Western District of Pennsylvania

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 21, 2025, to charges of violating federal sex offense laws and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Jonathan Hunt, 44, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about February 16, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hunt distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, on or about October 19, 2021, Hunt possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors.

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

First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.

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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple narcotics offenses related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Jonathan Toledo, 24, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on November 13, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, attempt to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, and attempt to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Toledo was intercepted making phone calls discussing two parcels that had been interdicted by United States Postal Inspection Service agents in late December of 2024. One parcel contained 1,294 grams of pure methamphetamine, while the other contained 12 grams of fentanyl. Toledo was intercepted calling the post office to ask about one of the missing parcels, and also told multiple other individuals that he was missing two parcels that had been shipped from California.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Toledo for March 11, 2026. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, 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.

The court ordered that Toledo remain detained pending sentencing.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Regional Police Department, Altoona Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the pleas occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two former Chief Executive Officers and a former facility manager for Primary Health Network (PHN) have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of agreeing to defraud their former employer, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Drew Pierce, 58, of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania; Jack Laeng, 72, of Lake Milton, Ohio; and Mark Marriott, 58, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, with Marriott also pleading guilty to willfully filing a false tax return. Laeng’s plea occurred on September 25, 2025, Marriott’s on October 6, 2025, and Pierce’s on October 31, 2025.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that PHN was a non-profit organization in Sharon, Pennsylvania, that provided medical services to patients in underserved parts of Pennsylvania, regardless of their ability to pay. From approximately July 2015 through January 2019, Pierce served as CEO of PHN, Laeng as former CEO, and Marriott as the company’s facilities manager. The three defendants and others agreed to insert a company called TopCoat, which they owned, between PHN and third parties, with TopCoat paying the third party for providing a service for PHN, then billing PHN a higher amount so that TopCoat could profit. Marriott caused fraudulent invoices to be issued from TopCoat to PHN, purporting that TopCoat had done work when it in fact had not. Pierce, Laeng, Marriott, and others split the profits—the difference between what PHN paid TopCoat and what TopCoat paid the third parties—among themselves, including by issuing checks from the TopCoat bank account to themselves or other entities they controlled. On one deal alone in 2017, TopCoat received more than $200,000 additional from PHN than what it paid the true vendor on a project.

Pierce, Laeng, and others also agreed to defraud PHN through a separate scheme in which the conspirators caused PHN to enter into contracts with a third party in exchange for the third party paying 50% of the fees received to an entity controlled by Pierce, Laeng, and their co-conspirator. In all, Pierce, Laeng and their co-conspirator received more than $1.7 million in kickback payments from the third party between 2013 and 2020, the proceeds of which they split among themselves.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencings for March 9, 2026, for Pierce; March 16, 2026, for Laeng; and March 17, 2026, for Marriott. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both on the offense of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and up to a 10 year sentence of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense on the offense, or both on the money laundering conspiracy offense. Marriott faces a potential additional three years of imprisonment and fine of up to $250,000 for the tax offense.

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 defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pierce, Laeng, and Marriott.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencings occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Thirteen individuals from Arizona, Ohio, and Washington, including a Mexico resident illegally living in the United States, were sentenced in federal court this month on charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws in relation to a transnational criminal organization, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. The defendants were among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

The sentences, all imposed by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, were:

According to information presented to the Court, on various dates from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendants conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others. Additionally, from in and around May 2022 to in and around March 2023, Guerrero conspired to commit money laundering by using bulk amounts of currency obtained from drug trafficking to conduct financial transactions in order to disguise the nature of the money and promote the drug trafficking conspiracy. Similarly, Guerrero provided money to his suppliers knowing it would be transported to Mexico to further promote the drug trafficking conspiracy, through which the organization imported from Mexico millions of fentanyl pills, kilograms of fentanyl powder, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine that then were distributed and sold throughout the United States.

To date, 31 of the 35 defendants charged in the Second Superseding Indictment have pleaded guilty or been convicted in this case, with 23 now having been sentenced. Two of the defendants were convicted during a jury trial in September 2025 and are pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to violating federal law involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Anthony Hill, 44, on October 8, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, on July 29, 2008, Hill was convicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania on one count of possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. In 2024, while still serving a term of supervised release for the 2008 conviction, Hill committed new criminal conduct when he attempted to and did receive sexually explicit videos of a 17-year-old while communicating online with the minor between February 28, 2024, until on or about April 18, 2024. Through his plea, Hill accepted responsibility for and was sentenced for both the new federal violation and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations–Pittsburgh for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hill.

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.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Ryan Peters, 36, on November 12, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Peters’ residence based on tips reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding online activity involving child sexual abuse material. During the search, investigators located and seized numerous electronic devices, including a cell phone hidden in a cat litterbox as well as Peters’ laptop. A forensic review of these devices revealed child sexual abuse material, including five videos and 11 images that involved the use of minors—including prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age—engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

A few weeks later, Peters used a social networking and dating application to contact and attempt to persuade and entice an individual he believed was a 12-year-old girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to engage in sexual activity. During their subsequent online conversations, Peters discussed sex with the purported child—who was, in fact, an undercover FBI agent—and solicited the minor to send him sexually explicit images of herself. Peters then suggested they meet in person and, following a failed attempt to do so in late-August 2021, again arranged to meet the purported minor on September 13, 2021. Peters was arrested upon his arrival at the predetermined meeting place.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peters.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Alonzo Henry Griffin Jr., 24, on September 26, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, on November 13, 2024, following the execution of a federal search warrant at Griffin’s residence, law enforcement recovered over 1,200 bricks of fentanyl, crack cocaine, two stolen and loaded semi-automatic pistols, and an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. Law enforcement also seized $4,500 in U.S. currency from the residence along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. With prior felony convictions that include a state drug trafficking offense and aggravated assault, Griffin is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division Southwest Strike Force Unit and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Griffin.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 130 months of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his convictions related to the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Richard Snyder, 54, on October 29, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, from on or about July 15, 2023, until August 3, 2023, Snyder knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view on a social media site visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Snyder’s conduct also violated the conditions of his supervised release imposed in 2012 on his conviction for receipt of child sexual abuse material.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security-Pittsburgh for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Snyder.

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.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 146 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Tre Robert Goins, 31, on October 21, 2025. A federal jury in August 2025 found Goins guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Prior to that trial, Goins pleaded guilty to related charges of distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

According to information presented to the Court, on May 24, 2024, Goins fled from a traffic stop initiated by the City of Duquesne Police Department. After leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and totaling his vehicle, police recovered approximately $10,000 worth of fentanyl and cocaine and a loaded, stolen firearm from Goins’ car. Having previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including a federal firearms offense, Goins is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the City of Clairton, Rostraver Township, and Duquesne Police Departments; and the Elizabeth Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Goins.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Jason Lentz, 31, on October 14, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, in and around January 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Lentz possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Lentz.

This release was posted following the 43-day government shutdown during which the trial and verdict occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for approximately five hours, a federal jury on October 15, 2025, found Laven Davis guilty of fentanyl distribution resulting in serious bodily injury and death, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Davis, 33, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

The evidence presented during the six-day jury trial established that, on or about November 28, 2022, Davis distributed fentanyl which resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of a 43-year-old Hermitage, Pennsylvania, woman. At the time, Davis was on Pennsylvania state parole following his release from prison a few months earlier. Davis has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of a firearm, each of which occurred through separate state prosecutions during the past eight years.

Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2026.

Assistant United States Attorneys V. Joseph Sonson and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, Mercer County Coroner’s Office, Hermitage Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death and conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Eliot Gentry, 28, who previously pleaded guilty in the case to distributing fentanyl resulting in death in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on January 23, 2022, and conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine between May 2021 and October 2022. Judge Schwab also ordered Gentry to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

According to information presented to the Court, Gentry—who had prior convictions and state prison sentences for violent and drug trafficking crimes—orchestrated and operated a multi-state drug trafficking scheme throughout much of 2021 and 2022 involving large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine in Mercer and Lawrence counties of Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio. This included the trafficking of fentanyl that led directly to the death of an individual in Western Pennsylvania in January 2022.

As part of the large-scale illegal activities, Gentry employed dealers, including juveniles, to work traphouses he established in Mercer County. The traphouses, along with Gentry’s residence, were stocked not only with narcotics, but also with firearms for use in intimidating rivals and enforcing payment as needed.

Gentry continued to operate the drug trafficking scheme even while incarcerated for a brief time in 2022, and also continued to engage in criminal misconduct following his indictment in federal court and detainment pending trial and sentencing. He was repeatedly sanctioned for possessing contraband, including controlled substances and a weapon, while detained in local detention facilities.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; United States Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Lawrence County Drug Task Force; Mercer County Drug Task Force; New Castle Police Department; Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gentry.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for fentanyl and cocaine trafficking within 1,000 feet of an elementary school and next-door to a day care center, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Larry Marrow, 37, also ordering Marrow to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term.

According to information presented to the Court, Marrow engaged in fentanyl and cocaine trafficking for several months in 2023, close to an elementary school and next-door to a day care center in Sharon. Marrow had four separate drug trafficking convictions and four separate gun convictions that occurred in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio prior to the instant drug trafficking crime.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Mercer County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marrow.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Ashok Panigrahy, 54. Judge Wiegand also ordered Panigrahy to pay a $25,000 fine, a $17,000 assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (AVAA), a $5,000 assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA), and $10,000 in restitution to his minor victims.

According to information presented to the Court, from on or about November 21, 2022, through on or about November 22, 2022, Panigrahy knowingly possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. At the time of his criminal conduct, Panigrahy was a children’s physician in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The Sentencing Memo submitted by the United States explained the following: “The nature and circumstances of the Defendant’s offense is extremely serious. While Panigrahy did not possess a vast collection of child sexual abuse material, the circumstances of Panigrahy’s possession demonstrated that he obtained his material through online conversations on an encrypted platform with other like-minded individuals. The child sexual abuse material Panigrahy saved was all video content, which is arguably more egregious, and included some depictions of very young victims, including toddlers and prepubescent minors being sexually abused. Such conduct is unacceptable, period. However, it is more reprehensible when it is committed clandestinely by an individual who is entrusted with caring for children and is given privileged access to a facility dedicated to helping and treating children. Thus, beyond victimizing the children whose depictions of sexual abuse he possessed, the Defendant’s conduct represents a disturbing betrayal of trust to our community of children and their families in the Western District of Pennsylvania.”

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations (Pittsburgh and Chicago) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Panigrahy.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Long Beach, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Derrick Polk, 62, on September 24, 2025, also ordering Polk to forfeit $399,000 in U.S. currency, a firearm, and various Rolex watches and jewelry valued at over $150,000.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Polk conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around April 2021, Polk possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Polk was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Polk. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of willful failure to collect or pay over tax, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Michael D. Funovits, 49, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between 2016 and 2023, Funovits failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes he collected on behalf of his businesses, PennRo Associates LLC and Penn Exteriors LLC.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Funovits.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Daniel Alejandro Benzor-Mora, 31.

According to information presented to the Court, on March 19, 2025, Benzor-Mora was arrested by the Shenango Township Police Department for failing to stop at a stop sign, driving without a license and evading arrest on foot. Following this encounter, immigration officials determined that Benzor-Mora was illegally present in the United States and arrested him, on March 29, 2025, related to this charge. Benzor-Mora was previously removed from the United States on January 3, 2024, after incurring a lengthy criminal history, including 14 prior arrests and 6 prior convictions in Florida, and had not received permission to be in the United States, as required. As a part of his sentence, Benzor-Mora agreed to his removal from the United States. Benzor-Mora has been in custody since his March arrest and will be returned to immigration authorities for his removal following the conclusion of his federal sentence.

In imposing sentence, Judge Stickman expressed his intent that the sentence imposed would “impose respect for the law, impose a deterrent consideration and also to demonstrate that these crimes associated with being [in the United States] illegally are taken seriously.” After all, “the exercise of sovereignty requires that a nation guard its borders and that there be consequences for those who, in violation of the country’s law, violate its sovereignty.” Moreover, “this is not a defendant whose only offense against the United States and the people of the several states has been his illegal entry and reentry into the United States.” Rather, the defendant, “while not a legal resident of this nation, has a history of engaging in criminal acts in violation of the laws of the United States, the laws of the State of Florida and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Benzor-Mora.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three individuals—two from Arizona and one from Seattle, Washington—were convicted in federal court for violations of federal narcotics laws in relation to a transnational criminal organization (TCO), Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here).

Carlos Zamora, 29, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Bryce Hill, 28, of Seattle, Washington, were convicted by a jury following a two-and-a-half-week trial before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. A third defendant, Jesus Ramirez, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty mid-trial.

“These convictions are a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies throughout the country,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Refusing to be bound by borders, law enforcement disrupted the deadly flow of fentanyl into western Pennsylvania by aggressively targeting conspirators in Phoenix, Seattle, Mexico, and elsewhere. This multi-year investigation enabled the seizure of millions of fentanyl tablets, the largest quantities ever obtained through an investigation based in western Pennsylvania.”

“These convictions send a clear message: those who think they can profit from the deadly flow of drugs and endanger lives in our community will be held accountable,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The dangerous reality of large-scale drug trafficking organizations isn’t just about peddling huge quantities of poison – it’s also the violence they bring. The FBI and our partners stand fully committed to fighting for the protection of our neighborhoods.”

“Today’s verdict affirms what our investigators have worked so hard to prove: those who smuggle poison like fentanyl into the United States, endanger our families, and bankroll violence will face swift and severe consequences,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel.  “While no verdict can replace the lives already lost to this crisis, it brings a measure of justice to the victims and a measure of safety to the public.  HSI Philadelphia remains steadfast in pursuing every lead, freezing every illicit dollar, and bringing every offender to court until the flow of these deadly drugs is stopped.”

Evidence presented during the trial established that Hill and Zamora were both members of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization—a transnational criminal organization responsible for the distribution of millions of fentanyl pills, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine, from August 2021 to June 2023. The Monarrez TCO provided the drugs to a network of subordinate drug distributors, who redistributed the narcotics throughout the country, including into western Pennsylvania. Hill and Zamora were both intercepted over a federal wiretap obtaining hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and kilograms of methamphetamine for redistribution. Additional evidence presented at trial included testimony regarding the execution of a search warrant on January 11, 2023, during which law enforcement seized 27 kilograms of fentanyl pills, multiple firearms, and $387,000 cash from Hill’s apartment; an intercepted call from January 9, 2023, in which Zamora discussed a drive-by shooting with one of the organization’s leaders; and the seizure of 28 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, three kilograms of cocaine, 48 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 20 firearms from a short-term rental property (pictured below) in Scottsdale, Arizona, on December 25, 2022.

The jury found that, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Hill and Zamora conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Ramirez pleaded guilty on September 17, 2025, to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Sentencing hearings for Hill and Zamora have not yet been scheduled. Judge Ranjan scheduled the sentencing hearing for Ramirez for January 20, 2026. As to Hill and Zamora, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Ramirez faces a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

The three convictions follow those of 29 additional co-defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr., Tonya S. Goodman, and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies, including the Scottsdale, Arizona, Police Department.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment for violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Morisee Williams, 41, of the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

According to information presented to the Court, in May 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence and recovered four firearms (two of which were stolen), approximately seven ammunition magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a firearm mount and rifle grip. As a previously convicted felon, Williams is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Michael William Boston, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on October 25, 2022, Boston transported material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce. In pleading guilty, Boston also took responsibility for transporting child sexual abuse material on specific dates in April 2023 and July 2023, and for the possession of more than 1,500 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police’s Northwest Computer Crime Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Boston.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former resident of Coalport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of approximately six months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Lesley Wilt, 39.

According to information presented to the Court, Wilt was a participant in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine to various individuals throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania. Specifically, Wilt assisted Jason Lynn, an Altoona-based narcotics distributor, in redistributing the drugs to others after Lynn obtained the narcotics from a New York-based supplier. Lynn is currently awaiting sentencing.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service–Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wilt.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 138 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Timothy Mollett, 35, on September 17, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mollett conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, 28 grams or more of a mixture of crack, and quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mollett was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Further, in and around July 2021, Mollett unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon and did so in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Mollett. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Nigerian citizen residing in the United Kingdom has been arrested pursuant to a United States request for extradition following his indictment on charges of wire fraud and computer fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Farouk Adekunle Adepoju was arrested by U.K. authorities on September 15, 2025, and is currently awaiting extradition to the United States to face the seven-count Indictment in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, which was unsealed today, between March 2023 and April 2023, Adepoju remotely accessed a protected computer belonging to a Western Pennsylvania construction company that was performing work for a university also located in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Adepoju used this unauthorized access to create rule changes within the email account of an employee with the construction company, and then registered a spoofed domain and spoofed email account to assume the identity of another employee of that company. From that spoofed email account, Adepoju sent fraudulent emails to employees of the university, requesting that they update the construction company’s payment information to a fraudulent bank account. Relying upon the emails, the university updated the payment information to the fraudulent bank account that Adepoju provided and sent a payment of approximately $235,266.80 to that account, funds that the university has not recovered.

“Adepoju is charged with using sophisticated cyber means to illegally access accounts belonging to a business in order to victimize one of our region’s universities,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Even from halfway across the world, however, Adepoju was not beyond the investigative reach of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His arrest in the United Kingdom underscores our district’s unwavering commitment to aggressively locate and prosecute cybercriminals worldwide with the assistance of our law enforcement partners—both here and abroad.”

“Criminals who think they can reach across the globe into the United States to line their pockets at the expense of the American public need know one thing: the FBI and our partners are not going to let you get away with it,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We will find you and bring you to justice, no matter where you might be. Email compromise schemes are not victimless crimes; they are one of the costliest threats large and small businesses, universities, and organizations face today.”

Adepoju is charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of computer fraud. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud offenses and up to five years in prison for the computer fraud offense. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States, with significant assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Field Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Brandon Jennings, 38, on September 18, 2025.

According to the information presented to the Court, in and around March 2021 and July 2021, Jennings possessed 926 images and 803 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were infants, toddlers and prepubescent. Other child sexual abuse material possessed by Jennings portrayed sadomasochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jennings.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Donald Phillip Henson, 46, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a governmental officer or employee and damaging government property, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Henson was apprehended and arrested this morning after he intentionally drove his vehicle into a security gate next to a manned security booth outside of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Pittsburgh Field Office and then fled on foot.

“Today, we commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in quickly apprehending Donald Henson following his violent and destructive assault this morning,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office remains vigilant and stands in solidarity with our law enforcement colleagues in response to any attack—whether to their persons or to their property.”

According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, at 2:40 a.m. on September 17, 2025, Henson rammed his vehicle into a security gate protecting the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office complex, directly next to a security booth that is staffed 24 hours a day. Following the crash, Henson exited the vehicle and walked to the driver’s side rear door, from which he retrieved an American flag that he then placed on the damaged gate. Henson then departed the area, with the incident having been captured on FBI and several area businesses’ security camera footage.

Upon Henson’s apprehension by law enforcement, he admitted to the FBI that he knew that there was a guard in the security booth at the time he drove his vehicle into the gate and that he rammed the security gate to “make a statement.” He also stated “sic semper tyrannis,” a Latin phrase meaning “thus always to tyrants” that is famously associated with John Wilkes Booth, who is said to have shouted the phrase after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. Read the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint here.

The penalties for violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) and (b)—Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Governmental Officer or Employee—are up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The penalties for violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361—Damaging Government Property or Contracts—are tied to the extent of the property damage. If the damage exceeds $1,000, the defendant is subject to up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 conducted the investigation that led to the criminal complaint against Henson. The University of Pittsburgh Police and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police assisted in the apprehension of Henson.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Cayce Williams, 23, of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

According to information presented to the Court, between March 2024 and July 2024, Williams participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, both scheduled controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of the drugs.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl and heroin trafficking and violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Antonio Arrington, 23, of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between March 2024 and July 2024, Arrington participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, both scheduled controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of the drugs. In April 2024, law enforcement recovered a loaded stolen firearm from Arrington’s vehicle. Arrington has multiple prior felony convictions involving drug trafficking and firearms. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arrington.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Guatemala pleaded guilty to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Esvin Emilio Lopez-Gonzalez, 27.

According to information presented to the Court, Lopez-Gonzalez was previously removed from the United States on May 7, 2018, after illegally entering the country through Arizona. On May 28, 2025, he was encountered by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and failed to provide any identification. Immigration authorities determined that Lopez-Gonzalez had not obtained permission to be in the United States after his prior removal and was illegally present in the United States. Lopez-Gonzalez has been in custody since his May arrest and will be returned to immigration custody for removal from the United States.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lopez-Gonzalez.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Guatemala illegally residing in the United States pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Juan Jose Antuche-Garcia, 33, on September 15, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Antuche-Garcia, a native and citizen of Guatemala, illegally entered the United States on September 3, 2023. After he was released on bond by immigration authorities but failed to appear before the immigration court in May of 2024 as directed, an immigration judge ordered him to be removed from the United States.

On August 12, 2025, Antuche-Garcia was encountered by immigration authorities in the Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, area after federal law enforcement officers attempted to pull over a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. Federal law enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop by activating the emergency lighting and sirens on five unmarked vehicles. The driver of the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop and, instead, rammed his vehicle into one of the federal law enforcement officer’s vehicles, pinning an officer’s leg between his own vehicle’s door frame and door. The driver of the vehicle and a rear seat passenger fled from the scene, evading apprehension. Antuche-Garcia, who was the front passenger of the vehicle, also attempted to flee by repeatedly and forcefully opening his door into the door of the vehicle behind which the officer’s leg was pinned, causing additional injury to the officer. Antuche-Garcia has been in custody since his arrest and will remain in custody pending his removal from the United States.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Antuche-Garcia.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation on her conviction of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and defacing and damaging a religious building, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Talya A. Lubit, 25.

According to information presented to the Court, Lubit and her codefendant, Mohamad Hamad, conspired to damage and deface the Chabad of Squirrel Hill. The Chabad is a center for Jewish educational programming and occupies a building for Jewish religious services in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In the early morning hours of July 29, 2024, acting on their plan to cause damage to a Jewish institution, Lubit and Hamad spray-painted the words “Jews 4 Palestine” with an inverted triangle onto the exterior of the Chabad building with red paint. The inverted triangle first appeared in videos posted online by Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, of the current fighting in Gaza, where the symbol was used to mark an Israeli target about to be attacked by Hamas fighters. The act of vandalism was born from Hamad’s and Lubit’s shared growing animosity towards Israel since the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and the war that ensued between Israel and Hamas.

Charges against Lubit’s codefendant Hamad, which also include making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive branch of the United States and possession of destructive devices, remain pending.

As part of her sentence, Lubit agreed to pay restitution of $10,534 for the damage done to the Chabad property, as well as graffiti that she and Hamad spray-painted on an entry sign to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh the same day.

The sentencing hearing included the reading of victim impact statements from both Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh regarding the impact the defendants’ vandalism had on their institutions and community. Chabad of Squirrel Hill described the damage of the spray-painting as “not only physical but deeply symbolic” and “a painful reminder that we remain a target,” with the incident having “caused distress and fear among our members.” The Jewish Federation stated that “the hateful words and symbols painted on our Federation sign revived deep feelings of fear, violation and vulnerability” and that the vandalism’s “premeditated nature based on our remote location made it clear that the target was not just property, but our employees.”

“Talya Lubit instilled fear in the Pittsburgh Jewish community by spray-painting a synagogue with the mark of a designated foreign terrorist organization, along with vandalizing the sign of a building belonging to an organization that provides critical services to members of the Jewish community and others,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Protected speech obviously does not include damaging or defacing religious property, and our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the civil rights of all members of our community to practice their faiths and to live without fear.”

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lubit.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Ja’Shon Spencer, 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Spencer is alleged to have possessed a Glock semiautomatic pistol that was equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device (MCD) on June 16, 2025. A MCD is one that converts a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former resident of Hudson, Florida, was sentenced in federal court to 78 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of wire fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Paul Andrew Gulbronson, 59, on September 9, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Gulbronson and his co-defendant/wife, Kelly Bonilla—who remains a fugitive residing in Panama—operated Citrona Homes from Florida and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, between 2017 and June 2019. The defendants used Citrona as a housing scheme in which they induced investors through telemarketing calls and online solicitations to purchase Citrona-owned homes or properties in Johnstown by promising to rent “fully renovated” properties to Section 8 tenants. Citrona bought distressed properties and sold them to mostly out-of-state investors at greatly inflated prices, with the promise that they were renovated, tenant-occupied, and managed by Citrona. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) settlement records revealed that, between June 2017 and June 2019, Citrona purchased over 100 homes for approximately $2 million and resold them for approximately $6 million. Very few of the properties were habitable, and some were vacant lots. Financial and bank records identified over $5.3 million that Citrona received from investors, with the investors having lost approximately $5 million of that amount.

“Over the course of several years, Paul Gulbronson misled investors regarding the condition and status of their Citrona Homes properties in order to swindle millions of dollars from those victims, and then—upon learning that he was under investigation for these crimes—fled the United States, leaving dozens of dilapidated properties in his wake,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “As a result of the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, Gulbronson has been brought to justice and held accountable for his egregious criminal activity.”

“Gulbronson used a series of lies and misrepresentations to defraud investors into believing they had purchased fully renovated rental properties that would provide them with passive income,” said Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “Instead of fulfilling his promises, he used their money to further the fraud scheme and pay for personal expenses, including restaurants, airline tickets, home furnishings, and lease payments for his residences in Florida. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service constantly strives to protect our customers from losing their hard-earned money through mail fraud schemes and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

“Paul Gulbronson willfully engaged in a $5 million fraud scheme to induce individuals to make investments on properties under false pretenses, including false statements that payments would be made with federal taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement and oversight partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.”

Gulbronson, who did not have an official title within Citrona but operated and controlled Citrona, was directly involved in real estate sales to investors, and oversaw the renovations, or lack of renovations, of the properties associated with Citrona. Gulbronson and Bonilla operated Citrona’s sales office in the Holiday, Florida, area from at least June 2017 through May 2019, which included a call center from which employees placed sales calls to potential investors. Between October 2017 and May 2019, Citrona also had a management office, located at 329 Market Street in Johnstown, which operated the property management side of the business including handling complaints from tenants and investors, collecting and depositing rent payments, coordinating repairs and maintenance, and writing checks to pay employees.

Gulbronson and Bonilla used Citrona as a mechanism for enriching themselves by defrauding investors into purchasing unrenovated properties at prices far above fair market value through a series of false pretenses, representations, and promises. Investigators confirmed, for example, that the photos investors were able to view on the company’s website of “available” properties were actually staged and did not accurately depict the investment properties. Gulbronson falsely represented to some of the investors that the properties would be fully renovated at the time of the sale, or that the properties would be fully renovated within a specified period following the sale, when they were not, while some properties were condemned or vacant land when they were sold to unknowing investors.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Department of Housing and Urban Development–Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gulbronson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud and theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Tarance Benjamin Foster, 68, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to one count of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud and one count of theft of government property.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Foster applied for SSI benefits—a monthly, needs-based payment benefit afforded to people with disabilities and the elderly who have little or no income—through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applicants are required to report their wages, assets, and living arrangements as factors for consideration in determining eligibility for SSI.

In 2025, SSA learned that wages were posted to Foster’s record from nine different employers, with employment records establishing that Foster worked from January 2020 through June 2025. Had Foster informed the SSA of his income during this time, he would not have received any SSI benefits. In total, Foster obtained over $34,000 in SSI benefits for which he was not eligible.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Foster.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment on his conviction of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Mark Laughner, 38, on September 4, 2025, and included an order that the defendant pay restitution to the bank.

According to the information presented to the Court, on May 16, 2024, Laughner entered a Reserve Township bank wearing a baseball cap and neck gaiter that covered his mouth and nose and instructed the teller to give him all of her large bills. After the teller handed over the $100 and $50 bills from her cash drawer, the defendant demanded that the teller provide more cash quickly or he would shoot her in her face. Laughner left the bank with $1,370 in U.S. currency and was ultimately identified through the utilization of surveillance recordings as well as witness interviews.

Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) detectives obtained a warrant for Laughner’s arrest, and, on May 20, 2024, attempted to apprehend the defendant when detectives observed him in the passenger seat of a vehicle outside of a Pittsburgh fire station. As detectives converged on the vehicle with their emergency lights activated, the driver exited the vehicle. Laughner jumped from the passenger side of the vehicle into the driver’s seat and began fleeing detectives by driving in reverse at a high rate of speed. Ignoring multiple verbal commands to stop, Laughner came within inches of striking two ACPD detectives before stopping, exiting the vehicle in the middle of the street, and fleeing on foot. Using a police K-9 unit, law enforcement apprehended Laughner after finding him hiding in thick brush.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Allegheny County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Laughner.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the East Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kelley Oliver-Hollis, 61, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Through her plea, Oliver-Hollis also acknowledged responsibility for 39 other counts with which she was charged by Superseding Indictment in August 2025, including making false statements relating to health care matters, concealment of material facts related to health care matters, money laundering, and misuse of Social Security benefits by a representative payee (read the Superseding Indictment news release here).

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Oliver-Hollis was an enrolled Medicaid provider operating as Serenitycare LLC in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, under the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program, through which the defendant housed and was to have provided services to several intellectually disabled adults, including staffing the homes with adequate workers to care for the residents. Program records demonstrated that, between 2018 and 2023, Oliver-Hollis failed to sufficiently staff the homes according to the requirements of the program, and instead regularly submitted weekly claims for HCBS benefits falsely representing proper staffing of the homes. Additionally, Oliver-Hollis allowed the homes to fall into a state of disrepair, resulting in multiple citations for unsanitary and unsafe living conditions for the residents.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to10 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Oliver-Hollis.

The United States Attorney’s Office’s efforts to combat healthcare fraud are frequently made possible by tips from the community. To report suspected fraud, please contact the FBI’s healthcare fraud tipline at WDPAhealthcarefraud@fbi.gov or the Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 27, 2025, to 240 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution to his victims for his convictions of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of minors and the destruction of evidence, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Justin Darby, 37.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about October 28, 2021, Darby knowingly altered and destroyed records associated with an instant messaging application on his cellular telephone with the intent to impede and obstruct an investigation of Darby for offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children when agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation attempted to execute a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. Darby additionally was convicted for attempting to induce and inducing a minor to send to him an image of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct over a social media application on February 6, 2024. Darby also accepted responsibility for additional offenses involving the sexual exploitation of minors, including the inducement of three other minors to send him visual depictions of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct through text messages and social media applications during 2023 and early 2024.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Ranjan emphasized that the sentence was justified by Darby’s lack of respect for the law and continued pattern of criminal behavior.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Darby.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 100 months of imprisonment on his conviction of drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearms, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Lee Hancock Jr., 41, of the Braddock neighborhood of Pittsburgh, on September 2, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, on April 25, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant of Hancock’s residence in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity by Hancock and two co-conspirators. As investigators entered the residence, Hancock threw a bag containing approximately 50 bricks of fentanyl from the second story window of the home. Inside the residence, investigators also found an additional 200 bricks of fentanyl and $2,902, as well as two handguns, which Hancock was prohibited from possessing based upon his prior felony convictions. Hancock admitted to conspiring to distribute a total of between 280 and 400 grams of fentanyl.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted Hancock as a “recidivist drug trafficker and illegal gun user” who was involved in “poisoning our community” through “the dark and dangerous drug trade.” Judge Stickman stated that a sentence of 100 months—at the high end of the advisory guideline range—reflects the serious nature of Hancock’s crimes and should signal to others that a “career of crime [will be] met with stiff federal time.”

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Arnold, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of fentanyl and heroin trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kevin Watson, 36, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy to possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on April 26, 2019, Watson was pulled over by the Pennsylvania State Police for traffic violations, with a young child present in the back seat of Watson’s vehicle. When asked to get out of the vehicle, Watson sped away from the traffic stop and led officers on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 115 mph. Eventually, Watson crashed the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the child, who was not seriously injured, alone and unattended in the vehicle. Later, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which revealed more than $100,000 of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin in the trunk. Watson has an extensive criminal history that includes, among other convictions, three previous drug trafficking convictions, and was on parole at the time of this offense.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, Watson will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Barbara K. Doolittle are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Watson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 17 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of producing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Thomas Hyatt-Baney, 22, on August 28, 2025. The Court ordered that restitution will be imposed at a future hearing.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 25, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. ET to 12:37 p.m. ET, using his phone, Hyatt-Baney produced three video clips depicting the sexual exploitation of a toddler. The sentence imposed also reflected Hyatt-Baney’s responsibility for the production of another video of the toddler and the possession of hundreds of videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hyatt-Baney.

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.
 

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury on August 27, 2025, found Kris Joseph Nevling, 48, of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, guilty on charges of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Nevling was tried before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

The evidence presented at trial established that, in and around early October 2019, Nevling and co-defendant Clint Addleman aided and abetted each other in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to the victim using her nickname. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb was dropped off and left outside of the door to the victim’s first floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield. Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside the victim’s apartment, killing the victim and causing a fire that destroyed the building.

The jury also determined the victim’s death to be a result of the commission of the offense of conspiring to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Nevling’s co-defendant Addleman is scheduled for trial in late October.

Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, Shaun E. Sweeney, and Samantha A. Stewart prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Clearfield Regional Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nevling.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury in Pittsburgh on August 27, 2025, found Tre Robert Goins guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Goins, 31, of Donora, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

The evidence presented during the day and a half trial established that, on May 24, 2024, Goins fled from a traffic stop initiated by the City of Duquesne Police Department, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase at speeds in excess of 100 mph that ended with Goins totaling his vehicle. From the vehicle, police recovered fentanyl, cocaine, and a stolen loaded firearm. The jury found that Goins possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

In July 2025, Goins pleaded guilty to two other charges relating to the same incident: possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. For these charges, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both, with Goins facing a total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison (to be served consecutively to the drug trafficking crime sentence), a fine of up to $250,000, or both, on his trial conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Goins’ three violations of federal drug trafficking and firearms laws for October 22, 2025.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Clairton and Duquesne Police Departments, and the Elizabeth Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Goins.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former Columbus, Ohio, lawyer has been sentenced in the Southern District of Ohio to two years of probation and a $15,000 fine on his conviction for making false statements to the FBI, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Sarah D. Morrison imposed the sentence on Dennis W. McNamara, 74, of Columbus, on August 21, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, McNamara—then a practicing lawyer in the Southern District of Ohio—represented a cooperating witness who provided information into a drug trafficking and sex trafficking organization operating in Columbus. At the time, McNamara was separately engaged in a sexual relationship with a female sex worker. McNamara informed the sex worker that he represented the cooperating witness and provided the woman with details of his client’s cooperation, placing his client at great risk of potential harm. When agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation questioned him regarding his disclosures, McNamara lied to agents about having revealed the information.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Morrison emphasized the seriousness of the offense.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio was recused from the investigation and prosecution of this matter; the matter then was assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Columbus Division of Police, as well as the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McNamara.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Kevin Patrick Brown Jr., 35, of the West View neighborhood of Pittsburgh as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in and around August of 2019, Brown used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The Indictment also charges Brown with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material in August 2019 and October 2021, respectively.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Guatemala pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to 60 days of imprisonment and removal from the United States on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Domingo Gonzalez Perez, 43, on August 20, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Gonzalez Perez has attempted to enter and/or has entered the United States illegally on four occasions, and has been illegally present in the United States since at least October 2024 after having been previously removed from the country.

Gonzalez Perez was arrested on October 9, 2024, by local law enforcement on a charge of domestic assault. In April 2025, while his domestic violence case was pending in state court and with an active federal arrest warrant, the defendant was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police in Bedford County on charges of driving under the influence and evading arrest.

Gonzalez Perez has been in custody since his April arrest and will be returned to immigration custody for removal from the United States after serving his federal sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gonzalez Perez.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release, on his conviction of producing child sexual abuse material, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Matthew A. Trax, 25.

According to information presented to the Court, Trax enticed a 14-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. Trax then sent the minor images and a video of himself engaged in sexual intercourse with the female, which Trax had recorded on his phone.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that Trax’s federal offense was extremely serious and noted how such conduct victimizes the most vulnerable members of our community—children. Judge Hardy further stated that the imposed federal sentence serves to not only punish the defendant for his conduct and to protect the community, but to also deter Trax and other individuals who may seek to exploit children from engaging in such conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mt. Lebanon Police Department, South Fayette Police Department, and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Trax.

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.
 

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

The one-count Indictment named Jamar Perminter, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about July 31, 2025, Perminter possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Euclid, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of sex trafficking of a minor and coercion and enticement of an adult for the purpose of commercial sex, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Donte Lashawn Cole on August 18, 2025. Cole also is required to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and register as a convicted sex offender.

According to information presented to the Court, Cole transported a female minor from Ohio to a hotel in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, in May of 2023 to engage in commercial sex. Additionally, Cole enticed and coerced an adult female across state lines, also for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Cole used online advertisements to market the victims for commercial sex services in Western Pennsylvania and elsewhere from April 2023 to October 2023.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman labeled Cole’s conduct as “evil” and noted that Cole “victimized minor girls, crossed state lines, and treated the girls like property for (his) own gain.”

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stand against human trafficking and the exploitation of children and hold sex traffickers such as Donte Cole accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “We will remain vigilant in ensuring that anyone seeking to profit through the exploitation of any child or adult is identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”

“Human traffickers such as Donte Cole prey on the vulnerable, inflicting unimaginable suffering and robbing victims of their dignity and freedom,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “This case spotlights the depravity of those who exploit others for profit. Homeland Security Investigations will never stop working to ensure these predators are held accountable. We remain relentless in our mission to rescue victims, dismantle trafficking operations, and bring justice to those who have endured such horrific abuse.”

“This predatory trafficker was calculated in how he selected his victims, choosing vulnerable individuals who he then manipulated into situations where their livelihood depended on being at his beck and call,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “Human trafficking is dehumanizing—some of the most egregious conduct we encounter in society. I commend our federal partners for collaborating to reach a resolution that ensures Donte Cole will be far away, for many years, from anyone else he can exploit, manipulate, and abuse.”

Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll (Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General) prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cole.

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.

If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online, please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to the statutory maximum of 10 years of prison, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on James Gilmore, 35.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 9, 2021, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle Gilmore was driving in relation to an active arrest warrant for a parole violation. Rather than pull over, Gilmore fled from the stop, throwing a loaded firearm with an attached extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle during the chase. Gilmore then abandoned the vehicle and continued his flight on foot through a residential area. Although Gilmore evaded law enforcement that night, officers recovered a gray sweatshirt similar to one that officers observed Gilmore wearing as he fled as well as a pill bottle, which was later determined to contain various controlled substances. Forensic testing determined that Gilmore’s DNA was a potential contributor to the DNA profiles found on both the firearm the defendant threw during the vehicle chase and the sweatshirt recovered from the yard through which he ran. An examination of the firearm revealed that it was previously reported stolen.

In arguing for the statutory maximum, the prosecution highlighted that Gilmore’s prior convictions and sentences had not deterred him from engaging in crime. Gilmore’s previous sentences included terms of imprisonment of from two to four years and four to eight years. Additionally, at the time Gilmore committed this federal firearm crime, he was on parole related to his most recent firearm and controlled substances crimes, which involved similar facts, with Gilmore also having led law enforcement on a vehicle chase before abandoning the vehicle and throwing a stolen handgun and packaged controlled substances while fleeing on foot.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the New Brighton Area Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilmore.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Hacienda Heights, California, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and was sentenced in federal court to nine months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

On August 14, 2025, Ting Hong Yeung, 43, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak, who then imposed the sentence.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2018 through in and around June 2020, Yeung, using various corporate entities, submitted or caused to be submitted over 6,000 fraudulent claim requests for lost or damaged ground package shipments that were not actually lost or damaged. Yeung subsequently received settlement payments related to these fraudulent claim submissions for lost or damaged shipments.

Prior to imposing sentence, Chief Judge Hornak noted the seriousness of Yeung’s offense and the impact that this large-scale fraud had on the ground package delivery company.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Yeung.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The six-count sealed Indictment was returned last month, and named Karen R. Allen, 37, and James Clark, 38. The Indictment has since been unsealed, and both defendants appeared for arraignment in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Kezia O. L. Taylor.

According to the Indictment, on multiple occasions in August of 2024, Allen and Clark coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of this conduct.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, 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, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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