Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -  A resident of Washington, PA, was sentenced in federal court to three years of probation, with 90 days of home detention, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $80,000 in restitution on charges of aiding and abetting the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jennifer Hess, 50, was sentenced by Senior or Chief United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hess founded and owned Redirections Treatment Advocates LLC (RTA), an opioid treatment practice with offices in Washington and Bridgeville, PA and Morgantown, Weirton and Moundsville, West Virginia.  Hess aided and abetted the illegal distribution of buprenorphine, also known as Subutex and Suboxone, by completing blank pre-signed prescriptions and/or forging doctors’ names on blank prescriptions. Hess also committed health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid and Medicare for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Anthony Taylor, age 35.

According to information presented to the court, from 2016 to August 30, 2017 Taylor participated in a conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, mainly in the Beaver Falls area. On August 3, 2017, Taylor sold fentanyl to a confidential informant. On August 30, 2017, agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, from the Beaver Falls Police Department, and law enforcement officers from other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Taylor’s home. During that search, law enforcement seized more than 40 grams of fentanyl, approximately 10 grams of cocaine, adulterants, packaging material, a digital scale, more than $10,000 in cash, and cellular telephones.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with the Beaver Falls Police Department, the New Brighton Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Taylor.

PITTSBURGH – Eighteen residents of Pittsburgh or the surrounding area and a Philadelphia man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The indictment follows an eight-month wiretap investigation into heroin trafficking from Philadelphia to the Pittsburgh-area for further distribution.

The one-count Indictment, returned on October 22 and unsealed yesterday, named:

Trevon Kendrick, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Sean McHenry, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Carlos Regalado, 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;

Joseph McHenry, 38, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;

Donald Lyles, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Geron Anderson, 24, currently incarcerated;

Alaric Craig, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Andrew Carswell, 28, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania;

William Patterson, 44, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania;

Doron McCarthy, 28, currently incarcerated;

Jorge Rivera-Gonzalez, 40, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania;

Lonnie Vixman, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Corey Barlow, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Brian Scritchfield, 30, no valid address;

Michael Skarada, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Leigh Fiumara, 43, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Chastity Buchko, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Jennifer Blumling, 32, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania; and

John Vennare, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from in and around January of 2018, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2019, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both. 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 Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

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

The two-count Indictment named Montay Clancy, 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 3, 2019, Clancy was found to be in possession of at least 500 grams of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a mixture containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Carolina has been sentenced in federal court to one day of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Joelle Hollis, age 31, of North Carolina.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Joelle Hollis conspired, with her boyfriend, Jewell Hall, among others, to distribute cocaine, primarily in and around the Greenway Projects. Hollis also obtained sensitive law enforcement information from a friend who worked in the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and used the information to attempt to protect the conspiracy from detection by law enforcement.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former Pennsylvania-licensed physician has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 11 years and four months (136 months) in prison on his conviction for conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On October 28, 2019, Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Paul Michael Hoover, age 59, formerly of Novato, California. Judge Hornak further ordered Hoover to pay restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration totaling $406,760.75, and to forfeit assets totaling approximately $1.2 million in U.S. currency, gold, silver, and real property.

"We are attacking the opioid crisis from every direction and with every tool that we have," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The message sent by this sentence should be loud and clear: drug dealers will face the justice and do the time they deserve – in the case of Dr. Hoover, the next 11 years."

According to information presented to the court, from March 26, 2015 to June 22, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Hoover and his co-defendant conspired to illegally distribute oxycodone, commit health care fraud, and launder drug proceeds. Approximately every three months, Hoover and his co-defendant traveled from California to operate a pill mill in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for one or two days, during which time, Hoover wrote individuals illegitimate oxycodone prescriptions for cash. While back in California, Hoover received money orders for oxycodone prescriptions from individuals residing in the Pittsburgh area, and after receiving payment, mailed the illegitimate prescriptions to the individuals. Hoover also conspired with his co-defendant to commit health care fraud by signing preauthorization forms and submitting the forms to Medicare and Medicaid health plans, which then paid for the cost of the illegitimate prescriptions. Hoover further conspired with his co-defendant to launder the proceeds from their drug distribution operation. Finally, from approximately May 2012 to August 2018, Hoover falsely represented to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work and was not working due to his disability when in reality, Hoover could have worked as a legitimate physician. Instead, Hoover falsely represented that he was incapable of working, collected Social Security benefits, and then used his status as a physician to earn money by illegally prescribing oxycodone.

"Dr. Hoover was once a trusted physician who took an oath to care for patients and provide them with proper medical care," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "At some point during his career, greed took over. The FBI will not allow these doctors to peddle opioids for profit. That makes them drug dealers and we will use all our resources to put them out of business and in jail."

"Dr. Hoover was a criminal in a lab coat who contributed to the drug problem in the Pittsburgh area," said Paris S. Pratt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Pittsburgh District Office. "Doctors that seek to betray their professional oath and engage in this type of illegal activity will be subject to both criminal charges and significant civil penalties."

"Physicians should be part of the solution to the opioid crisis, not part of the problem," said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of HHS-OIG. "We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals -- including corrupt physicians -- to justice."

"IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to lending our financial expertise and working with our law enforcement partners to help put an end to the opioid epidemic," said Guy Ficco, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. "The sentencing of Dr. Hoover will hopefully be a deterrent to any other practitioners who may be considering carrying out similar conduct."

"The defendant abused his position as a doctor to pump dangerous opioids into our communities and defraud our health care and social security systems," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "I’m proud to have assisted our law enforcement partners in putting an end to this scheme and ensuring that he spends significant time behind bars for his crimes."

The case against co-defendant Marci Ramsier Arthurs is pending.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Three Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 11-count Superseding Indictment named Mark Carter, age 33, formerly of Butler, Pennsylvania, Brandon Morris, aka Bopp, age 34, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and Janell Hunter, age 23, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on dates from January 2016 to June 2016, defendant Morris possessed with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and fentanyl, and conspired with defendant Carter to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that Morris, a former felon was in possession of a firearm.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on dates from June to July 2016, defendant Carter possessed with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and conspired with defendant, Hunter to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. The Superseding Indictment asserts that the amount of crack cocaine attributable to defendants Morris and Carter is 28 grams or more.

For Morris and Carter, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. For Hunter, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Greensburg physician pleaded guilty in federal to three counts of distribution of buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice; one count of health care fraud; and one count of money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Nabil Jabbour, 68, a physician who previously operated an addiction-medicine practice out of offices in Greensburg and Connellsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

During his plea hearing, Jabbour admitted that on three occasions between July 2016 and December 2016 he unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine to undercover law enforcement officers.  Buprenorphine is commonly used in the treatment of patients suffering from opioid addiction, and it is sold under the trade names Suboxone, Subutex, or Zubsolv.  As Jabbour acknowledged, none of the undercover officers to whom he prescribed buprenorphine suffered from opioid use disorder.  Jabbour further admitted that he did not accept insurance from his patients, requiring instead that they pay him in cash—typically $100 for an initial office visit and $80 for each subsequent visit.  Although Jabbour did not accept insurance, he admitted that he caused Medicare and Medicaid, two government-funded health benefit programs, to cover the costs of fraudulent buprenorphine prescriptions that he wrote for his patients.  Finally, Jabbour pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering based on a transaction he initiated at the Meadows Casino in July 2016 involving $13,960 in cash derived from his unlawful distribution of buprenorphine.

Pursuant to a written plea agreement, the defendant also accepted responsibility for unlawfully distributing buprenorphine on fourteen additional occasions, maintaining his office locations in Greensburg and Connellsville as drug-involved premises, and laundering cash from his buprenorphine practice, in the form of cash transactions exceeding $10,000, at the Meadows Casino during four additional trips to the casino.  The defendant also agreed that he was responsible for between 10,000 and 20,000 doses of unlawful buprenorphine prescriptions, and that he caused losses to Medicare and Medicaid of up to $40,000.

Sentencing has been set for March 2, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Jabbour faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000 for each distribution count, a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the health care fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the money laundering charge.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from multiple federal and state agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  The Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Narcotics Unit, Greensburg City Police, South Greensburg Police, and Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance during the investigation and prosecution of Jabbour.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Daniel Espy, age 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, furanyl fentanyl, and fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin before United States District Judge Marilyn S. Horan. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2020. The defendant was detained after his initial appearance in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing.

According to information presented to the court, from November 2016 to April 2017, Espy conspired with other individuals to acquire heroin to distribute in Allegheny County. On March 3, 2017, during an investigation by City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division and the DEA, investigators stopped Espy in a car in which a mixture of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues was recovered. On April 4, 2017, investigators recovered a large amount of heroin from a stash location used by Espy and other co-conspirators in the City of Pittsburgh. Laboratory testing revealed that the packaging for that heroin contained Espy’s fingerprints.

Espy faces a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.

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

Jack Brian LaForte, age 55,  pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the investigation into LaForte began when Homeland Security Investigations received information about an upload of a child pornographic material from an IP address that resolved to LaForte’s Monessen residence.  On or about June 14, 2019, law enforcement seized various electronics during the execution of a search warrant at the residence, including a laptop computer.  A forensic review the laptop revealed videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including of prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age.  The videos discovered by law enforcement included depictions of the lewd and lascivious display of the minors’ genitals; the penetration of minors by adults; and minors engaging in oral sex with adults.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of LaForte.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former City of Pittsburgh Police Officer and resident of Allegheny County was sentenced in federal court to one year of probation with 90 days of home detention for his conviction on two counts of making false statements to government agents, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Antoine Cain, age 50. According to information presented to the Court, Mr. Cain, who was a 25-year veteran police officer for the City of Pittsburgh at the time, provided false information on two occasions to federal agents in the course of a federal investigation into an armed bank robbery that occurred in January of 2018 at the Citizens Bank in Crafton, PA.

Despite knowing the identity of the individual who had robbed the bank – that is, Brent Richards, who is the son of Melissa Kane, the woman with whom Mr. Cain was in a relationship – on two separate occasions in July of 2018, when questioned by federal agents, Cain denied knowing who had robbed the bank. It was not until he was confronted a third time by federal agents, in September of 2018, and informed by those agents that they had information that he did know the identity of the bank robber, that Cain admitted that he knew Brent Richards had robbed the bank and failed to tell federal agents on the two previous occasions that he had spoken with them. Specifically, Cain admitted that Brent Richards told him that he had "hit" a bank, which Cain understood to mean that Brent Richards had committed a bank robbery, and Melissa Kane told him that Brent Richards had robbed the Citizens Bank, wearing a mask and using a bb gun and that Brent Richards had been covered up so law enforcement could not prove that it was Brent Richards who had robbed the bank.

Both Ms. Kane and Mr. Richards have plead guilty in federal court in their respective cases and are awaiting sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and one month (37 months) in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kedren Broadus, age 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about November 13, 2017, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers pulled over a vehicle in which Broadus was a passenger. Broadus is individual with a prior felony conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and he was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. At the traffic stop, Broadus fled on foot, and he dropped a.40 caliber Glock 23 handgun during the chase. When the police eventually apprehended Broadus, he had additional ammunition in the backpack he was carrying. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Broadus. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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

Paul Anthony Parrish, 43, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the investigation into Parrish’s illegal possession of a firearm began on March 12, 2017 when a three-year-old child was brought to Allegheny General Hospital, by private means, with a gunshot wound to her chest. The child died from the gunshot wound soon after. Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers and detectives ultimately determined that Parrish’s residence on Mount Washington was the likely crime scene. In the residence, they found Parrish watching TV on the living room couch, and he directed officers to the second floor, where they observed blood stains and recovered a Ruger, model SR9 pistol. The investigation revealed that the victim had likely found the firearm and accidentally shot herself, and that Parrish had had possession and control of that firearm for three months leading up to the child’s death. At the time, Parrish had received four separate prior convictions for felony offenses that prohibited him from possessing a firearm: voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and fleeing and attempting to elude police.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Court ordered the defendant detained pending the Court’s decision on filings by the parties.

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Ross E. Lenhardt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to serve 12 years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Thomas Poole, age 54, formerly of Pittsburgh, on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

According to information presented to the Court, in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation primarily targeting cocaine trafficking in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around August 2016, to on or about November 30, 2017, Poole conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The Court was further advised that on November 30, 2017, investigators seized large sums of U.S. Currency and approximately six kilograms of cocaine from residences associated with the defendant.

The Court further ordered that following Poole’s release from incarceration, he be placed on a term of supervised release for a period of five years, and that certain property be forfeited to the United States, including more than $120,000 in U.S. Currency that was recovered by the Drug Enforcement Administration during this investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Poole.The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

The one-count Indictment, returned on October 15 and unsealed yesterday, named Nathanael Varney, age 24, of McClellandtown, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 15, 2019, Varney possessed an unregistered firearm, specifically four improvised explosive devices.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of North Braddock, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Demiyr Johnson, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 30, 2016, Johnson distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual who later redistributed the substance to an individual with the initials J.W. J.W. used the substance and died from an overdose. As part of the guilty plea, Johnson accepted responsibility for causing the death.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.

The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Johnson remained detained.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to four years’ (48 months’) imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Monday on Christopher Morrison, 26, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on June 20, 2018, Adams Township Police officers seized Morrison’s cellular phone during a narcotics related traffic stop. Upon extracting the contents of the phone, officers observed multiple images of suspected child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation forensically examined the phone, and confirmed that Morrison possessed approximately 700 images and 11 videos that depicted the sexual exploitation of a minor, and multiple screen captures of the defendant browsing child pornography. The court was further informed that some of pornography depicted minors under the age of 12 years, as well as minors who were bound at the ankles with their mouths duct-taped.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Adams Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Morrison.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Apollo, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Stephen Michael Lerch, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2018 until October 2, 2018, Lerch received numerous parcels of marijuana and vaping cartridges containing THC from a drug source based in Denver, Colorado. Lerch’s source also delivered bulk amounts of marijuana to locations identified by Lerch in Western Pennsylvania. The conspiracy began to unravel when United States Postal Inspectors searched a parcel Lerch had mailed to his source. The parcel contained $27,500 in United States currency. Afterwards, Postal Inspectors searched the source’s apartment and found large amounts of cash and drug evidence. The Pittsburgh Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration was notified of this discovery and initiated an investigation of Lerch. On October 2, 2018, agents and task force officers of the DEA executed a search warrant at Lerch’s residence. The DEA recovered several pounds of marijuana from the residence along with two firearms; a vacuum sealer; a money counter; and $25,161.00 in cash. During the search, the investigators also learned that Lerch maintained accounts at S & T Bank and TD Ameritrade. These contents of these accounts were later seized pursuant to seizure warrants. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Lerch also agreed to the forfeiture of a Subaru Crosstrek and $102,290.79 on the basis that they were obtained from drug trafficking.

Judge scheduled sentencing for March 25, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $$2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Lerch on bond.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Metro Drug Task Force-Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County, Colorado conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lerch.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr recognized 295 department employees, including three from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania, for their distinguished public service today at the 67thAnnual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Sixty-two other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes employees and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and service to the Department of Justice and the American people.

"Our greatest strength in our fight for justice is our people – the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their careers, often at great personal sacrifice, to working for justice in America," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "As we reflect on the contributions of each of the 357 individuals we honor today, we should hold them up as examples of excellence that continue to inspire our own commitment, and also as reminders of the professionalism and the qualities exhibited throughout the Department."

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles A. Eberle IV and Soo C. Song, and Legal Assistant Susan E. Eichhorn, along with personnel from the National Security Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, were recognized for their extraordinary efforts in United States v. Aleksei Sergeyevich Morenets, et al. The investigation involved a criminal hacking operation based out of Moscow and the theft and public dissemination of the records of 250 athletes, including U.S. Olympians. In addition to targeting anti-doping agencies, multiple public and private agencies were targeted in retaliation to the ban of Russian athletes.

"This team skillfully facilitated the cooperation of law enforcement worldwide, which led to the indictment in Pittsburgh of seven Russian military hackers, and the successful shutdown of the websites the defendants used to disseminate the private information," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The deterrent effect of this investigation and the resulting charges have had global implications."

This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.

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

The two-count Indictment named James Franklin Young, age 36, as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, and not more than 20 years, a fine of $250,000.00, 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 Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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 Cleveland, Ohio, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial of offenses related to the burglary of the store of a federally licensed gun dealer and the robbery of a gas station, in Clarion County, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Reginald Patterson, 23, of Cleveland Ohio., was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, possession of stolen firearms, interstate transportation of stolen firearms, conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery.

Reginald Patterson’s brother, Rayshawn Patterson, pleaded guilty to the same offenses in September 2019. According to information provided to the court, the brothers traveled from Cleveland to rural areas of western Pennsylvania in December 2017 to commit these crimes. On December 22, 2017, they robbed a Fastway gas station convenience store, physically assaulting the lone employee working at the time in the process. The following night, they returned to the area and, with a third coconspirator, used a sledgehammer to smash the front door and glass display cases of DSD Sports in Brookville, PA. They stole 16 firearms from the store, including 14 handguns and two assault rifles, which they transported back to Cleveland.

U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for Reginald Patterson on March 3, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison and a fine of $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history of the defendant.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Lanni, Brendan Conway, and Doug Maloney.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Brookville Police Department, and the City of Cleveland Division of Police for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Reginald Patterson.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Clearfield County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to the charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Matthew Hutzell, 27, of Dubois, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Oct. 31, 2013, Hutzell knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 25, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hutzell.

PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of DuBois, PA, have been sentenced in federal court to time served and one year of supervised release on their convictions of conspiracy to commit mail theft and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on both David E. Moore, 27, and Joshua J. Frantz, 26. Both defendants were in custody pending sentencing. Moore served four months in prison and Frantz served seven months in prison.

According to information presented to the court, from in or around February 2016 through in or around March 2016, cousins, Joshua J. Frantz and David E. Moore, Jr., agreed to and did steal mail from mail receptacles located at an apartment complex at 122 West Washington Avenue, DuBois, PA. The court was further advised that on at least 11 occasions, one or both of the defendants were observed on surveillance video either stealing attempting to steal mail from the mail receptacles. Specifically, on March 7, 2016, Frantz and Moore were both observed by way of surveillance footage around 2:21 AM opening mail receptacles and looking into them for mail. Moore was observed taking mail out of a receptacle and placing it inside of his winter jacket. Both defendants were then observed exiting the building. Based upon the statements by the defendants, investigators learned that it was Frantz’s idea to steal the mail; however, Moore continued to steal mail even after Frantz was in custody for another matter. Over 60 individuals had mail stolen from their receptacles as a result of the mail theft conspiracy.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the DuBois Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moore and Frantz.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Meyersdale, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Donalee Harvey, 72, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Dec. 3, 1997, to March 2, 2018, Harvey did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $164,862, which represents approximately 236 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to another person to which she was not entitled. That person was her mother-in-law, V.H., who died in 1985.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harvey.

PITTSBURGH – After deliberating for eight hours, a federal jury late yesterday found Dr. Milad Shaker guilty of 14 counts of illegal dispensing of opioids, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shaker, 50, of Greensburg, PA, was tried before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "The conviction of Milad Shaker reflects this office’s commitment to prosecuting unethical physicians who are responsible for the opioid crisis through their illegal prescribing of Scheduled substances. Shaker’s own statements at trial demonstrate his callous and complete disregard for the health of his patient and the potential damage of his actions."

The evidence introduced during the six-day trial established that from October 2014 through March 2017, Shaker, a primary care physician, illegally dispensed Hydrocodone, Percoset and Tramadol to a patient in return for sex and sexually explicit photos and texts. According to testimony at trial, Shaker would meet the patient at various hotels in Westmoreland and Fayette counties and at two locations on the side of the road to engage in sex in return for opioid prescriptions. Shaker also exchanged prescriptions for texts containing sexually explicit images of the patient. During cross examination, Shaker, in defending his illegal prescribing, testified that, "opioids are like candy," and "10 to 20 opioid pills will not hurt you."

As part of his release pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Shaker cease practicing medicine.

Judge Bissoon set sentencing for February 20, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 140 years in prison, a fine of $3,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU) for conducting the investigation leading to the charges against Shaker. The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.

The agencies comprising the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH – After deliberating approximately two hours, a federal jury found Cameron Basking guilty of four counts stemming from an FBI investigation that culminated in seven search warrants in Allegheny County and the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl, multiple firearms and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Basking, age 28, of Wilkinsburg, Pa., was tried before United States Judge Marilyn S. Horan. He was convicted after a week-long trial of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to information presented during the course of the trial, Cameron Basking was part of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in Allegheny County from January to March 14 of 2018. Basking would receive large amounts of fentanyl from two co-conspirator suppliers and then mix that fentanyl for future resale. To further this conspiracy, Basking used multiple locations in Allegheny County to cut and mix the fentanyl, store the fentanyl, and sell the fentanyl.

As part of the investigation, on March 14, 2018, members of the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force executed search warrants at multiple locations and vehicles tied to Basking.  At an address on Princeton Boulevard in Wilkinsburg, investigators recovered tens of thousands of stamp bags used to package fentanyl in the basement of this location as well as ammunition.  At an address on West Carter in North Versailles, investigators recovered voluminous drug and drug-related evidence, including over 40 grams of fentanyl, thousands of stamp bags, blenders and grinders, and gas masks to protect from fentanyl exposure.  Additionally at the West Carter address, investigators recovered a fully-loaded 9mm Glock handgun, a fully-loaded Bushmaster .308 assault rifle, two extended 9mm magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  At another location in Wilkinsburg, on Rebecca Street, investigators recovered another firearm and ammunition, a quantity of fentanyl, six digital scales for drug distribution use and fentanyl packaging material.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Basking used the West Carter location to store the fentanyl, the Princeton Boulevard location to cut and mix the fentanyl for distribution, and the Rebecca Street location as the distribution center.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2020.  Basking faces a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Christopher Cook represented the Government in this prosecution and trial.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The Allegheny Office of the Medical Examiner, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division, and the Drug Enforcement Agency also assisted in the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH - A member of the Greenway Boy Killas (GBK) gang has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Rashem Littleberry, age 29, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Rashem Littleberry and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute quantities of heroin.

According to additional information presented to the court, Littleberry has a pending state court homicide case for criminal activity that occurred at the Greenway Park Apartments during the wiretap investigation.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Lazur, 30, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count beforeSenior or Chief United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lazur was employed as a Logistics Coordinator for a subcontractor who was performing work at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA.  The contract was funded by the United States Department of Energy.  During his employment, Lazur used company credit cards and open purchase orders to make several hundred personal purchases.  He then sold the majority of the items on eBay to convert the items to cash.  Other items, however, he kept for his own personal use or gifted to his friends.  The total loss was approximately $250,000.

Judgelast name of judge scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court permitted Lazur to remain out of prison on a $25,000 bond.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine base, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kawan Dock, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 7, 2019, to May 16, 2019, Dock conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dock.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 days of home confinement; three years’ probation; fined a total of $20,000.00; and ordered to pay $156,902.89 in restitution on his conviction of unlawfully prescribing buprenorphine and committing health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Michael Anthony Bummer, age 40.

According to information presented to the court, Bummer, a physician, was employed at Redirections Treatment Advocates (Redirections), a buprenorphine clinic with offices in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Under federal law, a prescription for a controlled substance is required to be signed and dated the day it is issued. Bummer and other doctors at Redirections would routinely pre-sign blank prescriptions for buprenorphine, which is a scheduled controlled substance under federal law. The pre-signed prescriptions were then given to other medically-unlicensed employees at Redirections who completed the prescription and provided it to the patients in exchange for cash. On numerous occaisons, the doctors were not physically present at Redirections and did not exam their patients when prescriptions bearing their names were issued. For example, on August 17, 2016, one of Bummer’s patients received a prescription for buprenorphine although Bummer was not in the office and did not see the patient. Because the prescriptions were illegally issued, Medicare and Medicaid were defrauded when Redirections’ patients used their insurance to fill the prescriptions. When confronted by an investigator, Bummer surrendered his license to prescribe controlled substances.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was intended to achieve the goals of punishment and the other sentencing factors set forth in the United States Code.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Cessar and Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady added the investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to serve a total sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Landon Alexander Gatta, age 24, formerly of Aliquippa, for the crimes of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented to the Court, on November 5, 2018, the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit served a search warrant at the Defendant’s residence located on McLean Street in Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. There, investigators recovered approximately fifty (50) grams of a fentanyl-heroin mixture, a large sum of U.S. currency, and a loaded, stolen .40 caliber semi-automatic Glock pistol, which Gatta admitted to possessing in furtherance of the charged drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits Gatta, a felon previously convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County of the crime of possession with intent to distribute heroin, from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The Court further ordered that following the Defendant’s release from incarceration, he be placed on a term of supervised release for a period of four years and that certain property be forfeited to the United States, namely the seized .40 caliber Glock pistol, the .40 caliber ammunition, and approximately $70,000 in U.S. Currency that was recovered by the Pennsylvania State Police during the investigation.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Landon Gatta.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served (approximately 19 months), to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jonathan Owens-El, age 56.  

According to information presented to the court, on March 19, 2018, Owens-El entered Key Bank, Downtown Pittsburgh, with a blue knit scarf around his face and wearing gloves. Owens-El passed the teller a note that said, "No Dye, No Alarm 50’s, 20’s, 10’s". The teller handed him $260 in U.S. Currency along with $40 wrapped around a GPS tracker. Owens-El fled and police used the GPS device to locate him on a PAT bus.

After boarding the bus, the officer noticed Owens-El seated in the back with a blue scarf tucked under his leg. When the officer asked Owens-El to stand up, the officer saw U.S. Currency protruding from his left front pants pocket.

Owens-El agreed to an interview and admitted that he handed the teller a note demanding money. He stated that once he received the cash, he placed the money into a bag then walked towards Smithfield Street and boarded a PAT bus. Owens said he picked Key Bank at random and decided to rob the bank to support his drug addiction.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

Philip W. Wagner, age 42, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 20, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Wagner’s South Side residence y members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. A forensic review of a hard drive seized from the residence revealed thousands of images and multiple videos. Of these, law enforcement identified at least 600 images and several videos as material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, and the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wagner.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tyree Jrevae Booker, age 41, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 6, 2018, Booker possessed a Hi-Point pistol and ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of crimes punishable for a term exceeding one year, including an August 14, 1996 conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He also possessed quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute those substances.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation, ordered to pay $15,308.75 in restitution and a $1,000 fine, on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on James Frederick Franks, 34.

According to information presented to the court, while Franks was employed as a chief pharmacist at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, he unlawfully obtained multiple dosage units of controlled substances for personal use.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Franks.

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

The two-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 9, named Romello Edward Jones, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 6, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Jones possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law. The Indictment further alleges that on May 6, 2019, Jones, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Wilmerding, PA, was sentenced to eight years and four months (100 months) in federal prison and six years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Ronnell Lawrence, 31, was sentenced on October 8, 2019, before United States District Judge David Cercone. Lawrence has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court and will continued to be detained as he starts to serve his sentence.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 10, 2017, Rondell Lawrence drove his brother and co-defendant, Ronnell Lawrence to the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Pittsburgh. Ronnell Lawrence then boarded a bus bound for New York City. Ronnell Lawrence returned to Pittsburgh after spending only one hour in New York City. On July 11, 2017, Rondell Lawrence returned to the Greyhound Bus Station to pick up his brother. Investigators observed Ronnell putting a large camouflage backpack into the back of the Nissan Pathfinder. Investigators later stopped the Nissan Pathfinder for having an expired registration. A subsequent search of the vehicle and the camouflage bag placed there by Ronnell revealed eight large bags of suspected heroin and fentanyl and a bus ticket to New York City. The Drug Enforcement Agency Laboratory later tested the substances seized from the bag and revealed that the substances were approximately 390 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture.

Co-defendant Rondell Lawrence was previously sentenced to five years (60 months) incarceration on the same charge.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET), Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and North Versailles Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty pleas and sentences in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Scott W. Brady, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, today announced continued progress in combatting violent crime through a series of targeted strategies as part of the revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.

Two years ago, the Department of Justice strengthened and enhanced Project Safe Neighborhoods, an evidence-based program that serves as the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Western District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Brady has deployed the enhanced PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district. Western District of Pennsylvania prosecutors target violent criminal organizations and drug trafficking enterprises, while also removing the most violent offenders from the community through prosecution of individual violent crime and illegal firearm possession cases. PSN resources are also invested in local prevention and reentry programs that seek to implement lasting reductions in violent crime through community engagement.

"The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger."

Throughout the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania has partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Partnerships with county District Attorney’s offices are critical to this mission, including the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET), and District Attorney’s Offices in Beaver, Erie, Mercer and Washington Counties. Additionally, through a partnership with the Allegheny County Police, we are identifying crime hotspots and focusing federal resources where they can make the most impact.

"Creating safer neighborhoods by decreasing violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking, illegal possession and use of firearms, gang activity and organized crime, is a top priority of this office," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "By working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, as well as our community partners, we have developed an effective strategy to reduce violence in the Western District of Pennsylvania. We will continue to use every available federal law enforcement tool to keep our citizens safe."

As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

Reduction in Firearms-Related Violent Crime in Western Pennsylvania

For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to the FBI’s 2018 Unified Crime Report. In 2018, both the number of violent crimes and the violent crime rate fell from 2017 numbers, by 3.3% and 3.7%, respectively.

In western Pennsylvania, the 2018 statistics show a more significant decrease.  Firearms-related violence (murders, robberies and assaults committed with a firearm) fell 19% for the 25 counties comprising the Western District of Pennsylvania, including a 25% reduction in Allegheny County, a 10% reduction in Erie County, a 39% reduction in Washington County and a 14% reduction in Westmoreland County.  Firearms-related violent crime fell 32% in the City of Pittsburgh.

Enforcement Actions

The PSN program has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to partner with local and state law enforcement to ensure federal efforts are focused against the most violent offenders. This partnership has resulted in significant increases in the prosecution of violent crime and gun offenders. In fiscal years 2018 and 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged more federal firearm offenses in each year than were charged in each of the fiscal years of 2004 through 2016.

Federal prosecution of violent criminals provides several key advantages:

• Pretrial detention – a presumption that the defendant is a danger and a risk of flight, and should be held without bond pending trial.

• Severe penalties with mandatory minimum sentences - we are able to incapacitate these dangerous criminals and protect the community from further crimes by them.

• No parole or early release. Defendants serve their full sentence.

Gang Prosecutions

"Because every citizen deserves to live free from the fear of violent crime, we made prosecuting and dismantling violent street gangs a top priority of our office," said U.S. Attorney Brady.

• In June, following a Title III wiretap investigation, we charged 33 residents of Braddock, Pa. and Allegheny County with drug trafficking and firearms possession. Many of these individuals were members or associates of the "SCO" gang, a violent, multi-generational drug trafficking network involved in the illegal distribution of cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

• Also in June, following a separate Title III wiretap investigation, 39 people – 37 from the Pittsburgh-area – were indicted on charges of drug trafficking and firearms violations. The named conspirators included leaders, members, drug suppliers and associates of a violent neighborhood gang known as Darccide-Smash 44 (DS44), based out of the Knoxville, Arlington and Mt. Oliver neighborhoods on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

• Through a partnership with the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, nine Ellwood City residents were charged in separate but related indictments with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws. One of those defendants, Derick Davare, was sentenced to 12½ years (150 months) for conspiring to possess 400 grams or more of fentanyl and illegally possessing guns and ammunition as a felon.

• In Summer 2018, 28 members and associates of the violent Greenway Boy Killas (GBK) street gang were charged with drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. As of October 2019, 16 of the defendants charged have entered guilty pleas. Gang member Brett Rodgers was sentenced in July to 16 years and eight months (200 months) in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine.

Armed Robberies

"Armed robberies are among the most violent crimes investigated and prosecuted by our office. We are committed to bringing these violent criminals to justice," said U.S. Attorney Brady.

Examples of armed robberies cases prosecuted in federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2019 include:

• In August, four Allegheny County residents were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and aiding and abetting. The indictment alleges that Jaron Davis, True Kinnon, Rudolph McBride and Wayne Edward conspired to commit a series of armed robberies in December 2018 and January 2019 of various convenience stores throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

• In September, Rayshawn Patterson of Cleveland, Ohio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burglarize Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in Clarion and Jefferson Counties and transport the stolen firearms back to Cleveland. Traveling from Cleveland to rural areas of western Pennsylvania, Patterson and his co-conspirators burglarized DSD Sports in Brookville, Pa., by smashing the front door and windows with a sledgehammer and other tools. Once inside the store, they stole 16 firearms including 14 handguns and two assault rifles, which they transported back to Cleveland. Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2020.

• Last October, following their conviction at trial, Kahlil Shelton, formerly of Duquesne, Pa., was sentenced to 16 years (192 months) and Deron Howell, formerly of Swissvale, Pa., was sentenced to 42½ years (511 months) on numerous drug, firearm and robbery violations stemming from two violent robbery incidents in Cranberry Township and Pittsburgh in the summer of 2017.

•In September, Glenn Ford of Wilkinsburg, Pa. was sentenced to 12 years and seven months (151 months) on his conviction of bank robbery and Hobbs Act robbery. Ford, wearing various costumes, was responsible for a spree of robberies of banks and convenience stores in the City of Pittsburgh.

Illegal Possession/Saleof Firearms

Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The prosecution of felons who illegally possess firearms has long been a key part of an effective PSN anti-violence strategy by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Working collaboratively with federal and local law enforcement, the prosecution of felons possessing firearms endeavors to prosecute those criminals with a history of violence, thereby disrupting the cycle of violence in neighborhoods throughout the district.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has increased its prosecution of illegal possession of firearms cases–charging more gun defendants in each of the past two years than in any single year in more than a decade.

Examples of felon in possession cases prosecuted in federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2019 include:

• In December 2018, Thomas Stanko of Latrobe, Pa., was indicted for the unlawful possession of 17 firearms and ammunition, after having been convicted of multiple crimes related to retaliation against a witness or victim, criminal conspiracy, firearms not to be carried without a license, receipt of stolen property, and forgery.

• In May, Federal Firearms License dealer William Midberry, of Slippery Rock, Pa., pleaded guilty to making false entries onto federal firearms purchase forms and selling 21 firearms without performing required background checks. Midberry, who operated the Slippery Rock Outfitters gun dealership, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, 2019.

• In January, Brandon Mlinac of North Versailles. Pa., was sentenced to 2½ years’ imprisonment for the illegal possession of an unregistered New England Firearms 20 gauge sawed-off shotgun, with an obliterated serial number and ammunition, based upon an outstanding protection from abuse order entered against him in December 2017. Mlinac also possessed a Savage Arms 17 caliber rifle while unlawfully using methamphetamine.

• In January, Stanley Patterson of Carnegie, Pa., was sentenced to seven years (84 months) in prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms, ammunition and body armor. Patterson has prior convictions for crimes that include robbery, criminal conspiracy, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and felony criminal trespass. A person is prohibited from possessing body armor under federal law if they have been convicted of a prior crime of violence, such as robbery.

• In October, Darnell Shipman of Pittsburgh was sentenced to 7½ years’ imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a Canik 9-millimeter pistol and ammunition after having been convicted of 13 prior offenses in seven different cases between 2010 and 2018.

Community Partnerships

The U.S. Attorney’s Office sponsors, supports and collaborates with multiple community organizations and leaders to engage the public in PSN, not just as recipients of violent crime reduction messages, but also as active participants in the initiative to reduce crime in our community.

• U.S. Attorney’s Police-Community Relations Group - These groups, which operate in both southwestern Pennsylvania and Erie, work to ensure that the civil rights of all are protected and respected, while recognizing the need for effective law enforcement strategies to combat crime and enhance public safety. The groups bring together law enforcement and community leaders who work to build and enhance trust and mutual respect.

• Pittsburgh Group Violence Initiative, a strategy that aims to reduce gang-related gun violence by targeting the city’s most violent gang members while also offering social services and support to those who agree to stop the violence.

• Unified Erie, a data-driven violence reduction strategy that focuses on prevention, enforcement and re-entry.

• Pittsburgh Downtown Safety Coalition, which ensures the safety of more than 1,200 students transitioning through the downtown area, minimize disruption and create avenues for positive interaction between law enforcement and the students.

• Beaver County Community and Law Enforcement Coalition, which was established to build trust between community and police by enhancing communication and addressing safety concerns.

Reentry Programs

"Reentry programs are a critical part of the Department’s mission to help ex-offenders to successfully reenter society and lead productive, fulfilling lives," said U.S. Attorney Brady.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office leads several reentry programs for ex-federal offenders. Given that federal offenders with significant criminal histories or a history of violent crime recidivate at rates of more than 70% and 63%, respectively, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, it is a priority of our office to provide those offenders returning to our community with the tools needed for a successful reentry. These include:

• The Reintegration into Society Effort (RISE) Court connects defendants to mental health and substance abuse treatment, education and literacy programs, employment and vocational training, family counseling, healthcare, and housing. In exchange for accruing credits for compliance and attending RISE court, participants can earn a reduction of up to half of their remaining term of supervised release.

• With nearly 10% of federal defendants having served in the United States Armed Forces, the Veterans Treatment Court was created with the goal of assisting veterans on federal supervision with mental health and substance dependency issues that relate to their military service. The Veterans Court offers intensive, specialized court supervision to veterans; coordinates the provision of services and treatment to qualified veterans through the Veterans Administration; and provides a veteran peer mentor for each participant. Participation is voluntary and graduates from the program may have their terms of supervision reduced.

• The BRIDGES Presentence Court was created to identify and address those defendants with significant substance abuse and/or mental health abuse issues. A voluntary program, Bridges participants agree to intensive supervision that includes regular court appearances and mandatory participation in substance abuse and/or mental health abuse treatment programs. The program also provides support with employment, education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other needs. Participants enter a guilty plea before the assigned District Court Judge, and are then required to comply with an intensive supervision program of approximately 12 to 18 months. BRIDGES Court has two tracks for participants who successfully comply with intensive supervision, that result in either (1) dismissal of the charges; or (2) an agreed upon non-incarceration sentence.

These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

 

PITTSBURGH – Dontae Saunders was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl (i.e., methoxyacetyl fentanyl) when he was on state parole following heroin trafficking and gun convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Saunders, age 30, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone. Saunders was also sentenced to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Prior to imposing the sentence, the Court was informed that, on November 27, 2017, Saunders distributed methoxyacetyl fentanyl to an undercover detective. When other detectives then attempted to approach and arrest Saunders immediately following the drug deal, Saunders drove recklessly and almost hit two of the detectives.

Saunders had previously been convicted of (1) heroin trafficking and gun crimes in 2013, (2) an additional heroin trafficking crime in 2011, and (3) additional gun and assault crimes in 2010.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false statements to the government, and theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Octavio Rodriguez Shipman, 53, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to a three-count information charging possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false statements to the government, and theft of government money.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in April 2018, Shipman’s paramour purchased a 9mm semi-automatic Canik pistol, which he took possession of shortly after. Around the end of April 2018, Shipman sold the Canik pistol to another individual in McKees Rocks. Shipman had been convicted of eight offenses in five different cases between 1992 and 2002. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

The court was further advised that on or around July 12, 2018, Shipman falsely represented to federal law enforcement agents that another individual had sold him two bags of cocaine in exchange for $2,800.00 when in fact he and the other individual knowingly obtained a non-narcotic substance from a retail store, which Shipman represented to law enforcement agents was cocaine that he had purchased. The court was advised that Shipman willfully converted $2,800 in U.S. currency from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for his own use.

Judge Joy Flowers Conti scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2020. For the offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. For the offense of false statement to the government, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. For the offense of theft of government money, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the guilty pleas in these cases. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to theft of government property and uttering and possessing false securities, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

John Martell, 38, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between approximately April 23, 2018 and June 11, 2018, Martell and his codefendant, Holly Lovasik, who was a former employee of the United States Postal Service, engaged in a stamp theft scheme in order to pay a debt they owed to their drug dealer. The coconspirators purchased $34,800 in stamps from approximately 28 different Post Offices in the Western District of Pennsylvania, using checks that were written on closed accounts and checks that belonged to two deceased doctors that were falsely altered, completed and signed. Martell and Lovasik then re-sold the stamps for cash, predominantly at a pawn shop in Tarentum, PA. The court was further informed that, in addition to the stamp theft, the United States Post Office incurred $2,790 in check surcharges, for a total loss of $37,590.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Martell’s bond was revoked due to a bond violation and failure to appear for the bond violation hearing, and as such, he has been detained pending sentencing.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martell.

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

The one-count Indictment, returned on October 8, named Emanuel Luna, 54, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment and criminal complaint, Luna, while in wheelchair, attempted to rob the First National Bank, located at 1114 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA, on August 13, 2019. Upon entering the bank, Luna approached the teller counter and handed the teller a note that stated he had a bomb and "will press the button and kill us all for no less than $50,000." Luna left the bank prior to receiving money from the teller. Surveillance video following the attempted robbery shows Luna using a cane to walk.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Haley Warden-Rodgers are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the O’Hara Township Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. – Two former residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count indictment named Victor Keenan Lemmons, 33 and Jasmine Nicole Carter, 30, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around August 2015, to in and around September 2018, Lemmons and Carter engaged in a scheme where they stole checks from the mail and used homeless people with valid identification to cash the checks. The defendants removed the legitimate name from the checks and replaced them with the homeless persons’ name.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 210 years in prison and a fine of $7,000,000 for both defendants. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named JaeMere Scott, 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Scott was found to be in possession of a firearm. Scott is precluded from possessing firearms due to a previous conviction.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad R. Parks is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging 14 people, residents of Western Pennsylvania as well as New York, with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.  Several of these individuals had previously been charged in two related indictments on June 12, 2018, after a lengthy Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in the Greenway Park Apartments and other communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

The superseding indictment, containing eight counts, named:

• Kala Jones, 48, of Brooklyn, NY;
• Willie Harris, 40, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Monta Banks, 29, of McKees Rocks, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Tamra Moore, 36, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Allen Green, 40, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Jaimon Woods, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Marshinneah Manning, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Cecil Howard, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Brianne Dean, 31, of Bridgeville, PA;
• Antoine Dean, Sr., 54, of Heidelburg, PA;
• Mary Cerezo, 59, of Lawrence, PA;
• Mark Givens, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;
• Eric Kaminski, 47, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
• Delrico Clyburn, 28, of Braddock, PA, currently incarcerated.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around November 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Willie Harris, Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, Allen Green, Marshinneah Manning, Cecil Howard, Brianne Dean, Antione Dean, Sr., Mary Cerezo, Mark Givens, and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.  Also according to the Superseding Indictment, during that same timeframe, Kala Jones, Willie Harris, Allen Green, Brianne Dean, Mary Cerezo, and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine, and Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, Jaimon Woods, Eric Kaminski, and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The Superseding Indictment also charges that Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, Jaimon Woods, Eric Kaminski, Mark Givens, Delrico Clyburn, and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin, and charges that Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine.  The superseding indictment also charges Monta Banks with one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl on January 25, 2018. Finally, Jaimon Woods and Monta Banks are also each charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on or about December 7, 2017 and April 26, 2018, respectively.

As to Willie Harris, Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, Allen Green, Marshinneah Manning, Cecil Howard, Brianne Dean, Antione Dean, Sr., Mary Cerezo, and Mark Givens, federal law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both.  As to Kala Jones, Jaimon Woods, and Eric Kaminski, federal law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.  As to Delrico Clyburn, federal law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.  The law provides for a maximum sentence on the firearm charges of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department.

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

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

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

Kenneth Wayne Spencer, Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Spencer received and possessed computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2020 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

Erie, Pa. - A former resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Charles Joseph Butter, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 7, 2017, Butter possessed several firearms while being a convicted felon and possessed silencers not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record. In addition, he also possessed pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and attempted to manufacture methamphetamine.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 3 years of probation on his conviction of a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Emil Koledin, a/k/a Butch, age 61.

According to information presented to the court, Koledin operated a business out of Hermitage home called Koledin Enterpsises, Inc., that sold various illegal drugs manufactured primarily in Russia and China though the website awakebrain.com. Koledin sold the drugs as "nootripics", which he described as "Smart drugs, memory enhancers, neuro exchangers, and intelligence enhancements." He falsely represented these drugs as legal to sell in the United States. In fact, these are drugs that were illegally imported into the United States and illegal to sell in the United States because they are not approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration, the products do not contain the properly labeling, directions for use and warnings, and because they were manufactured in unapproved facilities. Some of the illegal drugs Koledin was selling include the following: Adrafinil, a/k/a Noofon; Bromantane; Coluracetam; Etifoxine, a/k/a Stresam; Noopept; Piracetam, a/k/a Nootropil; Phenylpiracetam, a/k/a Phenotropil; Sunifiram; Theanine; and Tianetine.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Koledin.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Allegany, New York has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and complete 50 hours of community service on his conviction of theft of mail by postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Bryant Richard, 30.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around October 2018, to in and around November 2018, Richard, who was a postal employee, stole 18 items of mail which had been submitted to the Postal Service for delivery.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Richard.

ERIE, Pa. -A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months in jail and 6 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Mark Joseph Bretz, 29.

According to information presented to the court, Bretz received computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Bretz also used social media sites to coerce at least three victims into providing him sexually explicit images. Each victim was subjected to threats until they relented and provided Bretz the explicit material he demanded. Bretz recorded these interactions and kept them on his computer so he could relive the coercion whenever he wanted. Bretz also videotaped a minor as she walked to and from school.

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.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau and the Aurora, Colorado Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bretz.