Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six years and eight months (80 months) in prison, followed by five years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Terry Chase White, 51.

According to information presented to the court, White received computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and 10 months (70 months) in prison, 5 years supervised release and a $5,100 special assessment on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Eric J. Andrzejewski, 33.

According to information presented to the court, Andrzejewski received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

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

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

Kevin Christopher Oldland, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Oldland traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity with a minor and used a means or facility of interstate commerce to persuade, induce and entice the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Oldland on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three 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 Ada Johnson, age 33, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ada 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Cumberland, MD, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse of person under 12 years old, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Timothy D. Nelson, Jr., 50, pleaded guilty to the two-count information before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

"This horrible crime struck fear into the heart of the community," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Through the perseverance and dedication of law enforcement and the bravery of the victim, justice has been served."

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 19, 1999, Nelson drove into a Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania neighborhood and drove past a group of three children 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.

"This case is just one of the many examples that exemplify the FBI’s mission," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "Our agents and law enforcement partners are dedicated to seeing cases through no matter how long it takes and working to get justice for our victims."

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2019, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, 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 Mark Fisher, 40, to serve two years and four months (28 months) in prison following his guilty plea on March 6, 2019, to one count of conspiracy.

In connection with the guilty plea, Fisher 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. During his plea colloquy, the defendant admitted that he obtained crack from a co-defendant on numerous occasions during the period of the conspiracy, and that on one occasion, he fled his vehicle, leaving five grams of crack on the floor, when law enforcement initiated a traffic stop.

Fisher 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 seven 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 sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of four years and seven months (55 months) to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Ambrose J. Sample, II, age 39.

According to information presented during a bench trial, on June 17, 2017, Sample pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired shots into the air after a dispute with neighbors. He then fled the area on foot and was stopped by police a short distance from his home. Sample agreed to submit to a gunshot residue test of his hands and it was found that he had components of primer-gunshot residue on both of his hands. Sample had been drinking heavily that day and he had also ingested prescription Percocet. Officers obtained search warrants for several locations, including the defendant’s residence. In the defendant’s residence, officers recovered one GFL .380 ammunition. The exact firearm that the defendant discharged was not recovered. Sample has been previously convicted of the charges of murder of the third degree, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, simple assault, fleeing and eluding police and tampering with physical evidence, all of which preclude him from possessing ammunition or firearms.

Assistant United States Attorneys Shanicka L. Kennedy and Yvonne Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

This case was prosecuted 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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sample.  

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

Thomas Cole, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 14, 2019, Cole possessed a semi-automatic handgun and a semi-automatic rifle that was capable of accepting a large capacity magazine. Cole is prohibited from possessing these firearms because he is a convicted felon.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Cole remains detained pending sentencing.

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

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. 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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police, Alleghany County Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cole.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of California has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ (120 months’) imprisonment and five years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Nikia Perkins, 44, of Bloomington, California.

According to information presented to the court, the charges in this case resulted from a wiretap investigation conducted by the FBI and other law enforcement partners. During the investigation, the defendant was intercepted over a wiretapped phone discussing drug transactions. The investigation revealed that the defendant, along with others, was responsible for over a kilogram of fentanyl and a quantity of carfentanil being brought into the Western District of Pennsylvania from overseas. The defendant requested that he be able to serve his sentence back in California.

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

This prosecution was part of a 12-month investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - A Virginia resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation, including six months of home detention, on his conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed sentence on Thomas Powell, 64, of Salem, Virginia.

In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Powell agreed to become a member of a money laundering conspiracy. Powell conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Powell knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the defendant and his co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds. The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled thousands of dollars, were the proceeds of wire fraud.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

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

The one-count Indictment named Stephanie Atkins, age 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 14, 2019, Atkins was an employee of the United States Postal Service and stole money that was intended to be conveyed by mail.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Bond of $5,000 unsecured has been requested.

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

The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A U.S. citizen who resided in the Republic of Uganda, has been sentenced in federal court to six years and two months (74 months) in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $230,890 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy to manufacture/pass/transfer/sell counterfeit currency, conspiracy to launder money, and committing counterfeiting acts outside the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka WillyClock, 31.

At the time of his guilty plea, the court was advised that Ryan Gustafson was leading an international counterfeit U.S. currency operation headquartered in the Republic of Uganda, which flooded the United States and Uganda with more than $2 million in counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. Although counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes were being manufactured and distributed in Uganda, by December 2013, these Ugandan-manufactured counterfeit bills were being passed in Pittsburgh-area retail stores and businesses, specifically, in Oakland, Carnegie and McCandless Township. The scheme quickly spread to cities around the country. The bills were being advertised, bought and sold on a Dark Net website created by Gustafson called Community-X that was dedicated to the selling and passing of these counterfeit bills.

According to additional information provided to the court, the participants were producing counterfeit $100, $50 and $20 bills, packaging the counterfeit currency disguised as "Give a Child Hope Today" pamphlets, and shipping the packages to individuals they met through online criminal forums. In total, approximately $1.8 million fake notes were passed and seized in Uganda. In the U.S., approximately $270,000 in counterfeit currency was passed and seized. The criminal conspirators were passing the counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes in exchange for legitimate currency in the United States, Uganda and other countries.

Upon his arrest in Uganda in December 2014, Gustafson was provided the option of returning to the United States to face prosecution or to stay in a Ugandan prison and face prosecution in Uganda. Gustafson choose to stay in a Ugandan prison. Due to the Gustafson being a U.S. citizen and failing to present his passport to demonstrate that he was legally permitted to be in Uganda, the Ugandan government ordered the Defendant deported. He arrived in Pittsburgh to face prosecution in this instant case in December 2015. This 74-month sentence is time to be served in the United States and does not allow the Defendant to seek further credit for any time served in Uganda.

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 Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gustafson.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Philadelphia, Pa., were indicted on July 9, 2019, by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The six-count first superseding indictment named brothers John T. Terry, 44, and Gerald Terry, 50, as defendants.

According to the first superseding indictment presented to the court, between March 30, 2018, and April 4, 2018, John Terry and Gerald Terry conspired to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine. Also, on April 4, 2018, they were found in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. On June 2, 1998, John Terry was convicted in United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA, of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. On March 13, 2012, Gerald Terry was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, PA, of aggravated assault, 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. John Terry and Gerald Terry are also charged with possessing that same firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $31,000,000 or both for each of the defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed on each of the defendants would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police SHIELD Unit and Somerset Turnpike Barracks conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of John Terry and Gerald Terry.

PITTSBURGH – Two residents of Pittsburgh, PA, have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges arising from a wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in Pittsburgh’s West End neighborhood, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jaamiyl Dean, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking before Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton. Tyree Davis, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine before Senior Untied States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty pleas, 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. Jaamiyl Dean was intercepted over the wiretap discussing drug transactions. When agents executed a search warrant at Dean’s home and vehicle on June 20, 2018, they recovered, among other things, two firearms, several rounds of ammunition, drug packaging materials, and over $64,000 in cash. Dean has previously been convicted of a felony offense, and was prohibited from possessing the firearms. The wiretap investigation also revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Tyree Davis and his co-conspirators distributed crack cocaine in and around the area of the Greenway Projects.

Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for Jaamiyl Dean for Nov. 8, 2019, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Tyree Davis for Nov. 25, 2019 at 10:30 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, both defendants will remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne 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 these prosecutions.

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 Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to two-and-a- half years’ (30 months’) imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michael Henry, 37, of McKeesport, PA.

According to information presented to the court, the charges in this case resulted from a wiretap investigation conducted by the FBI and other law enforcement partners. During the investigation, it was learned that Henry, among other things, assisted with the procurement of fentanyl packages from China, as well as provided locations to which the fentanyl was delivered in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

This prosecution was part of a 12-month investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ (60 months’) imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Adrian Jordan, 29.

According to information presented to the court, the charges in this case resulted from a wiretap investigation conducted by the FBI and other law enforcement partners. During the investigation, the defendant was intercepted over a wiretapped phone discussing drug transactions. Furthermore, in connection with the investigation, fentanyl was recovered from the defendant on both December 16, 2016 and February 24, 2017.

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

This prosecution was part of a 12-month investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of intentional damage to a protected computer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David Tinley, 62, pleaded guilty to one count beforeSenior or Chief United States District Judge Peter J. Phipps.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around 2014 and continuing until on or about May 13, 2016, Tinley, a contract employee for Siemens Corporation at the Monroeville, PA location, intentionally inserted logic bombs into computer programs that he designed for Siemens Corporation.  The logic bombs ensured that the programs would malfunction after the expiration of a certain date.  As a result, Siemens was unaware of the cause of the malfunction and required Tinley to fix these malfunctions. 

Judge Phipps scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury on July 17 returned a three-count indictment (the Indictment) against Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 21, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in connection with his planned attack on a Christian church in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The Indictment charges Alowemer with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and two counts of distributing information relating to an explosive, destructive device, or weapon of mass destruction.

Alowemer was initially arrested on a Complaint on June 19, 2019, and appeared before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy. Alowemer was ordered detained and has been in federal custody since his arrest.

As alleged in the Indictment and complaint:

The FBI Pittsburgh JTTF investigation of Alowemer revealed that Alowemer plotted to bomb a church located on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (the Church), using a weapon of mass destruction (i.e., an explosive device). According to Alowemer, his motivation to detonate a device at the Church was to support the cause of ISIS and to inspire other ISIS supporters in the United States to join together and commit similar acts in the name of ISIS. Alowemer also targeted the Church in order to "take revenge for our [ISIS] brothers in Nigeria." Alowemer was aware that numerous people in the proximity of the Church could be killed by the explosion.

According to the complaint, Alowemer was born in Daraa, Syria, and has resided in the United States since August 2016.

In furtherance of the plot to bomb the Church, in May 2019, Alowemer distributed multiple instructional documents related to the construction and use of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to an individual Alowemer believed to be a fellow ISIS supporter, but who was in fact an FBI employee. Alowemer distributed these documents with the intent that the information be used in the assembly of a destructive device and in furtherance of conducting an attack in support of ISIS. In or around June 2019, Alowemer purchased several items with the belief that they were necessary to assemble a destructive device and with the

intention that they be used to construct the explosives that would be detonated in the vicinity of the Church.

Between April 16 and June 11, Alowemer met four times in person with an FBI Undercover Employee (UCE) and/or an FBI Confidential Human Source (CHS). At the June 11 meeting with the UCE and CHS, Alowemer provided additional details about the bomb plot and provided the materials, including boxes of nails, he had purchased for construction of the device. Alowemer provided two printed copies of detailed Google satellite maps, which included hand-written markings identifying the Church and routes of arrival and escape. Alowemer also wrote and provided a 10-point handwritten plan ("Confirmation of this operation") outlining details related to his plot to personally deliver explosives in a backpack. Alowemer expressed a desire to meet one more time to conduct planning and coordination prior to carrying out the attempted bombing in July 2019. That meeting was later scheduled for June 19 in the Pittsburgh area, at which time Alowemer was arrested.

The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, each count has a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. 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.

Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE)/U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services(USCIS)/Homeland Security Investigations(HSI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Port Authority Police, Allegheny County Probation, University of Pittsburgh Police Department, and UPMC Police Security.

The case is being prosecuted by the Western District of Pennsylvania’s National Security Coordinator Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA was sentenced to 23 years (276 months) in prison and six years of supervised release for violating federal narcotics laws, including three charges of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur Schwab imposed the sentence on Justin McBride, 27, on counts of Conspiracy To Possess With The Intent To Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 100 Grams or More of Heroin, Possession With The Intent To Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl, Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises, and Distribution of Fentanyl resulting in the death of victim E.B.  McBride previously, as part of the plea, accepted responsibility for distribution resulting in the death of victim T.B. and the serious bodily injury overdose of victim J.B.

According to information presented to the court, Brad and Greg Reed, Justin McBride, Richard Ruby, and Antoinette McBride operated a family-run heroin and fentanyl ring in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County from 2014 – 2017.  Brad and Greg Reed ran the operation out of a home on Lytle Street in Pittsburgh while Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride utilized a location in Munhall, PA, and Richard Ruby at a residence on Glenwood Avenue in Pittsburgh.  Utilizing these locations and others, members of this drug trafficking ring sold to hundreds of drug customers in Allegheny County.  On October 4, 2016, Justin McBride distributed fentanyl to victim, E.B. who later died of acute fentanyl toxicity.  On January 30, 2017, Justin McBride distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to victim T.B. who later died of a combined drug toxicity of heroin and fentanyl. Pittsburgh Police Narcotics and Vice detectives were able to use victim T.B.’s phone in order to set up an undercover purchase of narcotics from Justin McBride.  On January 31, Justin McBride was arrested attempting to deliver heroin and fentanyl to an undercover Pittsburgh Police Narcotics and Vice detective.  On July 8, 2017, Justin McBride delivered fentanyl to victim J.B. who overdosed on the fentanyl, but was revived by EMS personnel using Narcan.

Co-defendant Richard Ruby was previously sentenced to 12½ years on a separate, but related indictment and a concurrent five-year sentence on this Indictment.  Co-defendant Antoinette McBride was sentenced to time-served of one year and two months and three years of supervised release.  Co-defendants Greg and Brad Reed were previously sentenced to 13 years and 16 years and three years of supervised release, respectively.  Justin McBride’s sentence is believed to be the longest sentence imposed in the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution of heroin or fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Lanni and Heidi Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division, and West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty pleas and sentences in this case. The FBI Opioid 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 Sheriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, Sto-Rox Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years (180 months) in prison, 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 Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Angelo Massie, 41, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around November 2015, and continuing thereafter to in and around September 2016, Massie conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The indictments from August 2016 were the result of an investigation, which utilized Title III wiretap intercepts and other investigative techniques that established the existence of several overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks with tentacles in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Michigan, and the District of the Virgin Islands. The FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force’s focus began in early 2015 on a drug trafficking organization operating on Pittsburgh’s North Side and thereafter they were able to track drug suppliers beyond the borders of their own district and across the Caribbean Sea.

Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team – Narcotics, Firearms, & Violent Crime Task Force, as well as the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Organized Crime Section – Western Regional Office contributed significantly to the investigation, which resulted in the instant sentence.

This case grew out of a federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that resulted in several federal indictments in August of 2016. The OCDETF task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by FBI San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Resident Agency, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Numerous other FBI field offices, including Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta, in addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also assisted with 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 resident of Beaver County has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of five years and five months (65 months), to be followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Ernest Dewayne Taylor, 50, of Beaver Falls, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on August 17, 2018, Taylor entered the Huntington Bank located at 921 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, Pennsylvania and passed a teller a note indicating that he was armed and demanding cash. As a result of the robbery, Taylor obtained $600.00 in U.S. currency.

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment named Jerome Solomon, 39, formerly of Wilkinsburg, PA.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 19, 2019, Solomon possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On the same date, Solomon is also charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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.

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

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

Jesse Porter, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Porter took sexually explicit photos and video of two minor victims. One victim was three years of age when Porter recorded himself sexually abusing her. The other victim was 15 when Porter took sexually explicit surreptitious video of her.

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

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Porter on bond.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Ridgway Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Porter.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release, on his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Andre Charles Hall, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Hall, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .40 caliber pistol on October 5, 2016. Hall led the Pittsburgh Police on a high speed chase through the Hill District of Pittsburgh, crashed the stolen vehicle he was driving, and then attempted to escape on foot before being apprehended. The firearm was recovered from a coat he threw down. Hall had a previous burglary conviction which made him a prohibited person as a felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the City of Pittsburgh Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hall.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 11 years and eight months (140 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 Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Donald Mitchell, age 38.

According to information presented to the court, Mitchell was a heroin distributor for the Jarran Bell Drug Trafficking Organization. Mitchell was intercepted via Title III intercepts communicating with Bell during this investigation. For instance, in early April of 2015, Jarran Bell, Krystle Barretto, and Amanda Santiago traveled to Paterson, New Jersey to orchestrate a 250-brick shipment of heroin, which was confirmed upon their return when Bell started contacting distributors for his organization, including Donald Mitchell. Mitchell received 100 bricks of heroin from Bell at that time. From December 2014 through April 2015, Mitchell received over one kilogram of heroin from Bell.

The investigation, which utilized Title III intercepts from December 2014 through April 2015 of 10 different cellular telephones, surveillance, controlled drug purchases, and other investigative techniques, established the existence of a number of overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks at work in the afflicted regions, which included Clairton, McKeesport, Port Vue, areas in Washington County, Westmoreland County, and New Jersey.

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 Barretto. 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, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Leonard Rushin-Felder, 23, pleaded guilty on July 16, 2017 in front of the Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh.

The court was advised that on April 25, 2017, members of the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force executed a search warrant in the City of Pittsburgh. Based on that investigation, FBI agents were able to act in an undercover capacity to order a delivery of heroin from a co-defendant. Leonard Rushin-Felder drove the co-defendant to the delivery location when the car was intercepted by FBI agents. After Rushin-Felder and his co-defendant were detained, a search of Rushin-Felder’s car yielded a loaded semi-automatic handgun in a secret compartment in the armrest of the driver’s window and approximately 20 bricks of heroin in a secret compartment in the armrest of the passenger side window. Rushin-Felder admitted to possessing that firearm to further the delivery of the heroin. Rushin-Felder has been detained and will continue to be detained pending sentencing which Judge Hornak set for November 8, 2019. Rushin-Felder is also serving a federal sentence for assaulting two United States Marshals during his arraignment and detention hearing on this case.

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

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.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation –Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force 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, Sto-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two former employees of Redirections Treatment Advocates – a contracted physician and the clinic’s operations manager - have been sentenced in federal court for offenses related to the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab sentenced Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, 69, of Coraopolis, PA, to three years of probation with six months of home confinement; ordered her to pay $82,973.75 in restitution along with a fine of $40,000, and criminal forfeiture in the amount of $50,000; and ordered her to perform 100 hours of community service on her conviction of unlawfully distributing controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and health care fraud.

Judge Schwab sentenced Christopher Handa, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA, to two years of probation with 90 days of home confinement, and ordered him to pay $40,000 in restitution and to perform 50 hours of community service on his conviction of aiding and abetting the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud.

According to information presented to the court, Madhu Aggarwal was a physician practicing at Redirections Treatment Advocates, a Suboxone clinic, located in Washington, PA. Aggarwal and others conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, known as Subutex and Suboxone, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to the clinic’s patients. Aggarwal pre-signed prescriptions, which were completed by non-physicians employed at the clinic. Aggarwal often did not see the patient before a prescription was issued and on several occasions was out of the country when Suboxone was prescribed in her name. Aggarwal was also convicted of health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

Christopher Handa was employed by RTA as the operations manager. According to the government’s evidence, Handa, Jennifer Hess, the owner of Redirections Treatment Advocates, and doctors employed by the clinic conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to the clinic’s patients. The doctors would pre-sign the prescriptions and Handa and other employees would complete them. The doctors were not present when the prescriptions were completed and on most occasions had never seen their patients before the prescriptions were completed. Handa was also convicted of health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

Assistant United States AttorneysMichael L. Ivory and Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Handa.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was charged with one count of aiding and abetting the making of false claims to the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Toby Bonitz, 27, was named as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, Bonitz falsely claimed to have performed water quality tests at various Department of Veterans Affairs facilities causing his employer to charge the Department of Veterans Affairs for the water quality tests.

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

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

The Department of Veterans Affairs - OIG conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Bonitz.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Ana Rodriguez Gonzalez, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 1, 2019, Rodriguez Gonzalez possessed with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki will prosecute this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The four-count superseding indictment named Douglas Tyrone Williams, 39, of East Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about July 20, 2016, Williams possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Indictment further alleges that Williams conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and fentanyl.

According to the Indictment, Williams also possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol; a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Beretta pistol with an obliterated serial number; a 45 caliber semi-automatic Para-Ordnance pistol; a 22 caliber American Tactical Imports assault-style rifle; and a 22 caliber CBC assault-style rifle in furtherance of those drug offenses, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one conviction for Aggravated Assault, one conviction for Illegally Carrying a Firearm without a License, and one conviction for Murder.

The law provides for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,500,000, and the forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition, money and jewelry. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad R. Parks are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Tyrone Pratt aka Tyrone Booker, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on May 8, 2019, Pratt was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition after having already been convicted of at least one crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

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

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

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

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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court charging a resident of Brackenridge, PA., with the July 10, 2019 armed robbery of the Allegheny-Ludlum Brackenridge Federal Credit Union, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Criminal Complaint named Thomas George as the sole defendant. George made his initial appearance in federal court today before Chief Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy. George has been detained without bail pending a preliminary hearing.

According to the Affidavit in Support of the Criminal Complaint, on July 10, 2019 at around 2 p.m. George entered the Allegheny-Ludlum Brackenridge Federal Credit Union, located at 1131 Brackenridge Avenue in Brackenridge, PA, armed with a handgun and took approximately $101,000 in $5 and $10 denominations from the vault located in the teller area. The Affidavit also says that an eyewitness tip regarding a potential getaway vehicle led to the identification of George as the person responsible for the armed robbery.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the defendant is guilty of an offense.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Akron, Ohio has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on three charges related to bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on July 10 and unsealed today, names Vernon Marquis McGhee-Luster, 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 18, 2018, McGhee-Luster robbed the PNC Bank at 3830 Pine Ave., Erie, PA 15504. On October 24, 2018, McGhee-Luster robbed the Citizens Bank at 4761 Route 8, Allison Park, PA 15101 and attempted to rob the PNC Bank at 2802 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for 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 Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department, the Hampton Township Police Department, the Neshannock Township Police Department, and the Akron 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 – Millcreek Community Hospital, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $2,451,000 to resolve claims that the hospital violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary inpatient rehabilitation services, Scott W. Brady announced today.

Millcreek Community Hospital (Millcreek) has an inpatient rehabilitation unit located within its hospital. An inpatient rehabilitation unit is intended to provide services to patients needing rehabilitative services that require hospital-level care. The United States contends that between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017, Millcreek admitted patients to its inpatient rehabilitation unit who did not qualify for such services, and failed to adequately document in the patients’ medical records that the inpatient rehabilitation services were medically necessary and reasonable.

As part of the settlement, Millcreek also agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General, which will require, among other things, regular monitoring of the hospital’s billings for a period of five years.

"Health care fraud threatens the safety and integrity of our entire health care system," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "When doctors and medical professionals order unnecessary testing or services, they in effect steal from the most vulnerable members of our community by raising the cost of care for everyone."

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Mamula handled the investigation that led to this settlement on behalf of the United States.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

ERIE, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Juan Aranda-Lara, 38.

According to information presented to the court, on or about December 17, 2018, Aranda-Lara was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Aranda-Lara had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on May 11, 2001 and was removed from the United States on May 15, 2001, September 29, 2009, November 14, 2009, November 24, 2009, December 1, 2009, and November 20, 2014. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Attorney General of the United States or her successor the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. While in the United States illegally, Aranda-Lara was convicted of a domestic assault in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aranda-Lara.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - After deliberating less than three hours, a federal jury of nine men and three women found Gary E. Mills guilty of three counts of filing false tax returns following a three-week trial, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Mills, of Dubois, PA, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"People who lie about their income on their taxes steal from the citizens of western Pennsylvania who work hard and play by the rules," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "My office is strongly committed to promoting compliance with federal tax laws, and will draw on all available law enforcement tools to identify, prosecute and punish tax cheats."

"This guilty verdict confirms that all income is taxable, no matter what the source of the income is" said Guy Ficco, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. "The verdict should also be a message to others who may be considering not reporting all of their income and paying their fair share of taxes that they too could face criminal prosecution by doing so. The Special Agents of IRS-CI will continue to investigate and recommend prosecution against those who cheat the tax system and victimize the honest taxpayers."

The evidence presented at trial established that on April 15, 2015, April 15, 2014, and August 1, 2014, Mills filed false joint tax returns by intentionally under-reporting his and his wife’s income to the IRS. During the trial, evidence was presented that the Defendant’s wife embezzled $12.9 million from Matthews International from 1999 to 2015. The Defendant’s wife embezzled more than $4 million during the 2012-2014 tax years. The Defendant allegedly believed the monies came from gambling. However, in April 2012, the Defendant received a Notice of Deficiency from an IRS civil audit focused on the 2003-2007 tax years. The Notice of Deficiency informed the Defendant and his wife that he owed more than $930,000 in back taxes, penalties, and interest for the years in question. While litigating and settling this civil audit, the Defendant offset gambling winnings with gambling losses resulting in approximately $100,000 in taxable income for each of 2012, 2013, and 2014 tax years, which resulted in approximately $15,000 in taxes per year. During these years, the Defendant spent approximately $2.7 million dollars, which included a $600,000 yacht, another large recreational boat, and various luxury and recreational vehicles.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of nine years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul Desai prosecuted this case for the government.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mills on bond.

The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mills.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William Thompson, 36, 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 August 7, 2015, law enforcement attempted to stop Thompson, who was then operating a Porsche Cheyenne without a license. Thompson led the police on a high-speed chase on Route 28 during which speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour. Thompson eventually crashed and fled on foot, but law enforcement eventually captured him. A search of his vehicle revealed that Thompson was in possession of what later laboratory analysis determined was more than one kilogram of heroin.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Nov. 5, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10.00.000, or both, and a mandatory minimum of ten years of imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thompson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Two former residents of Pittsburgh, PA were sentenced today for running a heroin and fentanyl ring that resulted in numerous fatal and non- fatal overdoses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On July 3, 2019 Senior United States District Judge Arthur Schwab imposed the sentence of 13 years (156 months) on Greg Reed, 28, on counts of Conspiracy To Possess With The Intent To Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 100 Grams or More of Heroin, Possession With The Intent To Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl, and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises. Greg Reed also accepted responsibility for causing the non-fatal overdose of victim, C.B. C.B. was revived by Narcan after ingesting narcotics supplied by Greg Reed. On July 11, 2019, Judge Schwab imposed the sentence of 16 years (192 months) on Greg Reed’s twin brother, Brad Reed, 28, on counts of Conspiracy To Possess With The Intent To Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 100 Grams or More of Heroin, Possession With The Intent To Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl, Distribution of Fentanyl, Destruction or Removal of Evidence, and Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises. Brad Reed also accepted responsibility for causing the non-fatal overdose of victim, J.M. J.M. was revived by Narcan after ingesting narcotics supplied by Brad Reed.

According to information presented to the court, Brad and Greg Reed, Justin McBride, Richard Ruby, and Antoinette McBride operated a family run heroin and fentanyl ring in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County from 2014 – 2017. Brad and Greg Reed ran the operation out of a residence on Lytle Street in Pittsburgh while Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride utilized a location in Munhall, PA, and Richard Ruby at a location on Glenwood Avenue in Pittsburgh. Utilizing these locations and others, members of this drug trafficking ring sold to hundreds of drug customers in Allegheny County. Ultimately, the ring was responsible for causing two fatal drug overdoses and three non-fatal drug overdoses.

Co-defendant Richard Ruby was previously sentenced to 151 months on a separate, but related indictment and a concurrent five-year sentence on this Indictment. Co-defendant Antoinette McBride was sentenced to time served of one year and two months and three years of supervised release. Justin McBride has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing on July 18, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Lanni and Heidi Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division, and West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty pleas and sentences in this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force 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, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A citizen of Jamaica has been sentenced in federal court to time served, totaling 14 months’ imprisonment, and three years of supervised release on his conviction of violating a federal firearm law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kevin Ruddock, 35, formerly of Verona, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, in May 2018 Ruddock possessed a Ruger Model 9E, 9 millimeter handgun, along with 123 rounds of ammunition with an extended magazine, and that the possession was illegal both because Ruddock was admitted into the United States on a non-immigrant visa and because he was in the United States at the time of his possession illegally and unlawfully. Ruddock, who is from Jamaica, was under investigation based on suspicion that he entered into a fraudulent marriage, and during that investigation law enforcement obtained photographs of Ruddock with a firearm. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at his home, which led to the recovery of the firearm, along with the ammunition and the extended magazine. As part of his purchase of the firearm, Ruddock falsely represented on federal forms that he was a citizen of the United States.

After imposing sentence, Judge Schwab ordered that the defendant be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for his deportation.

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

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.

United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ruddock.

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to four years (48 months) in prison and six years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Frank Christian, 46, of Youngstown, Ohio.

According to information presented to the court, on or about February 22, 2016, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Christian possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Christian’s conduct also violated the conditions of his supervised release related to a previous federal drug trafficking conviction, and Judge Bissoon imposed an incremental 12-month term of imprisonment to run consecutively to the 48-month sentence.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, and the New Castle Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Christian.

PITTSBURGH - A West Virginia woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count Indictment, returned on June 25 and unsealed yesterday, named Tanya Thompson, aka Tanya Whetzel, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment presented to the court, from approximately June 2017 until December 2017, Thompson traveled to approximately 25 states and purchased, among other things, third party gift cards, including prepaid credit cards, at various Kmart stores using fraudulent mobile phone coupons. The total loss from the fraud scheme is approximately $101,567.50.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison for each count, a fine of $250,000 for each count, or both for each count. 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 Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to four years and four months (52 months) in prison on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute heroin and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Britny Beaver, 25, of East Liverpool, OH.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2015 to February 2016, Beaver conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute kilogram quantities of heroin. She also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to address the factors set forth at 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Beaver

ERIE, Pa. – An individual believed to have entered the United States illegally in March 2018 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 12-count indictment named Janos Vaczi, 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around March 2018, to on or about June 22, 2019, Vaczi conspired to use unauthorized access devices by installing skimming equipment on ATMs in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, which resulted in losses to banks, credit unions and their customers.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Western Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to one day incarceration and one year probation, including eight months home confinement, and restitution in the amount of $47,378 payable to the Internal Revenue Service on her conviction of filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tina Gordon of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Gordon filed two false tax returns for calendar years 2010 and 2011, which were verified by written declarations that Gordon knew were false. In the 2010 tax return, Gordon falsely stated that her "other income" (line 21 of Form 1040) was $13,250, whereas, as she then and there well knew her "other income" was in fact much greater, an amount of approximately $69,076 (approximately $55,826 of unreported "other income"). In the 2011 tax return, Gordon falsely stated that her "other income" (line 21 of Form 1040) was $1,856,252 (identified elsewhere in her return as "gambling winnings"), whereas, as she then and there well knew, her "other income" was in fact much greater, an amount of approximately $1,996,226 ("approximately $139,974 of unreported "other income").

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tina Gordon.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Beaver County has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Donavan McFrazier, 31, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 9, 2018, McFrazier possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, all Schedule II controlled substances.

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

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictments in this case. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, 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 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 Pittsburgh-area gang member has been sentenced in federal court to 16 years and eight months (200 months) in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Brett Rodgers, 33, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boy Killas (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, Brett Rodgers conspired to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, primarily in and around the Greenway Projects.

"Brett Rodgers is one of 28 members and associates of the violent GBK street gang charged last June with drug trafficking. Gangs like GBK terrorize their communities and force law-abiding citizens to live in fear," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The people of the West End are safer today than they were last year, while Rodgers will have the next decade-and-a-half to reflect on his illegal conduct."

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to nine years’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute narcotics and unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Elliot Page, 38.

According to information presented to the court, Page supplied fentanyl to his codefendants, Skyler Carter and Cecil Shields, and others, for further distribution in the Clairton area. Agents seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and three firearms during the execution of a federal search warrant at Page’s residence on July 6, 2017. Page had three prior felony drug offenses and was forbidden from possessing a firearm.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Clairton, PA, has pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kevin Ford, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in front of United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. Ford has been detained since his initial arrest on April 25, 2018 and will remain detained pending sentencing.

According to information presented to the court, from April to December 2017, Ford was a member of the Lightfoot drug trafficking organization. As part of that conspiracy, Ford would acquire quantities of cocaine from Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. and would then resell that cocaine to other members of the conspiracy. Over the course of the conspiracy, Ford was responsible for between 500 grams and 2.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $8,000,000. 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. Due to a prior drug trafficking conviction, Ford is facing increased penalties.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is 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 Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH -A former resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Arrmon Davon Hagans, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 23, 2018, police executed a search warrant at Hagans’ residence in Homestead, Pennsylvania. There they located quantities of fentanyl and the fentanyl analogue para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, as well as a separate mixture that contained heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Law enforcement officers also located over $3,700 in cash and a box of ammunition.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 9 a.m. Because the defendant has been previously convicted of another felony drug offense, the law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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.

The defendant remains in jail pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of accessory after the fact, for assisting the "Sorry, Happy Holidays" bank robber, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Melissa Kane, 48, pleaded guilty to Count Three of a three-count Indictment, which also charges her son, Brent Richards, who pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment, charging him with armed bank robbery, on June 25, 2019, before United States District Judge Peter J. Phipps.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Ms. Kane knew that her son, Brent Richards, robbed the Citizens Bank located at 31 Foster Avenue in Pittsburgh, at gun point, on January 8, 2018, and she assisted Mr. Richards, following the robbery, by allowing him to stay at her residence, disposing of the clothing worn by Mr. Richards and the bb gun used by Mr. Richards, and later denying any knowledge of or involvement in the bank robbery, when interviewed by law enforcement. The Court was further informed that Ms. Kane was engaged in a physical altercation with Mr. Richard’s former girlfriend, who Ms. Kane believed would tell law enforcement that Mr. Richards had robbed the bank.

Judge Phipps scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 12 years and six months in prison, a fine of $125,000, 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. Ms. Kane remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Timothy M. Lanni are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Crafton Borough Police Department, the Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office, and the West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Kane.