, Este and his co-conspirators used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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 Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – The girlfriend of a former Pennsylvania-licensed physician has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 63 months’ imprisonment on her conviction for conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and theft of public money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On September 14, 2019, Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Marcia Ramsier Arthurs, age 62, formerly of Novato, California. Judge Hornak further ordered Arthurs to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration totaling $48,617.00, and to forfeit any interest she had in assets totaling approximately $1.2 million in U.S. currency, gold, silver, and real property.

According to information presented to the court, from March 26, 2015 to June 22, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, ex-doctor and co-defendant Paul Michael Hoover and Arthurs conspired to illegally distribute oxycodone, commit health care fraud, and launder drug proceeds. Approximately every three months, Hoover and Arthurs traveled from California to operate a pill mill in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for one or two days, during which time, Hoover wrote individuals illegitimate oxycodone prescriptions for cash, assisted by Arthurs who wrote out the prescriptions, counted cash, and generally managed the pill mill. While back in California, Hoover and Arthurs received money orders for oxycodone prescriptions from individuals residing in the Pittsburgh area, and after receiving payment, mailed illegitimate prescriptions to the individuals. Hoover also conspired with Arthurs to commit health care fraud by signing preauthorization forms and submitting the forms to Medicare and Medicaid health plans, which then paid for the cost of the illegitimate prescriptions. Hoover and Arthurs also conspired to launder the proceeds from their drug distribution operation. Finally, from approximately October 2012 to July 2018, Arthurs knowingly converted to her own use, money belonging to the Social Security Administration in Social Security Title II and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits totaling $48,617.76. The defendant’s actions were without authority in that she made false representations to the Social Security Administration in order to wrongfully obtain these benefits, including reporting false information about her living and financial arrangements with Hoover

Hoovers was previously sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 136 months and restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration totaling $406,760.75.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Mamula prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the work by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, which conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hoover.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

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

The Indictment, returned on August 19, 2020, named Ann Makepeace, age 30, of 519 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about February 24, 2020, continuing through on or about March 20, 2020, Makepeace used her position as a registered nurse at the VA Hospital to obtain vials of Dilaudid, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than four years in prison, a fine not to exceed $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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Veterans Affairs Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on James Givner, 27.

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

Intercepted communications demonstrated that Givner sold heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base to customers, as well as facilitated drug transactions for co-defendant Christopher Highsmith. The court was further informed that during a traffic stop on January 14, 2019, the Allegheny County Police, Givner possessed more than 180 stamp bags of heroin, and a baggie containing cocaine base. In connection with his guilty plea, Mr. Givner accepted responsibility for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute 220 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and six grams of cocaine base. He also admitted to possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activity.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan 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 resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on August 26, 2020, named Jordan Coyne, 25, as the sole defendant. Coyne self-surrendered this morning.

"Throwing rocks, bricks and pieces of concrete at Pittsburgh Police officers and vehicles are not acts of protest - they are federal crimes. Jordan Coyne’s reckless, violent behavior endangered police officers and drowned out the protected speech of lawful protesters," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Make no mistake: if you attack police officers or commit violent crime under the guise of a protest, you will be indicted federally. We will not tolerate these unlawful acts in western Pennsylvania."

"There were hundreds of innocent people around when this individual decided it was ok to throw dangerous objects at law enforcement officers and their vehicle," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "This type of behavior is not acceptable. As I've said before, the FBI supports every citizens’ constitutional right to peaceably protest. We will not support those who hijack these peaceful protests to pursue their own agenda."

"The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has said from the outset that we are committed to respecting protesters First Amendment rights, but we will never tolerate criminal activity that puts the public and our police officers at risk in what should be peaceful demonstrations," said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert. "The seriousness of this crime is reflected in the federal charges that have been leveled today. We thank the US Attorney’s Office, as well as all of our law enforcement partners at the local state and federal levels, for their tireless commitment to holding criminals accountable for their actions."

According to the Indictment, Coyne obstructed law enforcement officers during civil unrest that occurred on May 30, 2020, in downtown Pittsburgh. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Coyne threw projectiles at several Pittsburgh Police officers and damaged a Pittsburgh Police vehicle by throwing a projectile through its rear window.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would

be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH A resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and four months (64 months) in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on her conviction for wire fraud and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge DonettaW. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Sue O’Neill, 55, of 130 Kenney Drive, Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, O’Neill, while employed as the Controller for Marco Contractors, Inc., embezzled approximately $8.7 million over the course of nine years. The Court was further advised that she and another individual started a company called Bulldog Contractors LLC and used approximately $6.7 million of the stolen money to fund the business. The other $2 million in embezzled funds went into her personal bank account. O’Neill and her business partner used the stolen funds for business expenses and for personal use. Among other things, the Court was advised that they purchased two 1969 Ford Shelby GT500s for approximately $160,000 each and spent approximately $163,000 renovating a 1969 Ford Mustang. O’Neill further spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on jewelry and a country club membership. Lastly, the Court was advised that O’Neill filed false income tax returns because she did not declare the stolen funds as taxable income.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Northern Regional Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of O’Neill.

WASHINGTON – Wheeling Hospital, Inc., an acute care hospital located in Wheeling, West Virginia, has agreed to pay the United States a total of $50,000,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to the Medicare program that resulted from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Justice Department announced today.

The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.

"Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "The department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making."

In this case, the United States alleged that, from 2007 to 2020, under the direction and control of its prior management, R&V Associates, Ltd. and Ronald Violi, Wheeling Hospital systematically violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by knowingly and willfully paying improper compensation to referring physicians that was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or was above fair market value.

"Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment," said Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers which betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests. Our seniors deserve nothing less."

"Our office is committed to ensuring that health care providers in the Northern District of West Virginia abide by the law," said Bill Powell, United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. "We are pleased this settlement will enable Wheeling Hospital to resolve these prior False Claims Act violations and continue to provide a full range of healthcare services to patients in the area."

"Improper inducements made to physicians can interfere with medical decision-making and undermine the public’s trust in the health care system," said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. "Our agency will continue to investigate those who seek to improperly enrich themselves at the expense of public safety and federal health care programs."

The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2017 by a former Executive Vice President of Wheeling Hospital, Louis Longo, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. The Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case as to some of Longo’s allegations. Longo will receive $10,000,000 of the settlement.

The United States’ intervention and settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was handled on behalf of the government by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Northern District of West Virginia, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 19-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Wheeling Hospital Inc., an acute care hospital located in Wheeling, West Virginia, has agreed to pay the United States a total of $50,000,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to the Medicare program that resulted from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law and the Anti‑Kickback Statute, the Justice Department announced today.

The Physician Self‑Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions.  The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs.  Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.

“Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making.”

“Our office is committed to ensuring that health care providers in the Northern District of West Virginia abide by the law,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.  “We are pleased this settlement will enable Wheeling Hospital to resolve these prior False Claims Act violations and continue to provide a full range of healthcare services to patients in the area.”

“Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment,” said Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers which betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests.  Our seniors deserve nothing less.”

“Improper inducements made to physicians can interfere with medical decision-making and undermine the public’s trust in the health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  “Our agency will continue to investigate those who seek to improperly enrich themselves at the expense of public safety and federal health care programs.”

In this case, the United States alleged that, from 2007 to 2020, under the direction and control of its prior management, R&V Associates Ltd. and Ronald Violi, Wheeling Hospital systematically violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by knowingly and willfully paying improper compensation to referring physicians that was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or was above fair market value.

The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2017 by a former Executive Vice President of Wheeling Hospital, Louis Longo, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit.  The Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case as to some of Longo’s allegations.  Longo will receive $10,000,000 of the settlement. 

The United States’ intervention and settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was handled on behalf of the government by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of West Virginia and Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   

The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 19-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va.).  The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"Throwing Molotov cocktails at Erie police officers is not the protected First Amendment activity of a peaceful protest; it is a criminal act that violates federal law," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Make no mistake: if you attack police officers or commit violent crime under the guise of a protest, you will be indicted federally. We will not tolerate these acts in western Pennsylvania."

The two-count Indictment named Tyvarh Nicholson, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, Nicholson threw objects and projectiles at Erie police officers during a civil disorder that occurred in downtown Erie on May 30, 2020, causing the obstruction of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties. The indictment further alleges that on the same date, Nicholson possessed destructive devices that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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.

The government intends to seek the defendant’s detention pending trial.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Twenty-seven members of an international drug organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. "Operation Tripwire," a two-year investigation with international, federal, state and local partners, identified and dismantled the organization’s national network and operations from California and Arizona to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This investigation and prosecution relied on critical partnerships and resources, made available by the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s designation of Allegheny County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) on September 24, 2018.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners to fight Mexican cartels from operating in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This investigation dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking pipeline that brought major quantities of cocaine from Mexican cartels, into the United States through California and Arizona, and across the country to the streets of Pittsburgh. ‘Operation Tripwire’ began shortly after Allegheny County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and represents the most significant HIDTA prosecution to date. The HIDTA designation of our largest counties enhances our ability to identify and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations which pose a serious, sustained threat to our communities."

"Today the DEA District Office in Pittsburgh, the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, and our other law enforcement counterparts dismantled an international cocaine drug trafficking organization that operated in Los Angeles, Tucson, and Mexico," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania."

"We won’t back down, communities need law enforcement to work together as we’ve done in Operation Tripwire," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. "We work every day to stop those who bring dangerous drugs and guns into our neighborhoods. We are dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure the safety of communities across Pennsylvania."

"The function of the Postal Service is to deliver the nation’s mail, not transport illegal drugs into our community for drug traffickers. Special agents with the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, using advanced analytical tools, are always on the look-out for those who seek to abuse the mail system by sending drug parcels in the mail," said USPS OIG Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the Eastern Area Field Office. "Drug traffickers should be put on notice that when we identify a suspicious parcel, we will use all of our investigative resources to identify those responsible. We will work with our law enforcement partners to seize drug traffickers’ narcotics and money, and seek to put them in prison. To report drug traffickers abusing the mail, or to report other crimes involving postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG."

The Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around October 2018, and continuing until in and around June 2020:

• Jamaal Maragh (a/k/a “Alrick Williams” a/k/a “Frederick Vanlierop”), 38, of Turtle Creek, PA;
• Noel Perez Aguilar (a/k/a “Venado”), 48, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Juan Carlos Alejandres, 26, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Dino Aquiline, 61, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Ramon S. Araiza-Vega, 27, of Rio Rico, AZ;
• Jose D. Delosrios Benitez (a/k/a “McQueen”), 30, of Inglewood, CA;
• Johnny Bravo, Jr., 32, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Lucien Burton, 50, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Keith L. Clark, 49, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Antonio Egurrola-Gamboa (a/k/a “Chango”), 32, of Tucson, AZ;
• Roberto Egurrola-Vasquez (a/k/a “Gordito”), 32, of Tucson, AZ;
• Sherita James, 34, of McKees Rocks, PA;
• Howard E. Johnson III, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Alexis A. Perez Lopez, 44, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Clayton F. Manning, 43, of Los Angeles, CA;
• John W. Montgomery, 32, of Tarentum, PA;
• Manuel J. Murrietta, 52, of Nogales, AZ;
• Patricia Murrietta, 49, of Nogales, AZ;
• Rachel M. Novalesi, 37, of Rochester, PA;
• Justo Edgardo Parra Jr., 28, of Nogales, AZ;
• Robert E. Reed II, 60, of Verona, PA;
• Odean Samuels (a/k/a “Martin ONeil”, a/k/a “Smokey”), 32, of Canoga Park, CA;
• Manuel Silvestre, 49, of Los Angeles, CA;
• Kevin Thomas Jr., 33, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Steven L. Trent Jr., 50, of Penn Hills, PA;
• Darrick Watkins, 50, of Los Angeles, CA; and
• Kressmore J. Watson, 33, of Los Angeles, CA.

The Indictment additionally charges Defendant Trent with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, in Western District of Pennsylvania, on or about March 4, 2020. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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 Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (in Pittsburgh, PA) and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (in Los Angeles, CA; in Tucson, AZ; in New York, NY; in Nashville, TN; at the Special Operations Division; and in Mexico); the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Police Department; the New Castle Police Department; the Monessen Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to time served, three years supervised release and restitution of conspiracy to commit identity theft, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed a time served sentence on Damari Rodriguez aka "Dee Dee", 29, of 3679 Oakview Drive, Youngstown, OH. Rodriguez served approximately 366 days in federal custody.

According to the information presented to the court, beginning in and around May, 2014 through February, 2017, Rodriguez negotiated counterfeit checks as casinos throughout the East Coast using false identification documents produced with the names of real persons. The estimated fraud loss was approximately $17,808.00

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

The U.S. Attorney Brady commended agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Damari Rodriguez.

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

According to U.S. Attorney Brady, on June 18, 2020, a multi-agency enforcement action was occurring in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood following the indictment of members of a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization. At approximately 6:00 a.m., a Special Agent on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Response Team was shot and wounded as he breached a doorway.

The three-count Indictment, returned on September 1, named Dion Williams, age 44, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

"My office has zero tolerance for assaults upon or violence directed against law enforcement officers. Violent drug trafficking felons like Dion Williams who brazenly use illegal firearms to shoot at law enforcement officers have no place in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will continue to use all available resources to dismantle drug gangs and bring violent criminals to justice, and to protect the men and women of law enforcement who work tirelessly every day to keep us all safe."

"It’s essential that we keep law enforcement officers safe as they protect and serve the nation’s communities," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Assault on law enforcement officers undermines the rule of law and will not be tolerated. Anyone who fires at law enforcement threatens the safety of our community and will face serious legal consequences. I am thankful the injured ATF agent is recovering and appreciative of his service and dedication."

"While danger is an inherent part of our job as law enforcement officers we take anyone who tries to kill a federal agent as a clear and present danger to not only law enforcement but the community as a whole," said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. "Today, we applaud the multi-jurisdictional efforts that resulted in the indictment of this alleged violent offender. ATF, along with our local, state and federal partners will continue to target violent individuals who have little regard for the law and human life."

According to the Indictment, Williams is accused of using a deadly and dangerous weapon to assault and inflict bodily injury upon a member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Williams is also accused of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Williams has four prior drug convictions in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, and has one prior conviction for

distribution and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years in prison, nor more than life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney and Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Herbert Walker, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Walker is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of sixty years in prison, a fine of $5,500,000 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 Douglas Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania and a resident of Fairview, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Andrew Gabler, 51, of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania and Chad Bednarski, 49, of Fairview, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Andrew Gabler, as the owner of Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet, and Chad Bednarski, as the finance manager of Lakeside Chevrolet, engaged in the following illegal activity between January 2015 and January 2019:

- Gabler falsely indicated that customers made down payments and falsified and inflated the income of customers when submitting auto loan applications to financial institutions on behalf of customers;

- Gabler caused extended warranties to be sold to customers buying vehicles at Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet and deliberately failed to remit the paperwork and payments to the extended warranty company;

- Gabler and Bednarski falsely reported vehicle sales to General Motors for vehicles that had not been sold in order to obtain expiring incentive rebates, and;

- Gabler and Bednarski deliberately did not inform S&T Bank when Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet sold a vehicle that the dealerships had purchased utilizing S&T Bank’s floor plan financing in order to delay and attempt to avoid the dealerships’ required payment to S&T Bank for the sold vehicles which had been purchased using S&T Bank’s floor plan financing.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for Gabler and 1:30 p.m. for Bednarski. 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Gabler and Bednarski on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gabler and Bednarski.

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Jamestown, New York and two residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Michael Deniro Hackett, 41, Kathryn Nicole Shaw, 23, and Treasure Ann Gray, 40, as defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, the defendants conspired to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for Hackett who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both for Hackett and a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both defendant Shaw and Gray. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, Conewango Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation 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, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James Franklin Young, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or before November 14, 2018, through on or about August 28, 2019, Young received material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and on August 28, 2019, Young knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing December 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years nor more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Young remains under detention pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Young.

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 – Donnell Steward was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Steward, age 51, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the prison sentence Steward was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Steward serve one year of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Steward was incarcerated at the federal prison at Otisville, New York, when he conspired to launder the proceeds of his distribution of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances. Such substances have caused severe illness and deaths throughout the United States in recent years. Steward was incarcerated as a result of several prior convictions in the District of Columbia for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and armed robbery.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of robbery under the federal Hobbs Act statute, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Tyler Rutherford, age 34, of Pittsburgh, PA (Thornburg).

According to the Indictment, on April 28, 2020, the defendant robbed the Rossi’s Market convenience store in Coraopolis, PA, by means of actual and threatened force and violence, and stole $440 cash from the cash register.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A citizen of Russia, residing in West Mifflin, PA has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Ramil Kunakkulov, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Kunakkulov entered in to a sham marriage with Jamie Lucille Mattocks, so that he could obtain permanent legal residence in the United States.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not to exceed $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security, 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

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

The 12-count Indictment named Tracey Smith, 52, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Smith defrauded two different companies between January 2014 and March 2018. The Indictment alleges that Smith used company funds for personal expenses. The Indictment further alleges that Smith wired company funds to her personal bank account and attempted to conceal those transactions by accounting for them as payments to company vendors. The Indictment alleges that with respect to the first company, Smith used her company credit card to pay for personal expenses such as parochial school tuition, court fines, and automotive expenses. Smith was the company’s vice-president of finance at the time. The Indictment also alleges that after Smith’s position was terminated, she was hired by another company to be its Chief Financial Officer. Afterwards, Smith began to issue unauthorized payroll checks to herself. In order to conceal these payments, Smith recorded the checks as payments to the company’s vendors.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release no longer than three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The two-count Indictment named Jerimyah Newton, 19, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about April 10, 2020, and again onMay 31, 2020, Newton possessed a firearm, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The 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 remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.

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

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment, returned on August 18 and unsealed today, named Daimere Wilmer, age 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 13, 2020, Wilmer possessed a quantity of marijuana and possessed firearms and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Wilmer is also a convicted felon, and as such cannot legally possess a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $750,000, a term of supervised release of at least 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The four-count indictment, returned on August 26 and unsealed today, named Jermaine Curry, age 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about December 18, 2019, Curry, a convicted felon who was on parole and subject to a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), knowingly and unlawfully possessed 10 firearms and ammunition. A PFA in Pennsylvania provides that a person shall not "abuse, harass, stalk, threaten, or attempt or threaten to use physical force against" the persons protected by the order, including intimate partners and children. Federal law prohibits anyone who is subject to a PFA and anyone who has been convicted by crimes punishable by a year or more in prison from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition. Law enforcement officials seized quantities of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, drug packaging supplies, and $1,173 in United States currency from the defendant’s residence. As such, the indictment also charges Curry with possession with intent to distribute the narcotics, and possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

"This prosecution is part our of commitment to protect victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence," said U.S. Attorney Brady, who has been a member of Attorney General William Barr’s Domestic Violence Working Group since June of 2019. "We know that where a firearm is present, the likelihood of a domestic violence-related homicide increases by 500%. Our goal, simply stated, is to save lives. One way we are doing that is by federally prosecuting domestic abusers who illegally possess firearms."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant has been detained 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, the Allegheny County Probation Office, and the McKeesport Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment of Curry.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Armstrong County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Charles Blystone, age 49, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 28, 29, and 30, 2020, Blystone possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed quantities of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence, at each count, of not more than 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000 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 Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

Jon DeTemple, age 32, of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 23, 2019, DeTemple possessed videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2020 at 10:00AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of DeTemple.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Receipt and Attempted Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael Riley, age 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2, 2020 through March 3, 2020, Riley knowingly received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, namely videos.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2020 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 3 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on William Hunt, 37. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Hunt is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 11, 2019, Hunt was in possession of contraband, namely a quantity of synthetic cannabinoid NM2201 while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that 33 individuals, including inmates at eight state and county jails and prisons in western Pennsylvania and their accomplices, have been charged in federal and state criminal complaints for illegally obtaining Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unemployment benefits that contained false or fraudulent statements, and to which they were not entitled.

U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "The unprecedented scope and audacity of this inmate unemployment compensation fraud is appalling. These benefits were intended to help Pennsylvania workers make it through a difficult time. These inmates and their accomplices took advantage of this national emergency to line their pockets through fraud. Their conduct is despicable at any time, but particularly in a time of a national emergency. As these charges make clear, this conduct will not go unpunished, and my office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring these criminals and their co-conspirators to justice. The message to those who engaged in this fraud is clear: if you submitted a fraudulent application for unemployment benefits, withdraw it. If you got a check or debit card through fraud, return it. If you don’t, expect to hear a knock on your door very soon."

"These defendants took advantage of a public health emergency to cash in on the backs of working people across our Commonwealth. They rip-offed off a program meant for everyday people whose lives were uprooted by COVID-19, some doing so from jail cells in local Pennsylvania prisons," said PA Attorney General Shapiro. "Our work here is not done. We will continue to root out scammers taking advantage of a system put in place to help during a trying time."

"An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud that threaten the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate this alleged criminal activity," said Derek Pickle, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

"Defrauding U.S. government programs intended to provide economic relief to disaster victims is not simply a matter of theft of U.S. tax dollars. It is far more: it undermines the security and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities at a time when they are in the greatest in need of assistance," said Timothy Burke, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Pittsburgh Field Office. "The U.S. Secret Service is committed to working with all of our partners, both in government and in the financial sector, to detect and arrest all those that engage in such crimes."

"The people accused today cooked up this scheme from behind bars to steal unemployment benefits that should’ve gone to families in our area who are out of work and trying to feed their families," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "At a time when people across the country are already struggling, this group capitalized on the hardships created by the pandemic. We know there are more out there and we will not stop our investigation until those who thought they could get some free money are brought to justice."

The following individuals were named in 16 separate criminal complaints filed this week in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania:

Levi Stroud, 24, incarcerated at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution (SCI) -Greene since approximately January 22, 2018, and Christina Marie Weigner, of 389 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown, PA 15021, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.

Anthony Lee, 40, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since September 29, 2019, and Amara Ramsey (Lee’s girlfriend and claim filer), 38, of 2418 Aliquippa Street, Apt. 404, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.

Lamont Wilford, 49, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since November 28, 2019; Casey Norrick (Wilford’s girlfriend), 44, of 9 Spruce Street, Natrona Heights, PA; and Amara Ramsey (claim filer) 38, of 2418 Aliquippa Street, Apt. 404, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.

Orlando Grandison, 30, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since August 7, 2019; Nathaniel Weatherspoon, 28, currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail and has been since approximately October 5, 2017; and Andrea Zenmon (claim filer), 24, of 217 Rolling Woods Drive, North Versailles, PA 15137, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.

Marcenia Massey, 38, of 221 Ormsby Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. The claim was filed in the name of her incarcerated son, Isaiah Sterdivant, who is currently incarcerated at ACJ and has been since approximately March 20, 2019.

Shicon Jordan, 46, an SCI-Greene inmate incarcerated since March 12, 2015; Dennis Hill (aka Dennis Jordan - brother and currently on parole until November 20, 2020) 33, of Philadelphia, PA; and Niya Hill (claim filer), 35, of 511 Lloyd Court, Johnstown, PA 15906, are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit, and knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, claims for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.

Jerome Dockblandi Poole, 33, an inmate at SCI-Greene and Tracy Ann Stankiewicz (ex-girlfriend and claim filer), of 1927 Woodmont Avenue, New Kensington, PA, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.

Joseph Thomas Gainer, 28, an SCI-Greene inmate; Jonetta Meneffe Davis (friend) of 1410 Franklin Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA; and Joshua Calibe Lowry (aka El Rocco, claim filer), are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements; Gainer, Davis and Lowry are also charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit; and Gainer is charged with making a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation to federal agents of the U.S. government.

Amasa Lamont Camp, 23, an inmate at SCI-Fayette, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Camp used Global Tel-Link electronic messages to provide his personal identifiers to a member of his family for the purpose of fraudulently applying for PUA benefits on his behalf.

Izona Punch, of 7403 Race Street, Pittsburgh, PA, is charged with knowingly filing a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements in the name of SCI - Fayette inmate "RP" without his knowledge.

Jerrell Huddleston, who was incarcerated at Lawrence County Jail from approximately March 17, 2020 to July 24, 2020, then transferred to the Northeast Ohio Correction Facility where he is currently located, and Kalaurie Elahdy (claim filer), age, of 101 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, PA 16150, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits.

Tylan Huddleston, 25, incarcerated at Lawrence County Jail since June 5, 2020, and Paris Davis (claim filer), 23, of 10 W. Reynolds Street, New Castle, PA, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements; and Huddleston and Davis are also charged with conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.

Clifford Yoders, 40, incarcerated at Butler County Prison since June 11, 2020, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Yoders used a jail phone to direct a relative to file the claim.

Lisa Lutz, 60, of 113 Snow Shoe Lane, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. The claim was filed on behalf of her daughter, Terra Rager, an inmate at Westmoreland County Prison. According to the complaint, the funds received were utilized to pay her daughter’s expenses, including her attorney fees and her rent and to make deposits onto her commissary at the Westmoreland County Prison.

Gary Clanton, 33, an inmate at SCI-Fayette since July 3, 2014, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Clanton used Global Tel-Link electronic messages to provide his personal identifiers to an unidentified male for the purpose of fraudulently applying for PUA benefits on his behalf.

Jamelle Fairfax, 32, an inmate at SCI-Fayette since March 30, 2020, and he was still incarcerated at the time of the application filing, and Amanda Fairfax (wife and claim filer), 35, of Uniontown, PA 15402, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements, and with conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.

According the affidavits filed in these cases, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is a new federal program created as part of the CARES Act. The PUA program provides unemployment benefits to workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In Pennsylvania, the PUA program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), but its benefits are funded in large part by the federal government. PUA benefits are paid in connection with the President’s declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Individuals are only eligible for PUA benefits if they are both unemployed for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic and available to work. In order to receive benefits, an individual must access the PUA website and file a PUA claim. The applicant is required to enter personally identifiable information as well as answer the eligibility questions. Individuals who are serving a sentence of incarceration, or who are detained pending a criminal trial, are neither available for work nor unemployed for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they are not eligible to receive PUA benefits for the period of their incarceration.

The criminal complaints detail the defendants’ alleged roles in the acquisition of PUA benefits. In general, the inmates used jail phones or other inmate communications to direct or assist persons outside the prison to file claims online using the inmate’s accurate Personal Identifying Information (PII), including full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, but falsely asserting that the inmate is available to work and is unemployed as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. The benefits were then directed to the applicants’ on-file addresses outside of the correctional facility. Once approved, applicants were required to provide weekly certifications to continue to receive PUA program benefits.

Several of the federal complaints filed contain transcripts of jail calls or other inmate communications that allege the defendants knew that the statements or representations being made were false, and that financial benefits would be awarded.

Title 18, United States Code, Section 1040(a)(2), prohibits fraud in connection with emergency benefits; Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, prohibits two or more people conspiring to commit a federal crime or defraud the United States; and Title 18 United States Code, prohibits lying to a federal law enforcement agent in the course of an investigation. For a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1040(a)(2), the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. For violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 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 U.S. Attorneys Brendan McKenna, Jonathon Lusty, Benjamin Risacher, Christopher Cook, and Michael Ivory are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the federal government.

The following individuals were named in criminal complaints filed in the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas and will be arrested this week by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney

Jessica Rae Conrad and Homer Mizenko of Kiskiminetas Township, PA, have been fraudulently signing people up for PUA benefits who they know are not eligible to receive the benefits. In exchange for signing the people up for benefits, Conrad and Mizenko are being paid by the people they are registering. Typically, $1,000 per person. Conrad and Mizenko are being charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).

Thaddeus Crumbley and Steven Ashby are incarcerated at Forest State Correctional Institution. The

investigation uncovered that they both falsely filed for PUA benefits and have been fraudulently filing for others at the prison in exchange for drugs and/or money. Crumbly and Ashby are charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).

Robert Currington is incarcerated in Somerset County Correctional Facility. He, with the help of an unidentified woman outside of prison, filed fraudulent PUA claims for himself and other inmates at the prison. Currington is charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).

Under Pennsylvania law, they each face up to 20 years in jail and fines and penalties up to $50,000. Ms. Conrad and Mr. Mizenko face 30 years in jail and $75,000 because of additional identity theft charges.

These cases are being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine Wymard.

Members of the Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in these cases. The Task Force was formed in March 2020 to investigate and prosecute coronavirus-related fraud. Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania State Police.

The United States Secret Service played an important role in these prosecutions, as did investigators from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the individual county jails, including the Allegheny County Jail. Investigators from the Allegheny County Jail, who are detectives with the Allegheny County Police, were among the first investigators who uncovered the fraud of Wilford and Norris and brought it to the attention of federal authorities.

United States Attorney Scott W. Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro urged those who have filed fraudulent claims to withdraw them and further urged those who received a check or debit card as a result of that fraud to return those items. Both Mr. Brady and Mr. Shapiro expect further prosecutions as a result of this fraud.

If you believe you have been a target or victim of coronavirus-related fraud, please report it to the Task Force at:

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

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

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

• Pennsylvania Attorney General’s price gouging email address:

pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has returned two separate, but related, Indictments following a five-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in and around Wilkinsburg and the East Hills neighborhood in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today. The Indictments charge 26 residents of western Pennsylvania with narcotics trafficking and firearms violations.

“Every family in Pittsburgh deserves to live, work and raise their children in a community free from violence,” said United States Attorney Scott Brady. “For far too long, the people of the East End, Homewood and Wilkinsburg have suffered from disproportionate numbers of homicides, shootings and dispatches for shots fired. Our goal remains the same: to make Pittsburgh the safest city in America. In order to do so, we must prosecute and remove the most violent criminals from these neighborhoods. And that is what we have done. The Shot Boyz gang is done.”

“The Shot Boyz gang has terrorized our community with violence and drug trafficking for long enough,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “The community will not be handcuffed by fear of leaving their homes, getting attacked, having their children hurt or worse, being killed. These arrests are the first step to making the community safer from individuals intent on harming their neighbors. I commend the work of the Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and our numerous other local and state partners for working diligently to bring those solely focused on illegal activity to justice.”

“ATF is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to target those responsible for drug trafficking and gun violence in our communities,” said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This coordinated effort between ATF and our partners demonstrates our continued dedication to identify, target, and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“The people of Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania deserve to live in drug-free and violence-free neighborhoods,” Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said. “This coordinated effort illustrates the unwavering commitment of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and our partner law enforcement agencies to guard, protect and serve our communities.”

“It was an honor and privilege to work so closely with such professionals in this case,” added Latrobe Police Chief John Sleasman. “The amount of heroin and fentanyl coming into Westmoreland County and Latrobe will be dramatically reduced as will the amount of senseless overdoses in our area. I want to personally thank all of the case agents, local agents and local officers who worked tirelessly on this distribution case. The citizens of Latrobe are forever grateful.”

The first Indictment, returned on August 19 and unsealed today, names the following 25 individuals as defendants:

• Tyric Allen, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Phillip Ahmad-Revis, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Djuan Beasley, 20, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania;
• Marcus Best, 27, of Munhall, Pennsylvania;
• Davon Cleveland, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Donshae Dunning, 32, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
• Dominic Fields, 33, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
• Donald Hantz, 37, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Taire Hardeman, 20, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
• Natrell Jeffries, 21, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
• Mandee Kozar, 34, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Seth Lindsey, 26, of Verona, Pennsylvania;
• Davon Loveings, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Bryan Matthews, 31, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania;
• Tayvon Mattox, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Barbara McClure, 46, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Jerome Pleasant-Simpson, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Parris Scott, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Nikki Sherback, 35, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Robert Smiley, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
• Patrick Smith, 36, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Jeffrey Tumer, 29, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania;
• Garrett Weaver, 38, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania;
• Jeremy Winfield, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
• Marquille Wright, 25, of Munhall, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, the named defendants are collectively the members and associates of a group of drug traffickers identifying themselves as “Shot Boyz,” “Drive Boyz,” and/or “OTS” (collectively, the “Shot Boyz”). During the periods of time set forth in the Indictment, the Shot Boyz sold large quantities of fentanyl in the City of Pittsburgh and the surrounding neighborhoods, including East Hills, Homewood, and Wilkinsburg. Associates of the Shot Boyz also distributed fentanyl in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. In order to further their drug trafficking operation, and to protect themselves, their drugs, and their proceeds from drug trafficking, members of the Shot Boyz obtained and possessed firearms.

The Indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl from March 2019 through August 2020. The Indictment further alleges individual drug trafficking charges against Tyric Allen, Phillip Ahmad-Revis, and Davon Loveings, as well as individual firearms violations against Allen and Loveings.

The second Indictment, returned on August 19 and also unsealed today, charges Keith Redman, 22, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition on May 21, 2020, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison, namely, aggravated assault. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

For all defendants associated with the first Indictment, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. As to Keith Redman, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Latrobe Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Allegheny County Probation, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments in this case.

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 – Three residents of New York, pleaded guilty in recent weeks in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The charges are in connection with a complex scheme related to the importation into the United States of prescription drugs from China, Russia and India, and the fraudulent credit card payment processing associated with those sales to consumers in the United States.

Devan Abrams, age 39, of New York City, New York, Azad Khizgilov, age 46, of Staten Island, New York, and Roman Shaulov, age 53, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone. In related cases, Garri Shihman, age 49, of Parkland, Florida, and Gennady Nudelman, age 45, of Delray Beach, Florida, pled guilty and were sentenced in 2019.

In connection with the various court proceedings, the court was advised that this complex matter has two primary components. The first is related to the illegal on-line sale of pharmaceutical drugs to U.S. consumers from a host of websites located primarily in India, China and Russia. The second component relates to the fraudulent processing of credit card payments for these pharmaceutical drugs and other products. The five defendants referred to in this press release are only directly associated with the second component component. The fraudulent activity, which occurred between 2013 and 2017, involved the use of a series of misrepresentations that cause the credit card companies to process credit card transactions for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs. The credit card companies have policies that preclude the use of their products and services to pay for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs, and they have various internal controls designed to prevent the use of their products and services for such activities. In the scheme orchestrated by the defendants, they defrauded the credit card companies into processing tens of millions of dollars in payments for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs through a series front companies, fake websites, fraudulent merchant applications, and other fraudulent activity.

The fraud involved the establishment of hundreds of front companies that were established by these defendants any others, and fake web sites associated with those companies that falsely indicated that they were selling legitimate products. Together with the incorporation paperwork for the front companies and the fake website, the defendants submitted a merchant application to the credit card companies under the name of recruited accomplices. Once approved by the credit card companies, the defendants then arranged for the merchant accounts to process payments for the illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs.

The defendants also arranged for a number of employees to serve on a telephone bank that received telephone calls from customers questioning charges on their credit card statements. That was necessary because the credit card statements reflected purchases from the front companies and not the internet companies selling the illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs. In this way, the telephone bank prevented the customers from reporting the fraud to the credit card companies.

Federal agents began to undercover the fraud through controlled purchases from websites and search warrants at various locations. Abrams, Khizgilov, and Shihman operated out of offices located at 1812 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, and later, Abrams, Khizgilov and Shaulov operated out of offices located at 1706 Crospey Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Search warrants executed at both of those locations led to evidence supporting the charges.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Devan Abrams on December 15, 2020, for Azad Khizgilov on December 8, 2020, and for Roman Shaulov on December 17, 2020. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for each defendant. 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.

Garri Shihman was sentenced in federal court to 45 months’ imprisonment on July 26, 2019. Gennady Nudelman was sentenced in federal court to 32 months’ imprisonment on May 8, 2019. Shihman and Nudelman are currently serving their sentences at a Bureau of Prisons facility.

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

The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecutions of Abrams, Khizgilov, Shaulov, Shihman and Nudelman.

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to four months in jail and one year of supervised release on his conviction of providing a false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jamie Gilmore, 23.

According to information presented to the court, on or about January 25, 2020, Gilmore made false statements to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he was questioned about matters that were material to the investigation of the January 25, 2020, robbery and murder at Wendy’s in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

When imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted the seriousness of the matter in which Gilmore lied to investigators and Gilmore’s lengthy criminal history. The Court also noted that it was important to send a message that those who lie to law enforcement, especially during such a significant investigation, will go to jail for their efforts to obstruct the administration of justice.

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 and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilmore.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Somerset County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 135 months in prison and ten years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal child pornography and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on William M. Jones, 51, of Stoystown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on September 18, 2019, Jones knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, Jones was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In 2003, Jones was convicted in Howard County, Indiana, of child molestation, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

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

Mr. Brady commended the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jones.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ imprisonment and three years of 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 Dorian Boyd, age 26, formerly of 524 13th Street, Braddock, PA.

According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh. Boyd 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. Boyd, along with 32 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.

The Court was informed that Boyd is a close associate of SCO, including its leader, Howard McFadden and, based upon intercepted communications occurring over three telephones that were intercepted, law enforcement confirmed that Boyd was a heroin and cocaine base distributor. Boyd admitted, in conjunction with his plea, that he initially served as a runner for McFadden but, over time, he began operating one of the telephones used to communicate with drug customers that law enforcement intercepted. Boyd often directed drug customers to meet him at the Library Street basketball courts parking lot or at his residence on 13th Street where he would facilitate the drug transaction. The Court was further informed that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized, among other items, two firearms from Mr. Boyd’s residence, one of which was located on a bookshelf in the kitchen with a round chambered and full magazine.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Bellisario, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that as a result of a large-scale, international investigation into the Darknet site "Welcome 2 Video", which offered child sexual exploitation images and videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin, Bellisario was identified as a user of this Website. Namely, from January 21, 2017 through February 27, 2018, Bellisario downloaded approximately 1,673 files of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as child pornography) and uploaded approximately six files to the Website and in return received credits to obtain "free" videos of child sexual abuse material. The Court was further advised that on March 27, 2018, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Bellisario’s residence, law enforcement seized two laptops owned by Bellisario. On these laptops, law enforcement found 1,000 unique videos and 443 unique images of child sexual abuse material; as well as 769 unique videos and 9,340 unique images of child erotica. Bellisario further admitted hat he used a Virtualized Private Network (VPN) in an effort to mask his identity online because he "[knew] what [he was] doing was illegal. That way people can’t find you for doing things that are illegal."

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the North Strabane Police Department, Robinson Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bellisario.

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 former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 87 months of imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Latone Dunbar, 25.

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

Intercepted communications demonstrated that Dunbar purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin from co-conspirator Ronald Williams, and re-sold the heroin to other customers. The court was further informed that during a search of Dunbar’s residence on March 8, 2019, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police found a Highpoint rifle and approximately four grams of heroin stamped "DOPE."

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on her conviction of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Amber Doller-Smith.

According to information presented to the court, Doller-Smith was involved in a traffic stop on September 13, 2018, conducted by police officers from Lower Burrell and New Kensington. A canine unit was summoned to the scene and alerted to a purse located on the vehicle’s front seat. The police searched the purse and found numerous pills and Doller-Smith’s bankcard. Doller-Smith subsequently informed the officers she had heroin concealed on her person. Laboratory analysis revealed that the substance consisted of a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol and had a net weight of 46.53 grams.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lower Burrell Police Department, and the New Kensington Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Doller-Smith.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Ricardo Glenn was convicted of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Glenn, age 28, formerly of Butler and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing to occur on December 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Five western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and charged with various schemes to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"When criminals defraud the Social Security Administration, they are in effect stealing from the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens, who have worked hard and played by the rules their entire lives," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Scammers beware: my office will continue to pursue and prosecute anyone who steals from our seniors in order to line their own pockets."

"I thank the U.S. Attorney for bringing these charges, and for his office’s support of our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Social Security system," said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of Social Security. "Today’s announcement should serve as reminder that the SSA Office of Inspector General will vigorously pursue those individuals who intend to defraud SSA in any way. I also want to recognize the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for working jointly with my office on investigations leading to some of the indictments being announced today."

A two-count indictment charges Leona Biser, 51, of Vestaburg, Pennsylvania, with representative payee fraud and Social Security fraud. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2018 through September 2019, Biser was the representative payee for her sister. Biser failed to spend the payments for the benefit of her sister, and instead spent the funds on personal expenses. On January 15, 2020, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office charged Leona Biser with neglect of a care dependent person, abuse of a care dependent person, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful restraint, and false imprisonment for keeping her care dependent sister in a wooden cage with only a dirty mattress and little-to-no medical care. Biser is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest USMS District Office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.

A four-count Indictment charges Brenda Castro, 61, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property, Social Security fraud, and false statements to retain Social Security income. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2009 through October 2017, Castro repeatedly falsely informed the SSA that she did not reside with her husband in order to continue to receive approximately $41,292.00 in SSA benefits to which she knew she was not entitled.

A three-count Indictment charges Julius Wilkerson, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property and false statements to retain Social Security income. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2011 through November 2016, Wilkerson received approximately $30,699.00 in SSA benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.

A one-count Indictment charges William Moriarty, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from August 2010 to May 2018, Moriarty received approximately $189,389.00 in SSA benefits to which he knew he was not entitled due to his employment.

A one-count Indictment charges Dawn Ann Treusch, 41, of Monaca, Pennsylvania, with theft of public money. According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2016 to July 2019, the defendant knowingly converted to her own use approximately $43,920.00 in Social Security Survivor’s Insurance Benefits of her grandmother, who had died in December 2015, and to which she knew she was not entitled.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Rachael L. Mamula and Benjamin J. Risacher are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government

The United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General conducted the investigations leading to the indictments in these cases.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Three former residents of the Pittsburgh area have been sentenced in federal court this week on their convictions of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Michael Rose, 28, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, Kreg Williams, formerly of Duquesne, PA, and Marvin Porter, 49, formerly of Allison Park, PA.

Rose was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Williams was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Porter was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.

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. Rose, Williams and other individuals were identified as members 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. Rose, Williams, and Porter, along with 30 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.

As to Rose, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Rose was conspiring with others to distribute controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania. On April 15, 2019, Rose was apprehended by law enforcement while conducting a drug transaction in the parking lot of the Monroeville Mall. After arresting Rose and seizing a firearm, which Rose was not permitted to possess, as well as heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, all packaged for resale from the vehicle, Rose broke free from law enforcement and ran into the Monroeville Mall while in handcuffs. Rose was sentenced for distributing 198.4 grams of heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, and 154 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as crack.

As to Williams, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Williams, a member of the street gang, "SCO", was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, namely, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance, between August 2018 and May 2019. Additionally, on June 12, 2019, Williams possessed three firearms, including an assault rifle and two pistols, all of which were forfeited to the government.

As to Porter, the Court was informed that in April of 2019, while intercepting communications over telephones used by Howard McFadden, SCO’s leader, law enforcement identified Chadlin Leavy as a source of supply for heroin and cocaine. I n April of 2019, investigators obtained authorization for the interception of wire and electronic communications over a telephone operated by Chadlin Leavy. Intercepted communications confirmed that Mr. Porter, who is not associated with SCO, was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized a suitcase containing 612 bricks and one bundle of heroin, six firearms as well as related magazines and ammunition, jewelry, and a digital scale from Mr. Porter’s residence.

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 Porter, Rose and Williams. Partners in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies included the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Four residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and one resident of Cypress, California, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment names the following five individuals:

• Zachary Miller, 27, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania;

• Alan Masecar, 33, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;

• Joshua Birrell, 37, of Cypress, California;

• Samuel Miller, 25, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; and

• Jessica Palmer, 39, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, from September 2017 to August 2020, the five defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further charges Masecar with attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about December 23, 2019. The Indictment further charges Zachary Miller and Palmer with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about February 15, 2020.

Zachary Miller is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 412-432-4000. (SEE NOTE BELOW)

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both, as to Count One, and a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of forty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both, as to Counts Two and Three. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations.

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.

NOTE: Zachary Miller self-surrendered to FBI on August 16, 2020.

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

The one-count Indictment named Breanna M. Bane, age 28, of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on July 3, 2020, Bane was found to have distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl analogue, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on April Price, 32.

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

Intercepted communications revealed that Ms. Price was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and communicated directly with Anthony Jetter and Christopher Highsmith, who are among her most culpable co-defendants, and discussed distributor level quantities of narcotics. The court was further informed that Ms. Price was seen on pole camera footage conducting a drug transaction with several co-conspirators at a stash house on April 25, 2019. As a condition of her guilty plea on February 12, 2020, Ms. Price accepted responsibility for the distribution of 60 grams of heroin and fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan 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 resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two separate but related indictments, returned on August 4, named Rahde Williamson aka "Raw" age 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the first Indictment, the defendant conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from November of 2018 through August of 2019. The Indictment further alleges that in June of 2019 Williamson distributed fentanyl that caused an overdose death. The second Indictment alleges that on July 15, 2020, the defendant, a convicted felon, possessed ammunition after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include a federal drug conviction for conspiracy to distribute more than one kilo of heroin and possession with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The court was further informed that the defendant was on federal supervised release when he purchased the ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $11,250,000, 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 defendant will remain incarcerated pending the resolution of the case

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment named Brian L. Gustafson as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, when the IRS sought to bring Gustafson into compliance with his filing and payment requirements, Gustafson engaged in several acts of evasion: 1) he closed a bank account known to the IRS and replaced it with an undisclosed account; 2) he failed to disclose personal and corporate bank accounts to the IRS on Form 433-A; 3) upon discovery of the undisclosed account, he lied to an IRS revenue agent about his use of the account, and; 4) he withdrew significant cash from the undisclosed account.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 11 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Reginald Milligan was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Milligan, age 28 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also sentenced Milligan to three years of supervised release upon the completion of his prison sentence.

Milligan unlawfully possessed a stolen and loaded 9mm pistol, and 10 heroin/fentanyl stamp bags, inside his car in Pittsburgh during the early morning of January 19, 2019. B y that date, he had already been convicted of committing three felony crimes in prior state prosecutions between 2013 and 2015. The felony crimes were possession with intent to deliver heroin, carrying a firearm without a license, and person not to possess a firearm.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction 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, PA- A resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and a $5,000 fine on his conviction of conspiracy charges related to marriage fraud and visa fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Makhan Singh, 53.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around 2011 through in and around October of 2018, Makhan Singh conspired with his brother, Rajinder Singh, and United States citizen Dawn Haroulakis, to knowingly facilitate or enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws. The court was further advised that Makhan Singh offered to pay Ms. Haroulakis if she would marry his brother so that Rajinder, a native and citizen of India, could obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. Ms. Haroulakis agreed to the sham marriage, and Makhan Singh then made payments of more than $15,000 to Ms. Haroulakis in exchange for her marriage to Rajinder Singh.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Haroulakis, in connection with the Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). The DBFTF is a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigrations 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, 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Laffayette Fuller, 21.

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

Intercepted communications revealed that Mr. Fuller was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, serving as a runner for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith, facilitating drug transactions for Highsmith, and carrying a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities. The Court was further informed that as a condition of his guilty plea on March 2, 2020, the defendant accepted responsibility for distribution of 39 grams of fentanyl and heroin in the Pittsburgh area.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan 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.