Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Camden, New Jersey, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jamel T. Brown, 38.

According to information presented to the court, on October 25, 2018, Brown and a co-conspirator distributed more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.

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

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Brown.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Krystian Zarate was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Zarate, 28, of Rio Rico, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan ordered Zarate to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Zarate was a member of an international drug trafficking conspiracy that extended from Mexico to Pittsburgh as well as to locations in the New York City area and New Jersey. He was a conduit between a Mexican supplier and American drug traffickers. Between August and October 2018 alone, he coordinated the supply of nearly 50 kilograms of cocaine to Western Pennsylvania and forwarded hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug trafficking proceeds to Mexico.

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

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

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

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal criminal complaint was filed today charging Devin Montgomery, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives. During a May 30, 2020 gathering of protesters, Montgomery allegedly set fire to an unmarked Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) vehicle near the Fifth Avenue entrance to PPG Paints Arena.

"Setting a police car on fire is a federal crime, and one that we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "This is part of our commitment to protect First Amendment rights. Peaceful protesters embody those rights and have the full protections of federal law. The people who choose to disrupt those protests with violence and destruction will face prosecution."

"The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continues to work diligently toward securing public safety," said acting Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt, ATF Philadelphia Field Division. "Setting fire to a law enforcement vehicle is never acceptable, even in these unprecedented times. The arrest of Devin Montgomery will undoubtedly send a message that violent acts will be investigated and prosecuted. ATF, with the assistance of our local and state partners in this case the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, is dedicated to protecting the public from violent crime."

"The vast majority of protests and protesters in Pittsburgh over the past month have been peaceful, and we are committed to respecting peaceful protesters' First Amendment rights," Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said. "To the small group of people who choose to hijack the overall peaceful message of these protests: You will be held accountable. We will review all evidence and vigorously investigate any and all violence committed at protests through the Damage Assessment and Accountability Taskforce (DAAT). Simply put: Violence will not be tolerated, by us or any of our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels."

The criminal complaint alleges that on the afternoon of May 30, 2020, a public protest was occurring in downtown Pittsburgh in the area of PPG Paints Arena following the death of George

Floyd of Minneapolis Minnesota. At around 5:15 p.m., a crowd was marching down Washington Place toward Fifth Avenue. Upon reaching PBP Unit 3F04, numerous individuals began to inflict damage and access the interior of the vehicle. One of the first individuals to approach Unit 3F04 was a black male wearing a #84 Antonio Brown Steelers jersey, blue jeans and dark colored shoes. The man also wore a dark colored bandana type of face mask covering the lower portion of his face as well as a black beanie on his head. Shortly thereafter, the man can be seen on video next to the rear passenger door, standing next to a person dressed in all black whose face is covered with a mask, and who is wearing a lighter colored backpack. The man and the masked individual interact briefly with each other, as they each appear to be igniting items in their hands. Within seconds, the man in the Antonio Brown jersey and the masked individual each toss an ignited item into the rear passenger compartment of Unit 3F04, which results in an interior fire that eventually spreads and destroys the vehicle. The man can be seen quickly moving away from the unmarked Unit after setting it on fire. Other video footage from later that afternoon and evening captures the man in the Antonio Brown jersey walking in the downtown area.

On June 17, 2020, the PBP posted several photos of the man in the Antonio Brown jersey on the PBP Facebook page with a request for members of the public to come forward with information to assist in identifying him. On June 18, 2020, the PBP received tips from two separate individuals. Both callers identified the man in the Antonio Brown jersey as Devin Montgomery.

Investigators then obtained a Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s license photograph of Devin Montgomery. In late June, ATF Special Agents identified a possible girlfriend of Devin Montgomery and conducted surveillance on her residence. ATF Special Agents observed an individual dressed in green pants and a black short sleeve t-shirt exit this residence with his face clearly exposed. This individual was positively identified as Devin Montgomery.

The PBP receive federal grant funds in excess of $10,000 as required under the federal arson statute.

Montgomery was taken into federal custody this afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He made an initial appearance by video teleconference today before Chief Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

If convicted, Montgomery faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Criminal Complaint and Affidavit Criminal Complaint and Affidavit

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

The one-count Indictment, returned on June 23, named Chad Caye, age 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 12, 2020, Caye was found to be in possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, a period of supervised release of at least 4 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 Robert S. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Shawn Frank was sentenced to 120 months in prison for fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On June 25, 2020, Frank, 42, of McKees Rocks, was sentenced by United States District Judge David S. Cercone. Judge Cercone also sentenced Frank to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Frank pled guilty earlier this year to distributing quantities of fentanyl and heroin in 2016 and conspiring to distribute cocaine in 2018. He was on state parole between 2016 and 2018 following a five to ten year prison sentence that was imposed in 2011 for possession with intent to deliver heroin. Prior to Frank’s federal convictions this year, he had been convicted of drug trafficking, most often involving cocaine or heroin, seven times in seven prior state prosecutions during the preceding 20 years.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On June 24, 2020, United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Larita Walls, 57, to five years of probation, including twelve months of home detention, and Tionne Street, 48, to three years of probation, including six months of home detention, for their roles in a years-long conspiracy. Walls and Street were also ordered to pay restitution to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in the amounts of $56,738.28 and $31,181.61, respectively.

In connection with their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted that between 2011 and 2017 they were employees of Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), one of four related entities operating in the home health care industry. The other three entities were Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients ("consumers"), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between in and around January 2011 and in and around April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for these services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount.

During that time, Walls and Street admitted that they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. As part of the conspiracy, Walls and Street admitted that they fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, they never provided to the consumers identified on the timesheets. Some of the fabricated care occurred while Street was, in fact, working for a different employer. Walls further admitted that she caused the submission of Medicaid claims in the name of "ghost" employees—close relatives—for PAS care that did not occur. Likewise, Walls admitted that she paid kickbacks to a consumer in exchange for the consumer’s participation in the fraudulent billing scheme. In total, Walls and Street admitted causing losses to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in excess of $180,000 and $70,000, respectively.

To date, twelve defendants have pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.

PITTSBURGH – Nine Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine trafficking in the Butler County area, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"Today, we dismantled a significant Philadelphia-to-Butler drug organization whose pipeline brought fentanyl, heroin and cocaine into Butler communities, including near neighborhood playgrounds and schools," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Our successful partnerships with the Pennsylvania State Police and Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger and his Drug Task Force have allowed us to take the fight against illegal drugs to all of our communities, including our small towns and rural communities. We want drug dealers to know there is nowhere for them to set up shop in western Pennsylvania."

Major Stephen K. Eberle of the Pennsylvania State Police said, "This was a lengthy investigation involving a partnership between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Butler County Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office. The involved troopers, agents, officers and attorneys worked tirelessly to disrupt and ultimately dismantle a large drug trafficking network responsible for distributing a significant quantity of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Butler County region. The Pennsylvania State Police, along with our federal and local partners, remain committed to combating this type of illegal drug activity plaguing our neighborhoods and communities."

"These arrests send a clear message to all of those involved in illegal drug activity," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Christman. "The FBI will never stop investigating and arresting those responsible for harming our communities. The drugs seized today can and do lead to dangerous consequences. I commend the work of our Opiate Overdose Task Force, along with our federal, state and local partners, who are committed to eradicating drugs and the violence they bring with them. It doesn't matter whether it's a major metropolitan area or a rural neighborhood, drug dealers don't have a place in our community."

"Thanks to a joint investigation between the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Butler County Drug Task Force, high level suppliers of heroin and cocaine were indicted and arrested today in Butler County and other areas in Western Pennsylvania," added Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger. "This collaborative effort will put a serious dent in drug trafficking in Butler County, making our community a safer place to live and work. I want to thank all of the law enforcement officers who were part of this investigation. These officers selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way for the overall betterment of Butler County."

The 27-count Indictment, returned on June 9 and unsealed today, charges Qureem Overton, Bobby Askew, Jasmine Cook, Damion Fray, Ricardo Glenn, Jamir Hughes, Nasir Sharpe, Dwayne Smallwood, and Braden Yartz in Count 1 with conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of cocaine base from January 2017 to June 2020. Counts 2, 7-12, 19, and 21-27 charge the defendants with distributing those controlled substances. Counts 3-6, 13-18, and 20 of the Indictment charge several of the defendants with distributing the controlled substances within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds.

Overton, age 39, Askew, age 38, Fray, age 22, Glenn, age 28, Hughes, age 19, Sharpe, age 22, and Smallwood, age 41, have had Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Butler, Pennsylvania, residences. Cook, age 30, has resided in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Yartz, age 28, has resided in Lyndora, Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison for the conspiracy crime charged in Count 1 of the Indictment and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The law also provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 2, 7-12, 19, and 21-27 of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. In addition, the law provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 3-6, 13-18, and 20 of at least one year and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.

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’s Opiate Overdose Task Force and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the return of the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Edgeworth, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

"The Department of Justice and my office are strongly committed to promoting compliance with federal tax laws," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The IRS undertook significant efforts to bring Britton into compliance with the tax laws and to collect his unpaid tax liabilities. Britton’s conviction and potential penalties should serve as a stern warning to would-be offenders that violations can and will lead to consequences, including fines and potentially jail time."

According to court documents and statements made in court, Dean Britton worked in the New York City real estate industry negotiating high-dollar-value commercial ground leases. After Britton was contacted by the IRS regarding unfiled tax returns, from 2013 to 2017, Britton delinquently filed several years’ worth of returns reporting that he owed more than $1.1 million in outstanding taxes. Britton did not pay the taxes he acknowledged he owed. Instead, he evaded his taxes by placing the title to his personal residence in his wife’s name, using business bank accounts to pay his personal expenses, and directing income into new personal bank accounts he established after the IRS levied his prior account. During these years, Britton spent more than $1.46 million on personal expenses, including approximately $770,000 on real estate purchases, $240,000 in home rentals, $165,000 on financing an art gallery operated by his wife, $ 96,000 in home renovations, $74,000 in travel, $65,000 in country club expenses, and $50,000 in private school tuition.

U.S. District Judge Nora Fischer scheduled sentencing for Nov. 5, 2020. At sentencing, Britton faces a maximum sentence of five years. Britton also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brady commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Kimberly Ang of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Bloch, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website

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

An Edgeworth, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Dean Britton worked in the New York City real estate industry negotiating high-dollar-value commercial ground leases. After Britton was contacted by the IRS regarding unfiled tax returns, from 2013 to 2017, Britton delinquently filed several years’ worth of returns reporting that he owed more than $1.1 million in outstanding taxes. Britton did not pay the taxes he acknowledged he owed. Instead, he evaded his taxes by placing the title to his personal residence in a nominee name, using business bank accounts to pay his personal expenses, and directing income into new personal bank accounts he established after the IRS levied his prior account. During these years, Britton spent more than $1.46 million on personal expenses, including approximately $770,000 on real estate purchases, $240,000 in home rentals, $96,000 in home renovations, $74,000 in travel, $65,000 in country club expenses, and $50,000 in private school tuition.

U.S. District Judge Nora Fischer scheduled sentencing for Nov. 5, 2020. At sentencing, Britton faces a maximum sentence of five years. Britton also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brady commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Kimberly Ang of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Bloch, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.

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

The one-count Indictment named Matthew Michanowicz, 52, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about May 31, 2020, Michanowicz knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms, that is, three destructive devices, which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. A Criminal Complaint filed previously alleges Michanowicz was responsible for planting a backpack with homemade explosives at 2 PNC Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh on May 31, 2020.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Superseding Indictment named Raymont Wright, 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about July 24, 2014, Raymont Wright, who has previously been convicted two times of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and once of Aggravated Assault, was found to be in possession of a 9 millimeter pistol. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh 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.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of North Versailles, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank and access device fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on June 17, and unsealed today, named Matthew Holmes, 27, and Justin Livingston, 27, both of North Versailles, PA, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2018, and continuing thereafter until in and around September 2018, Holmes and Livingston conspired to commit bank fraud and access device fraud. Additionally, during the same time frame, Holmes and Livingston are alleged to have used and attempted to use credit and debit card numbers belonging to other people and as a result, obtained goods valued at more than $1,000.

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

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and 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.

Indictment

• Indictment

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Natrona Heights, 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.

Jack Ulrich, Jr., age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

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

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2020 at 10:45 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years or 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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 Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Laron McKinnon, age 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, McKinnon was charged with possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and cocaine base. The Indictment further alleges that McKinnon possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking despite being prohibited from owning a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than Five years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,500,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least 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 Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian enhances coordination of federal, state, and local authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the Pennsylvania Instant Criminal Background Check System (PICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partner: the Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Justin McConnell, age 34, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on October 2, 2019, while on probation for a prior felony conviction, McConnell’s parole officer found McConnell in possession of a 22 LR Caliber GSG pistol, with a loaded magazine containing ammunition. Due to his prior felony conviction, McConnell is not permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Rahim Thomas, age 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 3, 2020, Thomas, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.

United States Attorney Scott Brady announced the Pennsylvania State Police will receive $1,504,576.00 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

"The trafficking of illegal opioids and methamphetamine remains a threat to the safety of all western Pennsylvanians," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "These critical funds will help our Pennsylvania State Police across the Commonwealth continue their work to stop the flow of opioids into our communities."

"The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities," said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. "By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis."

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.

The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF).

AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.

The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award.

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of providing a false writing or document to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Joshua D. Springer, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Springer was employed as a Level II Radiograph Technician and was responsible for performing nondestructive testing of pipeline welds for the Mariner East natural gas pipeline. The testing included taking, reviewing and certifying x-rays of the welds to insure their integrity. Springer, however, falsified the x-ray results on approximately 77 occasions because the original x-rays were flawed. Springer then certified in writing that the welds had been properly x-rayed and the exposures were acceptable when, in truth and fact, such certifications were false.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for August 24, 2020 at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court permitted Springer to remain free on an unsecured bond.

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

The United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Springer.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William J. Hughes, 73, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hughes owned and operated Universal Oral Fluid Labs (UOFL), a clinical drug testing laboratory located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. From October 2011 to August 2013, Hughes, through his lab UOFL, entered into kickbacks-for-referrals arrangement with the co-defendant. Pursuant to this arrangement, Hughes agreed to pay the co-defendant to refer patients, including patients who were covered under the Medicare Program and Kentucky Medicaid Program, to UOFL for drug testing services in exchange for cash payments. Between September 2012 and August 2013, UOFL obtained $1,672,422.84 from the Kentucky Medicaid Program based on these referrals.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Mamula is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Section conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hughes.

ERIE, Pa. – Three men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Dominique Marquise Levye, 31, of Los Angeles, California, Elvin Martinez-Montero, 25, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Abenego Rodriguez-Suriel, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from July 2019 to August 9, 2019, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The charges relate to the seizure of over 30 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within a car that had been transported on a car hauler from California and was seized in the parking lot of the Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania on August 9, 2019.

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

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations 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 – Twenty-two current and former residents of Western Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of narcotics trafficking and firearms violations following an investigation into drug trafficking and violence in and around the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"The drug and gun crime activity associated with local gangs threatens the safety of our law-abiding neighbors," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "My office will continue to make the identification and prosecution of these neighborhood thugs a priority until our communities are gang-free."

The Superseding Indictment, returned on June 15 and unsealed yesterday, names the following 22 individuals as defendants:

• Christopher Highsmith, 27, of Irwin, PA

• David Benson, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Lamont Benton, 24, of McKees Rocks, PA

• Jarrell Dawson, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Perry Freeman, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Lequay Fuller, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Dontae Gilbert, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Brandon Green, 35, Pittsburgh, PA

• Anthony Jetter, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Henry Johnson, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Jonathan Laur, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Trevon McCrary, 25, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Danasia McNeal, 22, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Willie Miller, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Michael Norman, 27, of Venetia, PA

• Devonte Parker, 25, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Jaimone Robinson, 20, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Ronika Somerville, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Theresa Somerville, 50, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Raelynn Stevenson, 30, of West Mifflin, PA

• Ronald Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Martel Yates, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA

The named conspirators include leaders, members, drug suppliers, and associates of a violent neighborhood gang known as Darccide-Smash44 ("DS44"), based out of the Knoxville, Arlington, and Mt. Oliver neighborhoods in the South Side. According to the Superseding Indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over one kilogram of heroin, at least 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as quantities of several fentanyl analogs, cocaine, and cocaine base, commonly known as crack, from January 2018 through June 2019. The Superseding Indictment further alleges individual firearms charges and/or drug trafficking violations against defendants Benson, Gilbert, McCrary, Miller, Parker, Robinson, and Stevenson.

For all defendants, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Twelve defendants from Allegheny, Lawrence and Westmoreland Counties have been charged with drug trafficking following a months-long wiretap investigation into narcotics trafficking in the City of Pittsburgh and greater Allegheny County region, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. This Indictment is related to a larger investigation into the narcotics trafficking activities of the "11 Hunnit" neighborhood street gang operating in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh and beyond. A total of 22 defendants have been charged in four separate, but related, indictments stemming from this investigation.

"Every citizen in western Pennsylvania deserves to live in a community free from the violence and devastation created by drug trafficking," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "For too long, the "11 Hunnit" gang has terrorized the law-abiding residents of the City of Pittsburgh and the Hill District. Through the four indictments of 22 members and associates of "11 Hunnit," we have effectively dismantled this gang and its grip on our city."

The Indictment, returned on June 15 and unsealed today, charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms grams or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, from in and around November 2019, and continuing thereafter until in and around June 2020:

• Donald Epps, age 65, of New Kensington, PA;

• Michael Glenn, age 57, Pittsburgh, PA;

• Michael Turner, age 47, of Wampum, PA;

• Gary Wilkinson, age 56, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Dion Williams, age 44, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Ivan Upsher, age 58, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Gerald Bogan Jr., age 39, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Charles King, age 57, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Jeffrey Brown, age 50, of Pittsburgh, PA; and

• Michael Jones, age 69, of Monessen, PA.

The Indictment additionally charges Defendant Glenn and the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as "crack") in the Western District of Pennsylvania, from in and around November 2019, and continuing thereafter until February 2020:

• Timothy Harris, age 57, of Pittsburgh, PA; and

• Giles Davis, age 60, of Pittsburgh, PA.

With respect to Defendants Epps, Glenn, Turner, Wilkinson, Williams, Upsher, Bogan, King Brown, and Jones, each of whom is charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 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. With respect to Defendants Glenn, Harris and Davis, each of whom is charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (Bureau of Narcotics Investigations) led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. This Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of transmitting threats in interstate commerce, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on June 9, named William Jackson, age 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on August 2, 2019, Jackson sent a text message to an individual threatening to harm that individual; made a telephone call to the individual stating that he intended to kill one of the individual’s children; and made a telephone call to the individual stating that he intended to injure the individual’s parents. According to state court records, the target of Jackson’s threats had an active Protection from Abuse order against the defendant.

"One of my highest priorities is the investigation and prosecution of federal crimes related to domestic violence, including firearms violence and cyberstalking," 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 beware: I will use the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence and to keep victims safe from abuse. I also want to thank the Bridgeville Police Department for actively pursuing this defendant’s conduct and bringing this case to our attention."

The law provides for a total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a $750,000 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 United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – The man who allegedly hacked the human resource databases of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and stole PII of over 65,000 UPMC employees was arrested Tuesday morning in Detroit, Michigan, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Justin Sean Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft associated with the 2014 hack of UPMC. Johnson is alleged to have then sold employees’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and W-2 information on the dark web, resulting in the filing of thousands of false IRS tax returns.

The 43-count indictment, returned on May 20 and unsealed today, named Justin Sean Johnson, a/k/a "TDS", a/k/a "DS", 29, originally from Michigan. Johnson made an initial appearance yesterday in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. The government intends to seek the detention of the defendant pending trial.

"Justin Johnson stands accused of stealing the names, Social Security numbers, addresses and salary information of every employee of Pennsylvania’s largest health care system," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "After his hack, Johnson then sold UPMC employees’ PII to buyers around the world on dark web marketplaces, who in turn engaged in massive campaign of further scams and theft. His theft left over 65,000 victims vulnerable to years of potential financial fraud. Hackers like Johnson should know that our office will pursue you relentlessly until you are in custody and held accountable for your crimes."

"Investigating identity theft and refund fraud cases is a priority for our office," said Tom Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. "Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, the people whose identities are stolen in cases like this are often victimized repeatedly. Initially, they have to deal with the stress of knowing their personal information was stolen. Criminals then use the stolen information to file false tax returns, or they sell it to other criminals who use it to file false returns. This causes a hardship for the innocent victims when they try to file their own tax returns. Victims are then left to deal with credit issues caused by the unscrupulous actions of the criminals."

"This case is another example of the commitment of the U.S. Secret Service, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and our other law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who commit complex cyber fraud", said Timothy Burke, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Pittsburgh Field Office. "The healthcare sector has become an attractive target of cyber criminals looking to update personal information for use in fraud; the Secret Service is committed to detecting and arresting those that engage in crimes against our Nation’s critical systems for their own profit."

"This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between law enforcement agencies, working together to bring down a nationwide fraud conspiracy. I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing this individual and the other co-defendants in this case to justice," stated James Giehl, Acting Inspector in Charge.

According to the Indictment, Johnson, using a dark web moniker identified by an acronym in the Indictment as "TDS" or "DS" in 2014 infiltrated and "hacked" into the human resource server databases at UPMC in January 2014, and stole sensitive PII and W-2 information belonging to tens of thousands of UPMC employees. The information was sold by Johnson on dark web forums for use by conspirators, who promptly filed hundreds of false form 1040 tax returns in 2014 using UPMC employee PII. These false 1040 filings claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars of false tax refunds, which they converted into Amazon.com gift cards, which were then used to purchase Amazon merchandise which was shipped to Venezuela.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that Johnson, since 2014 through 2017, as TDS or DS, regularly sold other PII to buyers on dark web forums, which could be used to commit identity theft and bank fraud.

The scheme resulted in approximately $1.7 million in false tax return refunds.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 for the conspiracy to defraud the United States; 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 for each count of wire fraud, and a mandatory 24 months in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000 for each count of aggravated identity theft. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The two-count Indictment named David Lyons, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2019 to March 2020, Lyons received and possessed computer and cell phone images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

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

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

The two-count Indictment named James Paredes Andrada, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from November 2019 to February 2020, Andrada received and possessed computer and cell phone images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years (120 months) in prison to be followed by seven years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Elijah Winchester, 23.

According to information presented to the court, Winchester possessed 14 graphic videos in which he and a 14 year-old female minor victim were engaged in sexual activity. The Court was also informed that Winchester had started engaging in sexual activity with the minor when she was just 13 years old and that this conduct lasted for months prior to his arrest.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Beaver Police Department and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Winchester.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Evan Jones, age 27, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 26, 2018, law enforcement conducted surveillance in the vicinity of the Oliver Plaza Apartments, in Duquesne, PA, a known high drug trafficking area. Law enforcement previously received information that Evan Jones would be in the area to distribute heroin. Subsequently, law enforcement observed a blue Dodge Dakota with heavy front-end damage with an unsecured washing machine in the bed of the truck. The blue Dodge Dakota bore Ohio plates and was registered to Evan Jones. Law enforcement observed the blue Dodge Dakota pull behind the Oliver Plaza Apartment complex, an individual exit the vehicle, and then what appeared to be that individual working under the hood.

After leaving the apartment complex, law enforcement observed the driver of that blue Dodge Dakota commit at least two traffic violations. As a result, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of Rankin, PA. The driver identified himself as Evan Jones. Thereafter, Jones gave officers consent to search his vehicle. The interior panels of the vehicle were loose. Inside of the loose dashboard panel, officers recovered a knotted sandwich bag containing 89.9 grams of heroin.

During his guilty plea, Jones admitted to knowingly and intentionally possessing the heroin with the intent to distribute to others.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The FBI Western Pennsylvania Opiate Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Evan Jones.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to seven years’ imprisonment and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jordan Thompson, 23.

According to information presented to the court, on February 7, 2019, Thompson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. The court was further informed that Thompson unlawfully possessed a Glock .40 caliber firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense, after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include one conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two convictions for receiving stolen property, and convictions for carrying a firearm without a license and being a person not to possess a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania joined the Department of Justice in announcing the launch of the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.

"The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. "The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations."

"The protection of civil rights remains a top priority of the Department of Justice. This new portal dramatically eases the burden on victims of civil rights violations who are trying to identify the proper reporting channel," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Through this single portal anyone can report potential violations of federal law including the willful use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer, hate crimes, and racial discrimination, as well as other forms of illegal discrimination, human trafficking and violations of religious liberty."

The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at www.civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations can learn how to report violations by visiting www.civilrights.justice.gov.

If you believe that you are a victim of criminal civil rights violations, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, hate crimes, or human trafficking, please contact your local FBI office. 

In January of this year, U.S. Attorney Brady named Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Haley Warden-Rodgers as co-coordinators of the office’s Civil Rights efforts. Either can be reached through the office’s main number: (412) 644-3500.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of California, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of transfer of obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Timothy Cribbins, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on two separate occasions in December 2018 Cribbins knowingly used Snapchat to send photographs of his penis to a female under the age of sixteen. The court was further informed that the defendant, at the time of the charged conduct, was involved in coaching youth recreational sports in the community.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Cribbins will remain on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

JOHNSTOWN – Twelve residents of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, and seven residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The defendants were arrested last week by federal, state and local law enforcement.

"Methamphetamine. Heroin. Fentanyl. Crack cocaine. This group sold it all, but now they are in jail and out of business," said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. "Effective operations like this require strong partnerships across federal, state and local levels. We owe much of our success in this significant case to the solid working relationship we have built with Indiana County District Attorney Bob Manzi."

The five-count Indictment, returned on June 3, 2020, named:

Jelahn Williams, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Ellen Blystone, 43, of Marion Center, Pennsylvania;

Malik Byers, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Isaiah Daniels-Wheeler, 24, of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania;

Ahmed Doumbia, 26, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;

Adam Drylie, 26, of Shelocta, Pennsylvania;

James Edwards, 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Haylee Jackson, 26, of Creekside, Pennsylvania;

Romello Johnson-Holland, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Joy McBride, 40, of Hyde, Pennsylvania;

Dayton Melton, 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Roger Miller, 33, of Homer City, Pennsylvania;

Michele Monfredi, 47, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;

Gregory Moore, 59, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;

Karl Pollard, 56, of Indiana, Pennsylvania;

Michael Schrecengost, 35, of Shelocta, Pennsylvania;

Taylor Shick, 30, of Marion Center, Pennsylvania;

Tamir Washington-Jenkins, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and

Christofer Waters, 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, or 500 grams of more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and/or 28 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base in the form commonly known as "crack," and/or 40 grams of more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, from on or about July 5, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 5, 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Jelahn Williams, Malik Byers, Isaiah Daniels-Wheeler, Ahmed Doumbia, Jamed Edwards, Gregory Moore, Karl Pollard, Tamir Washington-Jenkins, and Christofer Waters are charged at Count Two with conspiracy to commit money laundering, July 5, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 5, 2020. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Jelahn Williams, Ahmed Doumbia, and James Edwards are charged at Counts Three through Five, respectively, with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of life in prison.

According to a criminal complaint filed previously in this case, as part of this investigation investigators have conducted court-authorized Title III interceptions of wire and electronic communications occurring over several telephones known to be used by members of this conspiracy. During the periods of interception, investigators have intercepted communications between the defendants related to the manufacture and/or distribution of crack cocaine and other controlled substances. The criminal complaint contains samples of calls between the named defendants.

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 Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania assisted in this investigation.

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, PA –A Philadelphia woman has been charged federally with possession with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.

Fiordaliza Rodriguez Reyes, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is charged by complaint with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute, heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, on June 11, 2020. Reyes was taken into custody Thursday evening and made her appearance in United States District Court in Pittsburgh today.

According to the complaint, on June 11, 2020, at approximately 11:07 am, Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Safe Highways Initiative through Effective Law Enforcement and Detection (SHIELD) Unit, seized from Rodriguez Reyes’ vehicle approximately 1,600 bricks, or approximately 80,000 stamp bags of suspected heroin, which is the equivalent of approximately 800 grams of heroin. The suspected heroin field-tested positive for the controlled substance. Rodriguez Reyes was traveling along the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to an address in the Wilkinsburg area of Pittsburgh.

The count charged in the criminal complaint carries a minimum potential penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison as well as a fine not to exceed $5,000,000.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Venetia, Pennsylvania and Davie, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Thach Duc Le, aka "Tucker" as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment Le operated a store on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue called Last Call Entertainment. The indictment alleges that Le engaged in the purchase of a wide variety of goods, mostly over the counter medications and health and beauty aids, from persons that were known to Le to be substance abusers who had shoplifted or otherwise stolen the goods they sold to him at Last Call.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to twenty five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 per count 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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township and Shaler Township also assisted in the investigation.

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

JOHNSTOWN - Thirty-eight residents of Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and Erie Counties in Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The defendants were arrested Tuesday by federal, state and local law enforcement.

"Methamphetamine presents a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of our western Pennsylvania communities," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This indictment represents the largest drug investigation and prosecution in the history of Clearfield County, and we have successfully dismantled an organization bringing kilo quantities of meth from Atlanta for distribution throughout northcentral PA. I want to thank DA Sayers for his partnership, and for his leadership in dismantling drug organizations that would come to Clearfield and poison our friends and neighbors."

"DEA Pittsburgh is proud of the partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and ATF," said Paris Pratt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration. "Even during this COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve worked diligently on this crystal methamphetamine case in Clearfield and Erie counties."

"This was a great team effort between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives," said Major Stephen K. Eberle of the Pennsylvania State Police. "For the past eighteen months Troopers and agents involved with this investigation worked tirelessly to identify and dismantle a large and well organized network responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine throughout central and northwestern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police and its law enforcement partners remain committed to combating this type of illegal drug trade plaguing our communities."

"Today is a great day for Clearfield County thanks to the hard work of US Attorney Brady, his staff, the DEA, the ATF and the Pennsylvania State Police," Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan P. Sayers said. "This is hopefully the first of many operations and partnerships to combat the drugs that are plaguing the county."

The ten-count Indictment, returned on May 19 and unsealed today, named:

John Christopher Bisbee, 40, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Ronald Bean, 55, of Winburne, Pennsylvania;

Kierston Bell, 32, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Jonathan Bierly, 48, of Loganton, Pennsylvania;

Alexis Brolin, Jr., 51, of Allport, Pennsylvania;

Tammie Brolin, 52, of Allport, Pennsylvania;

Toby Lee Coker, 35, SCI Albion;

John Cyphert, 59, of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania;

Timothy Ferguson, 32, of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania;

Nicole Gaines, 40, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Amber Gallaher, 28, of Woodland, Pennsylvania;

Brian Gidney, 46, of Mineral Spring, Pennsylvania;

Davin Gower, 26, of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania;

Mark Hackett, 32, of Woodland, Pennsylvania;

Shane Hoover, 28, of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania;

David Klanish, 49, of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania;

Andrew Knepp, 42, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Michael Lamb, 45, of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania;

Chad Lawhead, 47, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Brittany Luzier, 26, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Logan Mactavish, 37, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Evarie Magee, 36, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Keegan McChesney, 22, of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania;

John McKinney, 51, of Hyde, Pennsylvania;

Robert Morgret, 56, of Avis, Pennsylvania;

Jared Nyman, 22, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania;

Robert Nyman, 58, of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania;

Timothy Perry, 37, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Jennifer Quick, 46, of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania;

Joshua Quigley, 41, of Woodland, Pennsylvania;

Dennis James Rauch, 35, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania;

Joanna Shylock, 32, of PO Box 5, Houtzdale, Pennsylvania;

David Richard Smith, 43, of Sandy Ridge, Pennsylvania;

Jeffrey Swanson, 50, of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania;

Jessica Szymecki, 36, of Erie, Pennsylvania;

Cassandra Wallace, 35, of Woodland, Pennsylvania;

Miranda Williams, 46, of Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania; and

Shawn Workman, 41, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania.

John Christopher Bisbee and Alexis Brolin, Jr. are charged at Count One with participating in a continuing criminal enterprise as principal administrator that involves 1,000 grams or more of methamphetamine or 10 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, from July 2019 to June 2020. The statute calls for a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

The Indictment charges all defendants, with the exception of Evarie Magee, with Count Two, conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, from July 2019 to June 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The statue calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

John Christopher Bisbee, Alexis Brolin, Jr., Jonathan Bierley and Evarie Magee are charged at Count Three with conspiracy to commit money laundering from July 2019 to June 2020. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Alexis Brolin, Jr. is charged at Count Four, unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon in and around and between July 2019 and April 4, 2020. He is also charged at Count Five, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in and around and between July 2019 and April 4, 2020. The statutes call for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the felon in possession charge and a minimum sentence of five years in prison for possession in furtherance of a drug crime charge.

Dennis James Rauch is charged at Counts Six and Seven with unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in and around March 2020. He is also charged with Count Ten with Possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of methamphetamine or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on March 14, 2020. The statutes call for a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration and a minimum sentence of five years of incarceration, respectively.

Toby Lee Coker is charged at Count Eight with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of methamphetamine or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on February 20, 2020. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 30 years of incarceration.

Mark Hackett is charged at Count Nine with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of methamphetamine or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on December 18, 2019. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.

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

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

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

This 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Somerset, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kelly B. Shaulis, 51, of Somerset, Pa.

According to information presented at trial, Shaulis illegally possessed 12 rifles, shotguns and ammunition on July 5, 2017 and Dec. 21, 2018. On Dec. 19, 2011, Shaulis was convicted in United States District Court for the Western District of PA, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 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.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

PITTSBURGH –A former resident of Allegheny County, PA has been sentenced in federal court to seven years (84 months) of imprisonment on his convictions for federal narcotics and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Antwon Shamar Bonner, age 21, formerly of Penn Hills, who pleaded guilty in January 2020 to a two-count Indictment charging him with possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it and with possessing firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented to the Court, on July 12, 2019, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served a search warrant at Mr. Bonner’s residence in Penn Hills, Allegheny County. There, agents located approximately 36 "bricks" (constituting approximately 1,800 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of both heroin and fentanyl, which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law. In connection with his guilty plea, the defendant admitted to possessing those narcotics with the intent to distribute them. In addition to those narcotics, agents seized approximately $2,000 in U.S. currency, four loaded and operational firearms (one of which had an obliterated serial number), assorted ammunition, and high-capacity firearms magazines. In connection with his January 2020 guilty plea, Mr. Bonner admitted to possessing those firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

In imposing the 84-month sentence, Judge Horan noted, amongst many other factors, that the Court considered the seriousness of the offenses and the need to deter Mr. Bonner and others from engaging in criminal conduct involving heroin, fentanyl, and firearms.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mr. Bonner.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment and five years supervised release, with the first three months of supervised release to be served on home detention on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Joseph McCoullum, 37. .

According to information presented to the Court, in the Spring of 2018, the Western Pennsylvania Opiate Task Force (WPAOTF) was investigating a series of heroin/fentanyl overdoses in the Etna and Shaler areas of Western Pennsylvania. The defendant, Joseph McCoullum, a/k/a "Steele," was identified as a heroin dealer, distributing controlled substances in Penn Hills and Shaler. Through this investigation, law enforcement identified the residence, located at 298 East Pennview Street, as one of McCoullum’s drug distribution locations.

On May 10, 2018, members of the WPAOTF conducted a search at the residence located at 298 East Pennview Street in Pittsburgh. Mr. McCoullum was located inside the residence and law enforcement located, on his person, four bricks of a mixture of mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and two bundles of a cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, all of which was packaged for distribution. Additionally, Mr. McCoullum was in possession of two cell phones – a flip phone and a smart phone.

In rendering the sentence, Judge Ranjan noted that a sentence at the high end of the advisory Guidelines Range, with a term of home detention, was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the offense, involving the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and to provide deterrence to McCoullum as well as others.

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

The Western Pennsylvania Opiate Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Etna Borough Police Department, the Hampton Township Police Department, and the Shaler Township Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months imprisonment and six years supervised release on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1000 feet of Allegheny Commons, a Pittsburgh Public Housing Authority development, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on William Thomas, 38, formerly of Pittsburgh's North Side.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 9, 2018, at approximately 3:20 am, a City of Pittsburgh police officer noticed a vehicle parked along the side of the road with engine running in the area of Belleau Drive and Belleau Street in North Side Pittsburgh. As the officer approached the vehicle to check on the occupants, the officer smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed a marijuana cigar in the ashtray of the center console of the vehicle. The two individuals in the vehicle appeared to be unconscious and were initially unresponsive to the officer calling out to them and knocking on the window. After the occupants awakened and exited the vehicle, officers located three unopened, paper-wrapped bricks of heroin on Thomas’ person as well as a quantity of cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack. Officers searched the vehicle and located, in the center console, a stolen Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine and one bullet in the chamber. Thomas also had $169 as well as a cell phone, which contained drug trafficking communications with several of Thomas’ drug customers, including communications wherein he instructed drug customers to meet him at Belleau Drive.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas.

PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced that the County of Indiana, Pennsylvania, received $58,008 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant was available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has been awarded $17.6 million in grants that can be distributed to eligible governmental agencies throughout Pennsylvania, including western Pennsylvania.

From the moment these grants became available, U.S. Attorney Brady has dedicated staff to ensure that all eligible agencies in western Pennsylvania had the opportunity to apply and receive funds promptly. Since then, the Office has worked with eligible applicants to assist them in the grant process.

"The men and women on the front line of this pandemic deserve our deepest appreciation for answering the call to serve regardless of the danger," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "The public safety funds being made available to Indiana County through DOJ’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program can be used for the most pressing needs of our state and local partners, including new hiring and overtime pay, training, critical personal protective equipment and supplies, and the medical needs of prisoners."

"We are truly appreciative of receiving the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant from the Department of Justice, which will be used in purchasing PPE and equipment for use in battling COVID-19," said R. Michael Keith, Chairman of the Indiana County Commissioners.  "Funding from the grant will enable the County to replenish these unbudgeted expenses so the County can continue to operate effectively and serve the needs of the community. This grant has made it possible to work within our means of our current budget. The Indiana County Commissioners would like to thank the Department of Justice for awarding this CESF grant."

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A residents of Shaler Township, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Brian Jordan Bartels, 20, Allison Park, PA 15101.

According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed with the court, on May 30, 2020, Bartels interfered with and obstructed the Pittsburgh Police during the course of the civil disorder that occurred in connection with the protests which took place in downtown Pittsburgh on that day. In particular, Bartels is charged with initiating the destruction of a marked police vehicle that was parked on Centre Avenue above the PPG Arena. The complaint alleges that Bartels threw rocks at the vehicle, broke a window, stomped through the windshield and spray painted the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, members of the crowd set fire to the vehicle, completely destroying it.

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

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

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 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one count Indictment named Deontae Maurice Howard, 29, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, between December 2017, and May 2019, Howard embezzled Social Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration in excess of $1,000.00.

The law provides for a total sentence of 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 offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Social Security Administration-OIG conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 20 years’ imprisonment and 6 years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Mario Tiller, 41.

In connection with the sentencing, the court was advised that on June 19, 2018, Pittsburgh Police surveilled the intersection of Federal Street and Eloise Street following citizen complaints of open-air drug trafficking in the area. During their surveillance, they saw the defendant sell suspected drugs to multiple people. Upon arresting Tiller, police seized over three dozen individually knotted bags of crack, $109 in U.S. currency, a Glock 9 millimeter pistol with six rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition in the magazine, an additional magazine containing 6 rounds of ammunition, a ZTE smart phone, and a pistol holder. The gun had been reported stolen that same morning. Tiller pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on December 5, 2019. The court was further advised that Tiller had previously been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, including two convictions for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, two convictions for terroristic threats, and one conviction for theft by unlawful taking. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, along with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tiller. 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Melquan Barnett, 28, as the sole defendant. Barnett has been ordered detained pending trial.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, Barnett set fire to the Ember + Forge building located at 401 State Street in Erie on May 30, 2020.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Hector Palmero, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on August 29, 2019, Palmero was in possession of contraband marijuana, buprenorphine, and oxycodone while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count indictment named Douglas Jermaine Jordan, 47, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about April 25, 2020, Jordan possessed a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon.

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

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

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

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.

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

The seven-count Indictment named Tony Joe McCormick, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, McCormick made false statements during the purchase of eight firearms over a seven month period, from March 6, 2019 to September 22, 2019. McCormick presented himself as the purchaser of the firearms when, in reality, he was conducting "straw purchases" by purchasing the guns under his name and then delivering them to a third party.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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 former resident of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shawn Bernard Nichols, 28, formerly of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty to a 2-count Indictment charging him with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl analogues (U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl) before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 11, 2017, and August 17, 2017, the defendant distributed heroin and fentanyl analogues to confidential informant(s) working on behalf of law enforcement authorities in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Court was advised that the investigation into Nichols was prompted following the August 2017 overdose death of a Canonsburg resident. In connection with that overdose, law enforcement seized stamp bags containing fentanyl analogues (U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl), which were marked "Wildcat". In connection with the plea, Mr. Nichols admitted that on August 11, 2017, he distributed "Wildcat" stamp bags containing those substances to an informant working with law enforcement. In a related filing with the Court, the government provided notice that Mr. Nichols was previously convicted in two prior cases from February and March 2014 in the Courts of Common Pleas of Washington and Allegheny Counties, of drug dealing and conspiracy.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, Mr. Nichols remains in the custody of the United States Marshals.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Canonsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Nichols.

 

PITTSBURGH – Robert Korbe pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while in federal prison between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Korbe, age 51, formerly of Allegheny County, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on August 3, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Korbe was serving a federal prison sentence at FCI-Loretto in 2018 when he conspired to distribute the synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances soaked into paper, sometimes referred to as "K2 paper," supplied by former federal inmates who had been released to supervised release.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh man has been charged federally with illegal possession of an unregistered destructive device after planting a backpack with homemade explosives in a downtown open space, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.

Matthew Michanowicz, 52, of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, is charged by complaint with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a firearm, that is, a destructive device, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Michanowicz was taken into custody Friday evening by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. He will make his appearance in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh at a date to be determined by the court.

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Once again, we see that certain participants in the protests in Pittsburgh were only present to serve as agitators and to incite violence. Let’s call them what they are: criminals. They have no intention of peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights; they seek only to incite and destroy. Michanowicz brought a backpack full of homemade Molotov cocktails to downtown Pittsburgh. He wasn’t there to protest; he was there to engage in violent attacks. I hope that any organizers or protestors who are participating consistent with the First Amendment will help identify and stop agitators who seek to manipulate their protest for violent ends. Rest assured that we stand ready to prosecute such provocateurs federally."

According to the complaint, on June 1, 2020 at approximated 8 a.m., Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers were called to the open area of 2 PNC Plaza facing Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh to respond to a suspicious bag. They had been called by PNC security officers for a "Military, green backpack" located by a bicycle rack under some trees on PNC property. PBP officers discovered three devices and a foul odor and called the PBP Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad found three suspected "homemade Molotov cocktails."

According to the complaint, the devices are described as "spent OC vapor grenades" (identified by the PBPBS as spent devices they had previously deployed) which contained a fluid that had a smell similar to an ignitable liquid. The liquid was leaking out of one or more of the devices. All three devices had wicks attached to them, which were held in place by what appears to be "spray foam insulation."

Security camera footage provided to PBP by PNC security showed someone possessing the bag at the scene where it was recovered. That person was described as an older man, approximately 6’-6’1" who rides a blue bicycle with a bright red pouch on the handlebars. On the evening of June 3, 2020 a patrolling PBP officer saw a man with a bicycle matching that description in the exact location where the bag has been discovered on June 1, 2020. The officer approached the individual to identify him and Michanowicz provided only his last name. The officer stated that after he identified Michanowicz, he released him, but Michanowicz stayed in the immediate vicinity. The officer stated he called a PBP supervisor to report that he had stopped someone matching the description, and another PBP supervisor then directed the officer to detain Michanowicz and bring him to PBP Headquarters for questioning.

During questioning Michanowicz said he visited downtown to look at the "aftermath" of the riots and protests. Michanowicz admitted he was in the individual depicted in photographs from the surveillance footage but denied possessing the bag or knowing its contents. Michanowicz also stated he never possessed any destructive devices, including the devices recovered from the bag.

According to the complaint, on June 4, 2020, ATF Agents from the Pittsburgh Field Office executed a federal search warrant at Michanowicz’s residence at 144 Republic Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211. The search revealed, all in close proximity to each other on a workbench in the garage, a bundle of fuse exhibiting the same color and characteristics of the fuses found on the previously seized destructive devices, some partially burnt fuse remnants that appear to be from the same fuse bundle, a can of spray foam insulation consistent with the type of spray foam insulation that had been applied to the exterior of all three recovered destructive devices, and a syringe emitting a strong odor consistent with an ignitable liquid. Also found in the garage were approximately 10 camouflage backpacks that were similar in size, pattern and configuration to the bag in which the destructive devices were discovered. A search of the trashcan in the garage revealed retail packaging of fuses and a pair of used latex gloves that emitted a strong odor consistent with an ignitable liquid.

It is unlawful for an individual to manufacture, possess, or transfer a Destructive Device without first being registered in ATF’s National Firearms Transfer Record (NFA) registry and without serial numbers being issued for said NFA Weapons (i.e.; Destructive Devices). An NFA inquiry made on June 4, 2020, showed there was no such registration for Michanowicz.

The count charged in the criminal complaint carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Brady credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, for conducting the investigation leading to the charges in this case. U.S. Attorney Brady also thanked the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for apprehending the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case for the government.

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

Matthew Michanowicz - Criminal Complaint and Affidavit

Criminal Complaint and Affidavit