Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Freedom, 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.

Adam Hosie, age 25, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 12, 2018, Hosie possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020 at 2 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 Hosie.

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 – September marks back to school, and is an appropriate time to highlight the work the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its Project Safe Childhood partners are doing to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual predators, abusers, and pornographers who target children. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a Department of Justice initiative that marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said, "We are steadfastly committed to the safety and well-being of every child in western Pennsylvania and have made investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation a highest priority. Over the past several weeks, we brought multiple defendants to justice across our district. Going forward, we intend to build on those successes."

"The exploitation of vulnerable youth is a growing issue in our country and right here at home," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "These child predators think they can use the internet to have a sense of anonymity when they target these kids. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of all the agents who work these very important cases. They are among some of the toughest to work, but we hope these outcomes provide a small measure of justice for the victims who no doubt suffer lifelong damages from the actions of these child predators."

"We must protect our children, they are the most vulnerable and precious members of our community," said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. "HSI is committed to working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and our other law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice predators who prey on children."

Major Stephen K. Eberle, Area I Commander for the Pennsylvania State Police, added, "The Pennsylvania State Police are proud to work alongside our federal and local law enforcement and prosecution partners to protect our children from Internet predators in every form—those who have been convicted, those who are non-compliant, and those who have not yet been found."

A list of cases follows:

KIDNAPPING AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD

On August 27, United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced Timothy D. Nelson, Jr., 50, of Cumberland, Maryland, to 30 years in prison and ordered him to pay a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on his conviction of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse of person under 12 years old. On the afternoon of September 19, 1999, in a quiet neighborhood in Shade Township, Somerset County, an unknown man abducted a 10-year-old girl. He forced her to the floor of his car and transported her at gun point across the Pennsylvania state line into West Virginia, where he sexually assaulted her. He drove the minor victim back into Pennsylvania, abandoned her on a dirt road, and vanished. A couple driving by saw the child in distress and offered assistance. Law enforcement responded. The minor victim was able to direct law enforcement to the location of the sexual assault, where they found a discarded brown paper bag and napkin that had been used to clean up following the assault. Forensic examination found partial fingerprints and DNA. At that time however, there were no matching results in either the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) or the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database. In 2004, DNA from a different kidnapping and assault that occurred in September 1988 in Maryland was found to match the 1999 kidnapping in Somerset County. Still, the perpetrator was unknown. In Fall 2018, fingerprints re-submitted to the new fingerprint identification system – Next Generation Identification (NGI) identified Timothy David Nelson Jr. as a possible match. The FBI Laboratory subsequently confirmed the partial prints from the discarded bag as a match to Timothy David Nelson Jr., who was living in Maryland. In January 2019, Nelson was arrested on Pennsylvania state charges, and a federal DNA search warrant was executed. Subsequent DNA analysis proved Nelson’s DNA was a match for the September 19, 1999 incident that began in Cairnbrook, Somerset County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case. The Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI conducted the investigation.

COERCION AND ENTICEMENT OF A MINOR

On September 12, former Tulsa, Oklahoma resident Shelby Summer Brown, 28, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2018, to on or about March 14, 2018, Brown conspired and agreed with another individual, Oscar Carter, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual, Minor A (who had not yet attained the age of 18 years) to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania, to engage in prostitution from March 6, 2018 through March 14, 2018. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered Brown remain detained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Cranberry Township Police and the Pittsburgh Police.

On August 13, Joseph Hamilton, 38 of Pittsburgh, was indicted on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. According to the indictment, from March 11, 2019 until on or about April 18, 2019, Hamilton used a facility or means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and over a cellular phone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.

TRAVEL FOR SEX

On September 10, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced Alastair Lee Stewart, 27, of Van Buren, Arkansas, to a term of imprisonment of 12 years and seven months (151 months) and 27 years of supervised release. From November 15, 2016 to March 27, 2017, Stewart engaged in internet conversations with a 12 year-old girl over a chatting application called "Live Me," and later communicated with the victim over Skype, Snapchat, and text messages. Stewart then traveled from Arkansas to western Pennsylvania and arranged to meet the victim at her grandfather’s residence, where he sexually assaulted her in a motor home on the property on March 24 and March 25, 2017. Stewart fled the area on March 26, 2017. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy C. Weigand and Jessica L. Smolar prosecuted this case. The FBI and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.

On August 15, Jeffrey Judd, 60, of Vienna, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a charge of traveling with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in late May 2017, Judd began conversing with a 14-year-old male over the "Chathour" software application and by email. He arranged to meet the child victim in the parking lot of his school on June 1, 2017, and traveled from Vienna, Ohio, to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, to engage in intercourse and oral sex acts with the victim. The victim was frightened by Judd’s arrival at the school, and failed to show at the meet location. He later reported his communications with Judd to school officials. Judd continued to communicate by email with the victim until June 5, 2017. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Hermitage Police Department.

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

On August 29, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced Randolph Guy Gum, 25, of Rochester, Pennsylvania, to 30 years’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release on his conviction of production and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. In 2014, Gum produced at least seven videos of his sexual exploitation of a minor—Minor A, and on July 23, 2015 distributed at least one of these videos and a link containing thousands of other images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors to another individual via email. At the time of the offense, Minor A was seven years old. In sentencing the defendant, Chief Judge Hornak ordered that at least 10 years (120 months) of Gum’s federal sentence shall run consecutive to the 15-year to 40-year state sentence that Gum is currently serving for the sexual abuse of Minor A. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations and the Rochester, Pennsylvania Police Department conducted the investigation.

On August 12, United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Michael Robert Heinrich, 68, of Girard, Pennsylvania, to 15 years in prison, lifetime supervised release and a $5,300 special assessment. In January 2017 Heinrich took sexually explicit photos of a minor who was four years of age at the time. On February 14, 2017, Heinrich again took sexually explicit photos of that same four-year-old minor and also took a sexually explicit photo of a three-year-old minor. An examination of Heinrich’s computers and cell phone also revealed the presence of numerous other images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.

On August 13, Krent Jeffrey Haight, 47, formerly of Pittsburgh was indicted on charges of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. According to the two-count Indictment, on or about September 20, 2018, Haight distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors to an internet website, and on November 14, 2018, Haight 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, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.

POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

On September 10, Michael Pulliam, 36, of Fairchance, Pennsylvania, was indicted on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to the one-count indictment, Pulliam knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, images and videos in computer graphic files, which depicted, minors who have not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this cas, which was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.

On September 9, Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose sentenced Jason A. Early, 41, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania to a term of imprisonment of three years and one month (37 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In October 2017, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an investigation into the Internet sharing of child pornography (CP). They obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Early. A forensic review of his devices revealed 1,181 images and videos depicting CP, including images and videos of toddlers 2 or 3 years of age, as well as bondage. Early admitted to viewing CP through peer to peer programs and that there was CP stored on his MacBook and on two external hard drives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

On August 28, Brian R. Reddinger, 36, of Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the fall of 2016, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an online investigation into the internet sharing of child pornography. As part of the investigation, a special agent was able to connect to a device that was sharing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and download a suspected child porn file. The investigation led to Brian Reddinger. On November 1, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Reddinger’s home. Reddinger admitted to searching, downloading, viewing and possessing child porn. He stated that his downloads are highly structured on his computer. He further stated that he downloaded files of individuals as young as five years of age. Three of the items seized from Reddinger contained child porn. In total, there were 2,932 images and 60 videos of child porn on the devices. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Pending sentencing, the court continued Reddinger’s bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

On August 21, United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced John F. Boslett, 54, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, to two years (24 months) in prison and 10 years supervised release. On August 8, 2013, Boslet knowingly possessed images as computer graphic files containing child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

On August 20, Jack Brian Laforte, 54 of Monessen, Pennsylvania, was indicted on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to Indictment, on or about June 14, 2019, Laforte 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. Information provided to the court included the fact that Laforte was previously employed as a bus driver for the Monessen School District. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

On August 15, United States Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on David McAnally, 64, of Mars, Pennsylvania, to four years’ (48 months’) imprisonment, followed by eight years’ supervised release. On September 4, 2015, McAnally unlawfully possessed more than 500,000 still images and videos in computer graphics files depicting minor females, some of whom were under the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. McAnally received and distributed the images through Bit Torrent, a peer-to-peer Internet file-sharing network. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.

On August 12, Matthew Poese, 47, of Fairview, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Poese possessed computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Poese was previously employed as a Camp Counselor at a YMCA Camp in Eastern Ohio. U.S. District Judge David Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Pending sentencing, the court placed Poese on bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.

PITTSBURGH – The final defendant in a federal drug trafficking prosecution has been sentenced in federal court to four years’ probation on her conviction of attempted distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Shyanne Johnson, age 27, of Turtle Creek, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Shyanne Johnson was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that in June 2016, Johnson traveled to Mechanicsburg, PA to meet with a heroin supplier to attempt to bring nearly 400 bricks of heroin back to Pittsburgh for distribution of the heroin by members of the conspiracy.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Tennessee resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years (36 months) of probation, the first nine months on home detention, 250 hours of community service, a $5,000 fine and ordered to pay $120,710 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy and transferring counterfeit currency, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Cole M. Harris aka Ink, 23, of Knoxville, TN.

According to information presented to the court, Harris was a reshipper in the United States for the distribution of Ugandan manufactured counterfeit currency that was being sold online by an individual using the moniker Willy Clock. Harris also traveled to Uganda and smuggled the counterfeit currency into the United States.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harris.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Duquesne, PA was sentenced to two years and 10 months (34 months) in prison and three years of supervised release on violations of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Khalil Armstrong, age 27, for conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and making a false statement to a licensed firearm dealer. Armstrong has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court.

According to information presented to the court, in and around January and February 2018, Armstrong, co-defendant Melvin Bowles, and others conspired to have Armstrong purchase firearms on behalf of Bowles and others. To further this conspiracy, Armstrong made false statements on required federal firearms forms and to federally licensed firearms dealers representing that he was the true purchaser of the firearms. In fact, Armstrong was not the true purchaser and was buying the firearms for other individuals including Bowles, a convicted felon. In total, Armstrong purchased 23 firearms in this manner and distributed them to Bowles and other individuals. On February 15, 2018, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Pittsburgh division executed a search warrant at Bowles’ residence and recovered the firearm purchased by Armstrong. The 22 remaining firearms have not been recovered. Melvin Bowles was sentenced previously to 14 months of time served.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Fayette County resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years (24 months) in prison for violating multiple conditions of his supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence yesterday on Eric Seighman, age 36, formerly of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Seighman had previously been sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for conspiring to possess and pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit currency. He had also been sentenced to an additional 24 months’ imprisonment for prior violations of his supervised release. Seighman began his current term of supervised release on August 6, 2019, and was arrested by Pittsburgh Police the same day on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia; those charges are pending against him. Evidence presented to the court also indicated that, during the first week of his supervised release term, Seighman attempted to smuggle syringes and stamp bags of suspected heroin into the residential re-entry facility where he was staying, and later left the facility without permission.

Judge Bissoon found that Seighman had violated the conditions of his supervised release by committing another crime; unlawfully possessing a controlled substance; failing to notify his probation officer of his arrest; and failing to reside in a residential re-entry facility and abide by its rules. The court revoked Seighman’s supervised release and imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law, 24 months in prison, after considering factors such as the seriousness of Seighman’s violations, his criminal history, and the need for deterrence and to protect the public.

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Probation Office and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for their efforts in this matter.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Christian Elijah Moore, age 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on September 5, 2017, Moore walked into the First National Bank in Homestead, PA and asked for change. While the teller was providing him with change, Moore placed his wallet on the counter and stated that his friend wanted him to give her a note. In the note, Moore threatened to shoot the teller if he she did not provide him with money.

The teller provided Moore with $1,055.00, as well as a GPS tracking device. As Moore was walking from the bank, he removed identifiable clothing and left the items in the bushes of the homes along his path. Officers later recovered the gray Adidas jacket that he was wearing during the bank robbery from the bushes of a home near the bank. He then walked to a jitney station and asked for a ride to Oakland. The jitney driver proceeded across the Homestead Grays Bridge. Moore observed Homestead police, who were alerted to the area by the GPS device, and instructed the jitney driver to make a U-turn and proceed to Hazelwood. After observing the vehicle make a U-turn, police stopped the vehicle. Moore immediately stated that he had just robbed the bank and the jitney driver had nothing to do with it. Officers recovered a loaded Kel-Tec semi-automatic .9mm pistol as well as the money and tracking device from Moore. As part of his confession, Moore admitted that when he woke up that day, he decided to rob a bank because he needed money and did not like having to wait.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Moore remain detained.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moore.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in federal court to violations of Coercion and Enticement of Any Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Conspiracy to Commit the Offense of Coercion and Enticement of an Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shelby Summer Brown, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2018, to on or about March 14, 2018, Brown conspired and agreed with another individual, Oscar Carter, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual, Minor A (who had not yet attained the age of 18 years) to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania, to engage in prostitution from March 6, 2018 through March 14, 2018.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered Brown remain detained.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cranberry Township Police, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the rescue of the victim and the prosecution of Brown.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release after the Court found that she violated her probation by committing perjury at a federal trial, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kacie Zito, 33.

According to information presented to the court, on June 12, 2019, at the trial of Taurean Potter, Ms. Zito committed perjury when she denied that Potter provided her cocaine that she later sold. Despite Zito’s false testimony, the jury convicted Potter and he is awaiting sentencing.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that, in his nearly 20 years as a Judge, he had never seen anyone lie so blatantly as Zito.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Yvonne Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for its assistance in Zito’s probation violation hearing.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Bellefonte, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Charles Jones, age 26, 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 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, Charles Jones and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute quantities of heroin.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 19, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. 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 of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.

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, 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, that led to the prosecution of Charles Jones.

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 Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of holding a counterfeit drug for sale or dispensing, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Rahnon Carter, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 19, 2016, Carter was found holding for sale or dispensing 967 counterfeit Viagra pills and 120 counterfeit Cialis pills. Carter also accepted responsibility for holding for sale or dispensing 4,500 counterfeit Viagra pills on November 23, 2016, and 39 counterfeit Viagra pills and 120 counterfeit Cialis pills on December 15, 2016.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than one year in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000, 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 Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rahnon Carter.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Port Vue, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 15 years (180 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jarran Bell, age 38. 

According to information presented to the court, the investigation, which utilized Title III intercepts from December 2014 through April 2015, established the existence of a number of overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks at work in the Western District of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Bell and his girlfriend Krystle Barretto were living together during the investigation. Bell and Barretto maintained numerous other residences, which were used as stash houses. Amanda Santiago lived in one of those residences during the investigative period.

In April of 2015, Bell and Barretto orchestrated two large shipments of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey, back to the McKeesport/Port Vue area. On April 19, 2015, Santiago, a courier, transported approximately 500 bricks of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey back to McKeesport via taxi cab.

On April 20, 2015, several search warrants were executed. Agents seized the heroin transported by Santiago. Additionally, from the bedroom of Bell and Barretto, agents seized a loaded firearm, approximately five bricks of heroin and a money counter.

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

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation led to the prosecution of Bell. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force including the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clairton Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 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.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics charge on September 10, 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dezmen Hicks, age 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin in front of Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. Hicks has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court on July 20, 2017. Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2020.

According to information provided to the court, on July 19, 2017, Pittsburgh Police responded to a 911 call on the 6000 block of Auburn Street. Zone 5 officers identified Hicks and attempted to approach him in connection with the investigation before Hicks fled into a nearby house. Officers entered the house and observed Hicks attempting to hide a blue bag in the freezer of a refrigerator in the house. Officers detained Hicks and recovered the bag from the freezer which contained approximately 25 bricks or 1,250 bags of individual heroin.

Upon police entry into the home, co-defendants Malik Clark and Joshua Wright also fled from the basement of the house and were subsequently detained by police. During a subsequent search of the home, Pittsburgh Police officers and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agents and Task Force Officers found a large-scale fentanyl production lab in the basement of the home, and various types of narcotics, numerous firearms, United States Currency and a variety of drug packaging and branding material throughout the house. Clark, Wright, and Hicks were charged by way of federal complaint on July 20, 2017 and later indicted. The charges against Clark and Wright remain pending and they are presumed innocent. Any information provided regarding them should be considered to be only allegations.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Nicholas Huffine, age 20, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Huffine participated in a practice known as "swatting," in which he, along with others, made hoax emergency telephone calls to the Winter Garden, Florida, Police Department, and falsely reported an ongoing, dangerous crime in order to elicit an armed police response (from a SWAT team, hence the term "swatting") to a specific location, in order to harass someone whom he believed was there. The calls resulted in emergency personnel being deployed, as well as physical damage due to forced entry to one of the residences where Huffine directed the law enforcement officers.

"Swatting is terrifying to victims, as well as highly dangerous as law enforcement agents operate under the belief that they are responding to the scene of active and ongoing violent criminal activity," said U.S. Attorney Brady.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

The two-count Indictment named Zachary Martin Cymbalak, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about Jan. 6, 2019, Cymbalak possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed a mixture of heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, which resulted in a death.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Beaver County Drug Task Force, and Harmony Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment named Cameron Bivins-Breeden, 26.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on November 7, 2018, Bivins-Breeden possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Bivins-Breeden.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA-A former resident of Van Buren, Arkansas, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 12 years and seven months (151 months) and 27 years of supervised release on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Alastair Lee Stewart, 27.

According to information presented to the court, from November 15, 2016 to March 27, 2017, Stewart engaged in internet conversations with a 12 year-old girl over a chatting application called "Live Me," and later communicated with the victim over Skype, Snapchat, and text messages. Stewart then traveled from Arkansas to western Pennsylvania and arranged to meet the victim at her grandfather’s residence, where he sexually assaulted her in a motor home on the property on March 24 and March 25, 2017. Stewart fled the area on March 26, 2017.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Jessica L. Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stewart.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of three years and one month (37 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Jason A. Early, age 41, of Uniontown, PA.

According to information presented to the court, in October 2017, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an investigation into the Internet sharing of child pornography (CP). They obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Early. A forensic review of his devices revealed 1,181 images and videos depicting CP, including images and videos of toddlers 2 or 3 years of age, as well as bondage. Early admitted to viewing CP through peer to peer programs and that there was CP stored on his MacBook and on two external hard drives.

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute an analogue of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Lozito, age 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2017 to August 2017, Lozito conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Lynell Guyton purchased large quantities of fentanyl analogues from overseas purveyors, which he distributed in Western Pennsylvania. On August 9, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lozito’s residence on Bond Street. Guyton was found on the first floor along with Lozito and two other individuals. Large amounts of narcotics and packaging paraphernalia were present in the house. A table with powder narcotics was overturned during the initial SWAT entry into the home, causing large amounts of opioids to become airborne. SWAT officers exposed to the airborne narcotics were sent to Mercy for evaluation–everyone was medically cleared and no one was harmed. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on Lakewood Avenue and found another individual and opioids at the residence. A total of 235 grams of cyclopropyl fentanyl was recovered from both residences. Lozito admitted to allowing Guyton to use his home to package narcotics in exchange for the anticipated receipt of opioids.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five 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, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered Lozito to remain detained.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, including the Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Cassio Orville Donald Slowden, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in February 2019, Citizens Bank replacement debit cards and PIN reminders were fraudulently ordered for several customers in McMurray, Pennsylvania. On the afternoon of February 11, U.S. mail was delivered to the mailbox of one of the residences in McMurray. Shortly after, Slowden removed several pieces of mail from the mailbox and drove away from the residence. Slowden’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, and a search of the vehicle recovered stolen mail, including the Citizens Bank replacement debit card and PIN reminder taken from the mailbox of the McMurray residence.

The Court was further advised that Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and other financial institutions were victims of an ongoing multistate fraud scheme. The scheme involved one or more callers contacting banks and impersonating customers. The caller would order replacement debit cards and debit card PIN reminders to the customer’s address on file. The suspects would intercept the cards and use them to make fraudulent ATM withdrawals. Slowden is connected to at least $116,277.19 in losses related to fraudulent withdrawals from accounts of at least 12 Citizens Bank and Bank of America customers.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 28, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to launder proceeds of marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Holly Shrum, 29, of the City’s Overbrook neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of a marijuana trafficking conspiracy. The investigation revealed that during the operation of the conspiracy, Shrum conspired to launder proceeds obtained through the marijuana trafficking. According to information provided to the court, Shrum and her boyfriend, codefendant Christopher Schanck, were caught attempting to launder $25,000 in drug proceeds at the Rivers Casino by inserting $20 bills into a gaming machine in increments of $500 and then cashing out the vouchers, without ever having gambled at the casino.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2020, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shrum. 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 the North Side of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and ten months (46 months) in prison on conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine as well as maintaining a drug involved premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Kawama Hightower, 41.

According to the information presented to the court, on September 11, 2018, FBI investigators conducted a traffic stop of Hightower while he was leaving his residence. During the traffic stop, they recovered crack cocaine and nearly $4,000 in cash from Hightower and his vehicle. Later on that day, investigators executed a search warrant at Hightower’s residence and recovered additional quantities of crack cocaine, nearly 100 bricks of heroin, two loaded firearms, additional ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials.

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ambrose stated that Hightower’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes, reflect the seriousness of his crimes, and protect the public.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation of Hightower. 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, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court four years and two months (50 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Barry Daniels, 30, who committed the bank robbery while wearing a McDonald’s uniform shirt. Daniels was formerly employed by the fast-food restaurant.

According to information presented to the court, on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates baseball hat and a black buttoned-up McDonalds’ shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." Surveillance video, from the bank, shows Daniels arrive at the bank, driving a black vehicle, enter the bank and rob it, and then exit the bank, returning to the same vehicle which he then drove out of the parking lot. The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels, and were assisted by the Turtle Creek Police Department in apprehending the defendant.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and five months (41 months) in prison on conviction of attempt to possess with intent heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Farren Mason, Sr., 60, of the City’s Homewood neighborhood.

According to information presented to the court, on November 9, 2018, Mason’s car and house were searched. During the searches, agents and task force officers recovered 150 bricks of heroin from Mason’s car and additional heroin and $70,000 in cash were found in Mason’s house. The total amount of heroin seized totaled 232 grams.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that Mason’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes and to deter future criminal conduct.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the North Versailles Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mason.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Pattie Lou Smith, 56, of Connoquenessing, 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 when applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") benefits, Smith falsely reported that her husband was not part of her household, and, as a result, during the period December 30, 2013 through February 28, 2017, received $61,331.50 in SSI benefits to which she was not entitled.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Smith remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Smith.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly last week on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on July 16, 2019, named Keith Navarro-Palmer, age 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2019, Navarro-Palmer possessed with intent to distribute over 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and tramadol. The initial criminal complaint, which was filed by the Wilkinsburg Police department, indicated that the fentanyl, heroin, tramadol mixture was in the form of a large quantity of pills resembling Oxycodone Hydrochloride 15 milligram tablets. The Indictment further indicated that Navarro-Palmer was previously convicted of both attempted murder and aggravated assault. According to the original police complaint, these prior convictions stem from a June 4, 2005 incident where the defendant fired in excess of 30 rounds at two Pittsburgh Police Officers.

“Pills purchased on the street may contain potentially deadly drugs masquerading as legal prescription medications,” said U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Don’t risk your life.  Only take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor and filled by your pharmacist.”

The law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of eight years and five months (102 months) in prison and six years’ supervised release, following his conviction of federal drug and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Lamont Willis, 47.

According to information presented to the court, on March 8, 2017, Pittsburgh Police executed a search warrant at Willis’s residence following a series of anonymous complaints of suspected drug trafficking and seized numerous items, including: cocaine, crack, cutting agents, drug trafficking paraphernalia, four firearms, and ammunition. Willis was apprehended the next day and was later indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On May 3, 3019, Willis pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charge and to possessing the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime; additionally, Willis accepted responsibility for possessing firearms after being convicted of drug and firearms violations punishable by more than one year in prison. The Court was further informed that, as a convicted felon, Willis is subject to enhanced penalties.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and North Strabane Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Willis.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Vashaun Lasalle Wright, 30, of Houston, PA, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between March 7, 2018, and March 20, 2018, investigators with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force utilized confidential informants to purchase quantities of fentanyl from Wright and his alleged co-conspirator, Alyssa Adkins. Through those investigative efforts, task force officers obtained a search warrant for a residence located on Main Street in Houston Borough, Washington County, which was utilized by the defendant and Adkins. On March 23, 2018, investigators served the search warrant and seized over 40 grams of fentanyl (which was packaged for distribution), a quantity of cocaine (which was packaged for distribution), approximately $24,000 in U.S. Currency, and three loaded firearms, amongst other evidence. Wright, a felon, admitted in connection with the plea that he unlawfully possessed the three seized firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Wright further admitted to possessing the firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes charged in the Indictment.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 30, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $11,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wright.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Four residents of Allegheny County have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and aiding and abetting, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Rudolph McBride, 21, of Penn Hills, Jaron Davis, 23, of Penn Hills, True Kinnon, 20, of Pittsburgh, and Wayne Edwards, 20, of Monroeville, were charged in a single indictment returned on August 28, 2019. According to the Indictment presented to the court, the four individuals conspired to commit robberies from October 2018 through February 2019, and the following members of the conspiracy committed the following robberies:

• On December 17, 2018, Jaron Davis and True Kinnon robbed a customer at the Home Goods store located at 200 Mall Boulevard in Monroeville while attempting to rob the store.

• On December 18, 2018, True Kinnon and Jaron Davis robbed the CoGo’s located at 925 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh.

• On January 30, 2019, Rudolph McBride, True Kinnon, and Wayne Edward robbed the CoGo’s located at 2800 Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh.

Additionally, Jaron Davis and True Kinnon are each charged with aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on December 17, 2018, and Jaron Davis is charged with unlawfully possession a firearm from December 17 through December 19, 2018, after being convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years of incarceration for Davis and Kinnon and a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, and a maximum possible fine of $250,000 for each count of conviction. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration and a maximum possible fine of $250,000 for each count of conviction for McBride and Edwards. 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 Rebecca Silinski, Timothy Lanni, Mark Gurzo and Doug Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

Quashawn Priester, 31, 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 July 6, 2017 Priester possessed a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. Priester is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of a previous felony drug conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2020 at 1:30 p.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.

Priester remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and two months (38 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Mitchell Thompson, 21.

According to information presented to the court, on August 30, 2018, law enforcement officials were performing a saturation patrol detail in Wilkinsburg in response to a recent homicide and several shootings. Upon seeing an unmarked police vehicle, Thompson threw a loaded Glock 9 millimeter pistol onto the sidewalk near a row of bushes. Thompson was arrested and it was later determined that the firearm had been reported stolen. The court was further informed that Thompson was previously convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, including one conviction for a firearms violation and one conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition..

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Bureau and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thompson.

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. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, consecutive to the current prison term he is serving out of the Middle District of North Carolina, and three years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Bryan Wade Smith, 29, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on October 3, 2018, Smith possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

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

Brian R. Reddinger, 36, of Shaler Township pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the fall of 2016, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an online investigation into the internet sharing of child pornography.  As part of the investigation, a special agent was able to connect to a device that was sharing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and download a suspected child porn file.  The investigation led to Brian Reddinger.

On November 1, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Reddinger’s home.  Reddinger admitted to searching, downloading, viewing and possessing child porn.  He stated that his downloads are highly structured on his computer.  He further stated that he downloaded files of individuals as young as five years of age.  He stated that he searches for child porn once a week using child porn terms and that although he deletes a lot of files, he has “probably a gross number” of child porn.  He then asked the agents if they could delete or overlook the situation.  Three of the items seized from Reddinger contained child porn.  In total, there were 2,932 images and 60 videos of child porn on the devices. 

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020.  The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Pending sentencing, the court continued Reddinger’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.  The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shawna Stelter, 37, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, when applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") Benefits, Stelter failed to disclose that her husband was part of her household, and, as a result, received $26,917.55 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled, from June of 2014 to September of 2016. The court was further informed that Stelter made a false statement on her Redetermination Summary October 30, 2014, when she further claimed that her husband was not part of her household, and that her household only consisted of herself and her two children.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 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. Stelter remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of Stelter.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Cumberland, MD, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on his conviction of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse of person under 12 years old, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Timothy D. Nelson, Jr., 50.

According to information presented to the court, on September 19, 1999, Nelson drove into a Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania, neighborhood and drove past a group of three minor females multiple times. The group was walking when the vehicle came by one more time, stopped, and Nelson exited his car and asked them a question. As the minor victim, a 10-year old girl, began to answer, Nelson grabbed the minor victim and placed her in the car through the driver’s side and exited the area. Nelson then placed the minor victim on the floor of the front passenger seat. While driving away from the area of the abduction, Nelson threatened the minor victim with a handgun pointing it at her head. The minor victim was screaming and Nelson struck the minor victim with his hand in an attempt to quiet her.

At some point, Nelson drove the car and the minor victim into West Virginia. When Nelson eventually stopped the car, he forced the minor victim to perform a sex act. Afterwards, Nelson gave the minor victim a paper bag and napkin to clean herself with. Nelson also cleaned himself and then discarded the bag out the window.

Nelson then drove the vehicle in the direction of Markleysburg, Pennsylvania, and shortly after crossing the Pennsylvania line from West Virginia, dropped the minor victim off on the side of the road, instructed her to count to 100, and then proceed to a location to call her mother. Subsequently, another vehicle happened upon the minor victim who was in distress and offered her assistance. Law enforcement responded, to include the Pennsylvania State Police.

The minor victim was subsequently able to direct law enforcement to the location of the sexual assault and the brown paper bag and napkin were recovered which appeared to contain evidence of the above-described assault. The evidence was subsequently forensically examined

and determined to contain multiple partial fingerprints and DNA extracted from the bodily fluids. Certain of the recovered partial prints were identified as originating from the minor victim. There remained unidentified latent prints and a search through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), did not return any results at that time. Likewise, the FBI Lab was successfully able to identify a suitable DNA profile at that time, but when compared to the FBI Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, no matches were detected.

In April 2004, the FBI Laboratory reported that a DNA profile generated from evidence from a different kidnapping / sexual assault of another minor female, which occurred in September 1988 in Hagerstown, Maryland, was a match to the DNA profile of the 1999 Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania kidnapping event. This match was made from the FBI CODIS database, but the identity of the perpetrator of these crimes was still unknown at that time.

Over the years, advancements were made to IAFIS and the new fingerprint identification system called Next Generation Identification system (NGI) came into existence.

In the Fall of 2018, the partial prints obtained from the brown paper bag and napkin were re-submitted to NGI to search for a possible match. NGI identified a possible match with a person identified as Timothy David Nelson. The FBI Laboratory subsequently confirmed the partial prints as a match to Timothy David Nelson, Jr., who was living in Maryland.

On January 7, 2019, an arrest warrant was issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charging Nelson with multiple offenses to include, but not limited to, Kidnapping and Aggravated Indecent Assault. Also, a federal search warrant was issued for Nelson’s DNA.

On January 8, 2019, Nelson arrived at the Cumberland (MD) City Police Department and the Pennsylvania arrest warrant and the federal DNA search warrant were executed. Subsequent forensic analysis proved that Nelson’s DNA was a match for the 1999 Cairnbrook kidnapping on September 19, 1999, as well as a match to two separate kidnappings/sexual assaults on minor females from 1988 and 1989 in Maryland.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Nelson.

PITTSBURGH – A former bus driver for the Monessen School District has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on Aug. 20 and unsealed yesterday, named Jack Brian Laforte, age 54, of Monessen, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, on or about June 14, 2019, Laforte 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.

If you have any information involving this defendant, please call the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 866-347-2423.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $250,000. 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 Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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 Lauderhill, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The six-count Superseding Indictment named Racoco Williams, age 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about April 23, 2017 and on or about August 29, 2017, Williams possessed with intent to deliver five kilograms or more of cocaine. The earlier filed criminal complaint alleged that Williams was staying at a room at the Extended Stay Hotel in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. A federal search warrant of his room revealed 17 kilograms of cocaine and more than $192,000 in cash. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that from in and around 2012 and continuing thereafter to in and around March 2018, Williams conspired with persons known and unknown to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that from in and around 2012 and continuing thereafter to in and around March 2018, Williams participated as a principal administrator in a continuing criminal enterprise that involved 150 kilograms or more of cocaine. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that from in and around 2012 and continuing thereafter to in and around August 2017, Williams conspired with persons known and unknown to commit money laundering. Finally, the Superseding Indictment also alleges that from 2012 and continuing thereafter to in and around August 2017, Williams travelled between states in aid of racketeering activity, namely drug trafficking.

The law provides for a mandatory sentence of life in prison, a maximum fine of $32,750,000 or both.

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

The United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to two years (24 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Michael Flemmings-Smith, 30.

According to information presented to the court, from Mar. 6, 2018, through Apr. 2, 2018, Flemmings-Smith and a co-defendant conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. On Mar. 12, 2018, Flemmings-Smith and a co-defendant distributed a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base; and on Apr. 2, 2018, Flemmings-Smith possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base. Cocaine base is commonly known as "crack."

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to six months in prison, consecutive to the current prison term he is serving, and three years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Christopher D. Rarick, 40, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on February 16, 2017, Rarick possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rarick.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ (60 months’) imprisonment, a fine of $1,500 and four years supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Christopher Schanck, age 36.

According to information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy of Schanck and his co-conspirators. From 2012 through 2017, Schanck and his co-conspirators arranged for marijuana to be supplied from the West Coast and mailed to the Pittsburgh area through the United States Postal Service. Schanck and his co-conspirators would then distribute the marijuana in the Western District of Pennsylvania, primarily on college campuses, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the operation of the conspiracy, Schanck conspired to distribute from 100 to 400 kilograms of marijuana. He also conspired to launder proceeds from marijuana trafficking.

Chris Schanck’s codefendant and brother, Ryan Schanck, was previously sentenced to 71 months in prison.

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

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schanck. 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 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug-trafficking laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Mark Schofield, Jr., 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about May 29, 2018, Mark Schofield, Jr. possessed a quantity of heroin with intent to distribute.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and McKeesport 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 Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone sentenced Douglas Williams, 38, to serve 18 months in prison following his guilty plea on April 24, 2018, to one count of conspiracy.

In connection with the guilty plea, Williams admitted that from in and around April 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2016, he conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack and 500 grams or more of powder cocaine. During his plea colloquy, the defendant admitted that he obtained powder cocaine from Jack Brown, a co-defendant, which the defendant converted to crack and sold to another member of the conspiracy, Mark Fisher, for further distribution.

The defendant is one of nine co-defendants who were indicted for their roles in the conspiracy on August 1, 2017. To date, all nine defendants have entered guilty pleas, and eight have been sentenced.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and comprises members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. 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 former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal drug and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment names Edward Johnson, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on September 20, 2018 Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack, as well as quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and ketamine. In addition to the narcotics violations, the Indictment alleges that Johnson unlawfully possessed two pistols in furtherance of the drug offense, after having sustained a prior felony conviction. The Indictment further alleges that, on July 25, 2019, Johnson unlawfully possessed two additional firearms, including an AR-pistol, which according to a Criminal Complaint that was filed on July 25, 2019, was concealed in a child’s toy box. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a maximum total fine of $6,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains in custody, pending the resolution of this case.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years (60 months) in prison and four years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Robert L. Green, 41.

According to information presented to the court, on July 27, 2018, Green possessed with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and a quantity of fentanyl. Also, on July 27, 2018, he was found in possession of a Harrington & Richardson .32 caliber revolver and a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber handgun. On April 12, 2004, Green was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pa., of robbery, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Green.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of unlawfully prescribing and distributing controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dr. Thomas A. Ranieri, 66, pleaded guilty to 14 counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ranieri was a physician who previously practiced as an anesthesiologist and pain doctor in clinics located in New Castle, Pennsylvania and multiple locations in Ohio. From January 2, 2013 to June 26, 2013, Dr. Ranieri prescribed and distributed quantities of Schedule II controlled substances (i.e., Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Opana ER) outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total per count 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Ranieri on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines and Colin J. Callahan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -A resident of Altoona, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to two years (24 months) in prison and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on John F. Boslet, 54.

According to information presented to the court, on Aug. 8, 2013, Boslet knowingly possessed images as computer graphic files containing child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer.

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

Mr. Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations for their investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Boslet.

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 Greensburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Thomas Ohler, 38, 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 during 2015 and 2016, Ohler obtained multi-ounce quantities of cocaine from Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., which was thereafter sold by Ohler to various customers.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas Ohler.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David Smeltzer, 37, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on August 5, 2018, Smeltzer possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2019, at 1:30 p.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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smeltzer.

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

The two-count indictment named Jaymar Henderson, age 58, formerly of Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on July 2, 2019, Henderson robbed the PNC Bank, located at 225 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, of $121.00. On the same day, Henderson also robbed the Citizens Bank, located at 6112 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, of $1,400.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both, at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

The four-count Indictment named Deon Reese, age 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 23, 2017, Reese, and individuals known and unknown to the grand jury, agreed to rob the victim of controlled substances and money. During the robbery, Reese discharged a firearm. Reese was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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