Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 years and 9 months (57 months) of imprisonment and six years of Supervised Release on his conviction of charges involving guns and drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chance Rice, 26, had previously pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon.

According to information presented to the Court, Rice was involved in three separate federal investigations. The first occurred as a result of the September 16, 2015, candlelight vigil shooting. There, multiple people were injured, and multiple guns were fired, as family members and friends held a vigil for the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of a teenage boy in Homewood. The joint investigation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) revealed that the person who fired one of the guns during the vigil shooting later transferred his gun to an individual who was subsequently shot and killed. Before his death, that person transferred the gun to Rice, and Rice transferred it to a defendant named Keith Lovelace. Lovelace and Rice have both been prosecuted in federal court, while the shooter is pending state charges.

The second incident started when Rice told his former girlfriend that he had recently been shot at and that she needed to buy a gun for her own protection. Rice quickly obtained possession of that gun. On October 31, 2015, Edgewood Police officers stopped the vehicle Rice was driving and noticed a spent casing on the dashboard and a black pistol in the car. Rice fled in the vehicle and was a wanted fugitive until his December 18, 2015 arrest. Rice had prior Allegheny County felony convictions in 2014 for carrying a firearm without a license and for dealing cocaine. These convictions made it illegal for Rice to subsequently possess a firearm or ammunition, under federal law.

Rice was being housed in the Butler County Jail (BCJ) while awaiting his trial. On July 10, 2018, the Deputy Warden of the BCJ received information that caused her to arrange for Rice’s cell to be searched. Guards located drug-soaked paper in Rice’s cell. The lab determined that the paper contained a substance called 5 Flouro ADB, a type of synthetic marijuana. In Court, Rice admitted to possessing this drug to provide to other inmates.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the ATF, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Butler County Jail, the Edgewood Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole for the investigations that led to the successful prosecution of Rice.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation and 100 hours’ community service on her conviction of mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Ekeyma Harris, 32.

According to information presented to the court, on November 17, 2018, a woman living in Longmont, Colorado, reported to her local police department that she believed she had been victimized by unknown individuals living in Jamaica who telephoned her and reported that she was a Publishing Clearing House winner. In order to collect her winnings, the callers convinced her to send two U.S. Postal Express packages, one to "David Miller" containing $810 and a second to "James Holliday" containing $6,800 to an address on Imogene Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217. Following her report, the Postal Service intercepted the package and delivered it on November 21, 2018, under the direction of law enforcement. Harris opened the door and signed a fictitious name on a Postal Service Domestic Return Receipt, in order to take receipt of the package and its contents, knowing that no individual by the name of James Holliday resided at that address.

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

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

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

The one-count indictment, returned on June 26 and unsealed today, named Jack Ulrich, Jr., 41, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on October 12, 2018, Ulrich, Jr., unlawfully possessed photographs and videos in computer graphics files, which depicted minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. If the defendant has a prior qualifying sex offense, the law requires a sentence that includes a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years. 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Roaring Springs, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation with conditions of 180 days of home detention, and restitution due and owing to the United States Railroad Retirement Board in the amount of $50,985.21, on his conviction of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence upon Glenn P. Rhykerd, 69.

According to information presented to the court, from Jan. 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, Rhykerd did receive and convert falsely to his own use a total of $50,985.21 in United States Railroad Retirement Board disability payments made to him to which he was not entitled.

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

Mr. Brady commended the United States Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rhykerd.

RRB-OIG Inspector General Martin J. Dickman said: "Lying in disability applications is a serious crime that honest taxpayers cannot abide, and that the RRB-OIG will aggressively continue to root out. Through our ongoing investigation, we will continue to hold accountable those who would abuse a system that is meant for legitimately disabled workers who have served our nation’s railroads. I would like to thank the agents from my Office for their outstanding work on this investigation, as well as our law enforcement partners at the United States Attorney’s Office.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Swissvale, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brandon Spearman, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the defendant possessed a semi-automatic pistol as well as 46 stamp bags of fentanyl and 2.2 grams of crack cocaine.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2019, at 10 a.m. The defendant is incarcerated pending the sentencing date and the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report detailing the defendant’s educational, criminal, family, and work histories.

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

The Penn Hills Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

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

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

The three-count Indictment, returned on June 25, named Duane Eugene Cash, Jr., age 47, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about December 7, 2018, Cash possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of an analogue of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine, marijuana and tramadol. The Indictment further alleges that Cash, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Departments 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.

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 Westmoreland County has been sentenced in federal court to one-and-one-half years’ (18 months’) incarceration and five years of supervised release on her conviction of bank fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Nicolette Gizzi, age 46, of North Huntingdon, PA.

According to information presented to the court, from December 2009 through approximately June 2016, Gizzi, who was employed as the Financial Manager for Steel Valley Authority, embezzled by issuing checks to herself and her credit card company, without authorization, and then forging the required signatures. The checks were drawn on Steel Valley Authority’s business bank account. Steel Valley Authority is funded primarily by federal grants. Additionally, Gizzi, who has a prior federal fraud conviction in South Carolina, defrauded the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina as it attempted to collect restitution for her previous victim.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon imposed an obstruction of justice sentencing enhancement based on false statements Gizzi made to the United States Probation Office during the course of a Presentence Interview.

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Nicolette Guzzi perpetrated her fraud scheme on an economic development organization that is primarily funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. An important part of our work is ensuring that public monies are used for their intended purposes, as we have demonstrated through this prosecution."

"Nicolette Gizzi devised a scheme to embezzle over $82,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds from her employer at the expense of job seekers who were eligible for those resources. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration to protect the integrity of services designed to strengthen and improve America’s workforce," said Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gizzi.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Fayette County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The eight-count Indictment, returned on June 26, named Sean Houston, age 47, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, on or about December 23, 2015; May 20, 2016; October 2016 to October 2018; July 22, 2017 to October 2018; May 2018 to October 2018; October 2016 to October 2018; and October 5, 2018, Houston produced and attempted to produce visual depictions, images and a video of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Indictment further alleges that on or about October 29, 2018, Houston knowingly possessed visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment for the production and attempted production of child pornography, a fine of $2,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations, the Centerville Police Department, the North Strabane Police Department and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – One former resident of Verona, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count superseding indictment, returned on June 25, named Richard Anthony Burke, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, on November 12, 2016, Burke possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. On February 3, 2017, Burke, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Burke is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, PA – Two residents of DuBois, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit mail theft and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David E. Moore, 26, and Joshua J. Frantz, 26, each pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from in or around February 2016 through in or around March 2016, cousins, Joshua J. Frantz and David E. Moore, Jr., agreed to and did steal mail from mail receptacles located at an apartment complex at 122 West Washington Avenue, in DuBois, PA. The court was further advised that on at least 11 occasions, either one or both of the defendants were observed on surveillance video and that more than 60 individuals had pieces of US mail stolen from their mail receptacles as a result of the mail theft conspiracy.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22, 2019 at 10 a.m. for Frantz, and at 1 p.m. that same day for Moore. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 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. Both defendants remain imprisoned pending sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Marvin Dennis was sentenced to six years (72 months) in prison for committing heroin and crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dennis, age 23 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab also sentenced Dennis to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.

In February 2019, Dennis pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine from September 2017 to April 3, 2018, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy from September 2017 to April 3, 2018.

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Robert Campoli, Jr, age 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from March 6, 2019 to March 20, 2019, Campoli, Jr. engaged in a scheme to defraud Citizens Bank, Huntington Bank and Key Bank. The indictment alleges Campoli, Jr. used forged and counterfeit checks payable to him to withdraw money from business accounts at the banks, even though he had no relationship with the businesses named on the checks.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 United States Secret Service, along with members of the Moon Township, Brentwood Borough, Northern Regional, Penn Township, Peters Township, and Austintown, Ohio, Police Departments 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 Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on June 25, named Thomas Vaughn Kelly, Jr., 33, formerly of New Kensington, PA.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 12, 2019, Kelly possessed with the intent to distribute and distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl analogues and fentanyl.

The law provides for a minimum of five years 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 Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court 15 years’ (180 months’) incarceration to be followed by 15 years of supervised release to violating charges of production, distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on John O’Donnell, 51, formerly of Verona, PA.

According to information presented to the court, O’Donnell distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on Facebook. When authorities searched his home, he was found to be in possession of nearly 300 images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. During the investigation into his illegal activities, authorities also learned that, through the use of a hidden camera, O’Donnell secretly videotaped a 12-year-old girl in his bathroom.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney’s General Office, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of O'Donnell.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A citizen and resident of Mumbai, India, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics, smuggling, and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The eight-count Indictment, returned on June 26, named Jeetendra Harish Belani, aka Jeetu, age 36, of Mumbai, India, as the sole defendant. He is charged with conspiracy to import Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the United States, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and various substantive counts of drug importation, smuggling, and money laundering.

According to the Indictment, Belani operated a drug-distribution entity based in India called LeeHPL Ventures. Between 2015 and 2019, Belani and his co-conspirators, through LeeHPL Ventures, allegedly imported and smuggled into the United States various drugs available only by prescription in the United States, including Tapentadol, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as Tramadol, Carisoprodol, and Modafinil, all Schedule IV controlled substances. The Indictment also alleges that between 2015 and mid-2017, Belani conspired with William Kulakevich and Julia Fees to unlawfully smuggle a drug known as Etizolam into the United States for re-sale by Kulakevich and Fees via a website they operated—www.etizy.com. Etizolam is part of a class of drugs similar to benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat insomnia and anxiety and carry a potential for abuse and overdose. To evade detection by United States Customs and Border Protection officials, Belani and his co-conspirators also allegedly used false customs declarations that mischaracterized and undervalued the contents of packages sent to the United States by LeeHPL Ventures. In addition, according to the Indictment, Belani caused drug shipments to be broken into smaller quantities and shipped to multiple addresses to help ensure delivery and avoid interception by United States customs authorities. Belani also caused co-conspirators to initiate payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars from accounts in the United States to accounts controlled by Belani in India or other locations outside the United States, all as a means to promote Belani’s continued efforts to smuggle drugs into the United States.

The most serious offenses with which Belani is charged, involving importation of a Schedule II controlled substance, carry a maximum sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

Ryan S. Harris, 36, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on September 28, 2018, Harris possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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

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

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

Jonathan Dominic Mull, 20, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 4, 2018, Mull possessed a firearm which he was precluded from possessing because of an active protection from abuse order and as a result of being a convicted felon.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mull on bond.

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

The United Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mull with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Crafton, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brent Richards, age 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Peter J. Phipps to Count One of the three-count Indictment, which also charges his mother, Melissa Kane, at Count Three.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on January 8, 2018, at approximately 9:18 a.m., Richards, dressed in all black, entered the Citizens Bank located at 31 Foster Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15205, carrying a black umbrella and, what appeared to be, a black and silver semi-automatic style handgun, which was later determined to be a bb-gun. The Court was further informed that Richards pointed the bb-gun at two of the tellers, placed a white bag on the counter and demanded that the tellers empty their drawers of cash. Richards took $10,003 from the bank and, when exiting the bank, stated: "Sorry, Happy Holidays."

Judge Phipps scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Richards remains in custody pending sentencing.

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 that led to the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of New Kensington, 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 Kevin Watson, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about April 26, 2019, Watson possessed with intent distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, 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, of the defendant.

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

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

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

 

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - One resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Calvin Berkins, Jr., 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about October 24, 2018, Berkins possessed with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of cocaine base, a schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Georgia resident pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Khambrel Coleman, 33, of Johns Creek, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one felony count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

According to the information presented to the Court, Coleman unlawfully used and attempted to use counterfeit credit cards and identification cards to fraudulently obtain cash advances from November 2016 through February 3, 2017. During one such transaction, he used a credit card number belonging to a Pittsburgh resident to fraudulently obtain a cash advance from a Citizens Bank Branch in Shadyside, Pittsburgh.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2019. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released Coleman on bond.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

The six-count Indictment named Omar Jamal Griffin, Jr., 20, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, Griffin possessed and distributed cocaine base, a Schedule II controlled substance, on multiple occasions. The Indictment further alleged that Griffin possessed a firearm in furtherance of these crimes and that Griffin was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 95 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $4,500,000 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.

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

The Drug Enforcement Agency 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 Whitaker, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Aqui McKeithen, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 10, 2019, Aqui McKeithen possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a crime which would prohibit him from legally doing so.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as officers with Pennsylvania State Parole and the Whitaker Police Department 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 resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Jesse R. Price, 61, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in and around September 2018, and on or about October 3, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Price unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that on or about October 12, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Price unlawfully possessed a firearm and various ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to thirty years in prison, a fine of up to $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 of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police 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 federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment charging 48 defendants, many of whom are serving federal prison sentences or were recently released from federal prison sentences, with committing drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearm crimes and with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 10-count Superseding Indictment, returned on June 18 and unsealed on June 21, adds 21 defendants and two counts to a 27-defendant, eight-count Indictment that was returned in January 2019. The Superseding Indictment charges 46 defendants in Count 1 with conspiring from January 2017 to January 2019 to distribute Schedule I, II, and III controlled substances, including 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, a quantity of carfentanil, a quantity of oxycodone, a quantity of 5F-ADB, a quantity of FUB–AMB, a quantity of ADB-CHMINACA, a quantity of 4-CN-CUMYL-BUTINACA, a quantity of MMB-CHMICA, and a quantity of buprenorphine.

The 46 defendants charged in Count 1 are:

• Noah Landfried, Moon Township
• Mario Allen, USP-Lee, Virginia
• Larry Benavides, Clinton County Jail, Pennsylvania
• Dashawn Burley, Monroeville
• Michel Cercone, Sewickley
• Ahmad Fletcher, FCI-Gilmer, West Virginia
• Michael S. Frawley, Pittsburgh
• Christopher Gahagan, Ambridge
• Richard Georgelos, Santa Cruz, Arizona
• Nicholas Giammichele, FCI-Danbury, Connecticut
• Robert Korbe, FCI-Loretto, Pennsylvania
• Ross Landfried, USP-Lee, Virginia
• Sterling Marshall, USP-Lee, Virginia
• Darren Martin, Aliquippa
• Harold Novick, Ambridge
• Paul Nuara, Erie
• Omari Patton, FCI-Fort Dix, New Jersey
• James Perry, Ambridge
• John Ramsey, FCI-Ray Brook, New York
• Donnell Steward, FCI-Otisville, New York
• Quoc Boa Trinh, FCI-Otisville, New York
• Terrell Williams, Pittsburgh
• Richard Wood, Pittsburgh
• Shayla Yates, Dinwiddie, Virginia
• Krystian Zarate, Santa Cruz, Arizona
• Shamar Banks, FCI-Hazelton, West Virginia
• Nicole Bracey, Waldorf, Maryland
• Richard Bracey, FCI-Lee in Virginia
• David Curran, FCI-Berlin, New Hampshire
• William Fielder, FCI-Hazelton, West Virginia
• Darwin Good, FCI-McKean, Pennsylvania
• Eugene Hall, West Mifflin
• Dorianne Harris, Homestead
• Andrea Hopes, Pittsburgh
• Thomas Hopes, FCI-Elkton, Ohio
• Richard Jasek, West Mifflin
• Seth Lindsey, Verona
• Brandon Massie, FCI-Schuylkill, Pennsylvania
• Lamar Middleton, USP-Big Sandy, Kentucky
• Dana Penney, Beaver County Jail
• Diassandai Serrano, North Versailles
• Anthony Smith, McKeesport
• Christian Stevens, Allegheny County Jail
• Christopher Threet, RRM Detroit, Michigan
• Paris Wilson, FCI-Sandstone, Minnesota, and
• Sandra Wilson, McKees Rocks.

 

The Superseding Indictment charges 17 defendants in Count 2 with conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds from January 2017 to January 2019. The 17 defendants charged in Count 2 are Noah Landfried, Allen, Benavides, Cercone, Fletcher, Korbe, Ross Landfried, Marshall, Perry, Steward, Yates, Nicole Bracey, Richard Bracey, Andrea Hopes, Thomas Hopes, Middleton, and Threet.

The Superseding Indictment charges Angelo Williams (FCI-Cumberland in Maryland) and Priyanka Kumar (of Potomac, Maryland) in Count 3 with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering from January 2017 to January 2019.

Counts 4, 6, and 7 of the Superseding Indictment charge Gahagan with distributing cocaine in September 2017, January 2018, and April 2018. Count 5 charges Benavides with possessing para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl and 5F-ADB with intent to distribute in November 2017. Count 8 charges Noah Landfried with possessing with intent to distribute and distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl and heroin in June 2018.

The Superseding Indictment adds Counts 9 and 10. Count 9 charges Penney with possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in June 2018. Count 10 charges Penney with possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in July 2018.

The Superseding Indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the crimes as well as property that was acquired with the proceeds or was used to commit the crimes.

The law provides for minimum and maximum sentences for the counts in the Superseding Indictment ranging from at least 10 years to up to life in prison for Counts 1 and 10, up to 20 years for Count 2, up to 5 years for Count 3, up to 20 years for each of Counts 4 through 7 and 9, and from at least 5 years to up to 40 years for Count 8. Fines ranging from $250,000 to up to $20,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment names Deontre Simpson, 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about April 29, 2019, Simpson robbed the Dollar Bank located at 400 Mount Lebanon Boulevard, Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania 15234, of approximately $4,661.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Mount Lebanon Police Department, and the Castle Shannon Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A citizen of Mexico residing in Clinton, PA has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of unlawful reentry after removal, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Luis Ramirez-Barron, 39, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Ramirez-Barron had been previously deported and removed from the United States and was found in the United States after unlawfully reentering.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two 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 Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James Frederick Franks, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while Franks was employed as a chief pharmacist at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, he unlawfully obtained more than 12,000 dosage units of controlled substances by fraud for personal use.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.. The law provides for a total sentence of 4 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Frank on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year of imprisonment, followed by three years’ supervised release, on her conviction of wrongfully disclosing the health information of another individual, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Linda Sue Kalina, 62, of Butler, PA. The court further ordered that Kalina have no contact with any of the individuals she victimized during the imposed terms of imprisonment and supervised release.

According to information presented to the court, Kalina worked, from March 7, 2016 through June 23, 2017, as a Patient Information Coordinator with UPMC and its affiliate, Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers (TRMC) in Mars, Pennsylvania. During her employment, contrary to the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Kalina unlawfully accessed the individual health information of 111 UPMC patients, none of whom had been patients of TRMC and many of whom were coworkers, former classmates, and relatives. After her termination from TRMC, she gained employment with Allegheny Health Network, and worked, from July 24, 2017 to August 17, 2017, as a Patient Access Coordinator, where she again improperly accessed individual health information to which she was not entitled. On August 11, 2017, Kalina disclosed personal health information related to two individuals, with the intent to cause them embarrassment and mental distress. Kalina’s employment with AHN was terminated approximately six days later.

In imposing the maximum sentence called for under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Court offered that Kalina’s conduct was the most egregious of its kind.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of obtaining controlled substances through fraud and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Heather Summerfield, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Summerfield, following back surgery in 2009, began to use Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and became addicted. She obtained fraudulent prescriptions for Tramadol using a number of fraudulent means. She phoned in unauthorized prescriptions to pharmacies falsely posing as a receptionist from her doctor’s office. She also called in unauthorized prescriptions posing as receptionists for doctors that she found online. Summerfield used at least four doctors’ names to receive Tramadol prescriptions, all without their authorization. She also called in the prescriptions using at least 11 fictitious patient names and addresses. Evidence collected indicates that she fraudulently obtained more than 60,000 Tramadol pills.

To the extent that she got prescriptions in fictitious names, she paid for those prescriptions in cash. To the extent that she acquired them in her own name, her health care insurers paid some portion of some of the bills.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of fourteen years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 8 1/2 years’ (102 months’) imprisonment, followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Russell was also sentenced to pay $8,600 in restitution, in varying amounts, to 13 child victims.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on James Clay Russell, 61.

According to information presented to the court at the time Russell entered a guilty plea, Russell distributed, on February 20, 2017, an image depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor under the age of 12 years using the website, "Chatstep.com". Chatstep.com detected the distribution activity and reported it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, triggering an investigation of the Chatstep user. Russell was identified as the perpetrator and a search warrant was executed at his apartment, resulting in the seizure of computers and DVDs containing thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

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

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Russell.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 115 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Victor J. Henderson, 27, of Philadelphia, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on April 2, 2018, Henderson possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, also known as "crack."

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Detroit, Michigan and recent resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in federal court to eight years and four months (100 months) of federal imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of federal drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Bobby Leon Cook, aka "Shorty", age 30.

According to information presented to the court, the investigation revealed that Cook was selling heroin from a Red Roof Inn hotel in Washington County. Working in an undercover capacity, a detective with the Canonsburg Police Department made recorded calls to Cook and arranged to buy a "brick" containing 50 stamp bags of opiates from Cook for $350. Cook was stopped after leaving the hotel and was found to be in possession of a total of 70 stamp bags of heroin and $3,293 in cash. Law enforcement subsequently searched his hotel room and located items which included unfilled stamp bags, a digital scale, rubber bands used to package stamp bags into "bricks," three pistols (a .380 caliber, a .357 caliber and a .38 caliber), and ammunition. One of the firearms was stolen in a Washington County residential burglary.

While imposing sentence, Judge Conti noted that people are dying from heroin purchased from opiate dealers like Cook and that his illegal possession of multiple firearms made the situation even more dangerous.

United States Attorney Brady commended the collective efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Canonsburg Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Washington Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the Coraopolis Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cook.

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 – 35 residents of Western Pennsylvania, one resident of New York, and one resident of West Virginia have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of drug trafficking and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Indictment, returned on June 18 and unsealed today, names the following 37 individuals as defendants:

• Christopher Highsmith, 26, of Irwin, PA

• Lamont Benton, 23, of McKees Rocks, PA

• Michael Broglie, 51, of Finleyville, PA

• Jarrell Dawson, 20, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Latone Dunbar, 25, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA

• John Fedorka, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Roderick Ferguson, 18, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Perry Freeman, 18, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA

• Laffayette Fuller, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Lequay Fuller, 22, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Dontae Gilbert, 18, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA

• James Givner, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Deandre Gordon, 24, of West Mifflin, PA

• Brandon Green, 34, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Kyleif Harley, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Robert Hartlaub, 32, of Waynesburg, PA

• Keevan Jackson, 20, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Anthony Jetter, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Henry Johnson, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Nicholas Laur, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Trevon McCrary, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Danasia McNeal, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Willie Miller, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Devonte Parker, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA

• April Price, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Jaimone Robinson, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Amber Rogers, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Brian Salaj, 37, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Ronika Somerville, 22, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Theresa Somerville, 49, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Raelynn Stevenson, 29, of West Mifflin, PA

• Rico Taylor, 34, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Jesse Tedrow, 27, of Hundred, WV

• Holiday Vaughn, 41, of New York

• Ronald Williams, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA

• St. John Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Martel Yates, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA

According to the Indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute and distribute over 1 kilogram of heroin, at least 400 grams of fentanyl, and fentanyl analogs, cocaine, and cocaine base, commonly known as crack, from January 2018 through June 2019. The Indictment further alleges individual firearms charges and/or drug trafficking violations against Latone Dunbar, John Fedorka, Dontae Gilbert, Trevon McCrary, James Givner, Henry Johnson, Jaimone Robinson, Holiday Vaughn, and Ronald Williams.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

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.

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

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

Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 21, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested today based on a federal complaint charging him 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 in relation to his plan to attack a church in Pittsburgh.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division.

“Targeting places of worship is beyond the pale, no matter what the motivation,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “The defendant is alleged to have plotted just such an attack of a church in Pittsburgh in the name of ISIS.  The National Security Division and our partners will continue our efforts to identify and bring to justice individuals in our country who seek to commit violence on behalf of ISIS and other terrorist organizations.  I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation.”

“Our top priority is protecting the citizens of western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Every day investigators and prosecutors work tirelessly behind the scenes to disrupt terrorist activity and keep our community safe.  While the public does not always see the results of the hard work of these dedicated men and women, this case is a visible demonstration of our commitment to rooting out terrorists and bringing them to justice.”

“Court documents show Mustafa Alowemer planned to attack a church in the name of ISIS, which could have killed or injured many people.  Fortunately, his plans were foiled by the full force of the FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said Assistant Director McGarrity.  “The FBI takes threats to churches and other religious institutions extremely seriously and will use all our resources to stop potential terrorist attacks against them.”

“We will use every resource available to identify potential violent actors and protect the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones.  “Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is dedicated to identifying and bringing to justice those individuals who provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, promote violent extremism and threaten our national security.  The invaluable partnerships the FBI Pittsburgh JTTF has with our federal state and local partners allow us to work tirelessly to protect Americans from terrorism.”

According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh:

The FBI Pittsburgh JTTF investigation of Mustafa Mousab Alowemer (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 or around the Church could be killed by the explosion.  

According to the complaint and information provided to the FBI by the Department of Homeland Security, Alowemer was born in Daraa, Syria, and was admitted to the United States as a refugee on Aug. 1, 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. 

In planning the attack, Alowemer used multiple social networking and mobile messenger applications to communicate with an individual whom he believed to be a fellow ISIS supporter.  During his communications, Alowemer stated his support for ISIS, and his desire to answer the call for jihad or travel to conduct jihad.  Alowemer also distributed propaganda materials, offered to provide potential targets in the Pittsburgh area, requested a weapon with a silencer, and recorded a video of himself pledging an oath of allegiance to the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. 

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 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.    

A charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

WASHINGTON – Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 21, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested today based on a federal complaint charging him 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 in relation to his plan to attack a church in Pittsburgh.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division.

“Targeting places of worship is beyond the pale, no matter what the motivation,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “The defendant is alleged to have plotted just such an attack of a church in Pittsburgh in the name of ISIS.  The National Security Division and our partners will continue our efforts to identify and bring to justice individuals in our country who seek to commit violence on behalf of ISIS and other terrorist organizations.  I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation.”

“Our top priority is protecting the citizens of western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Every day investigators and prosecutors work tirelessly behind the scenes to disrupt terrorist activity and keep our community safe.  While the public does not always see the results of the hard work of these dedicated men and women, this case is a visible demonstration of our commitment to rooting out terrorists and bringing them to justice.”

“Court documents show Mustafa Alowemer planned to attack a church in the name of ISIS, which could have killed or injured many people.  Fortunately, his plans were foiled by the full force of the FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said Assistant Director McGarrity.  “The FBI takes threats to churches and other religious institutions extremely seriously and will use all our resources to stop potential terrorist attacks against them.”

“We will use every resource available to identify potential violent actors and protect the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones.  “Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is dedicated to identifying and bringing to justice those individuals who provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations, promote violent extremism and threaten our national security.  The invaluable partnerships the FBI Pittsburgh JTTF has with our federal state and local partners allow us to work tirelessly to protect Americans from terrorism.”

According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh:

The FBI Pittsburgh JTTF investigation of Mustafa Mousab Alowemer (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 or around the Church could be killed by the explosion.  

According to the complaint and information provided to the FBI by the Department of Homeland Security, Alowemer was born in Daraa, Syria, and was admitted to the United States as a refugee on August 1, 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. 

In planning the attack, Alowemer used multiple social networking and mobile messenger applications to communicate with an individual whom he believed to be a fellow ISIS supporter.  During his communications, Alowemer stated his support for ISIS, and his desire to answer the call for jihad or travel to conduct jihad.  Alowemer also distributed propaganda materials, offered to provide potential targets in the Pittsburgh area, requested a weapon with a silencer, and recorded a video of himself pledging an oath of allegiance to the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. 

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 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.    

A charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Related Documents

• Criminal Complaint

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Port Vue, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of six years (72 months), to be followed by four years of supervised release on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Krystle Barretto, age 33.

According to information presented to the court, Barretto, who was intercepted over a Title III wiretap, conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed more than 100 grams of heroin. The court was further advised that Barretto arranged for approximately 500 bricks (i.e. 25,000 stamp bags) of heroin to be transported from the Paterson, New Jersey area to the McKeesport area, which was seized by law enforcement officers. In addition, the court was made aware that Barretto had a loaded, Glock 17, 9mm handgun, an additional five bricks of heroin, and a large money counter in the bedroom of her residence in Port Vue.

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 - Following a hearing for alleged violations of supervised release conditions, Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose sentenced Tyrone Mobley, age 52, previously convicted of theft of U.S. mail on December 19, 2016, to 21 months’ incarceration with 11 months of supervised release to follow.

According to information provided to the court, Mr. Mobley violated his conditions of supervised release, including continued theft of mail in March and May, 2019 in the Shadyside and East End sections of Pittsburgh. Mr. Mobley was taken into U.S. Marshal’s custody following the hearing.

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

United States Attorney Scott W. Brady commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the City of Pittsburgh Police.

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

The two-count Indictment named Nathaniel Thomas, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 29, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Thomas possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl; 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a quantity of heroin; and a quantity of cocaine, all of which are scheduled controlled substances.

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

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

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 resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 3 years and one month (37 months) in prison on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, to run consecutively with a sentence of 5 years (60 months) in prison, on his conviction of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, for a total of 8 years and one month (97 months) in prison and there years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Isaiah Peeples, age 27.

According to information presented to the court, on March 29, 2017, Peeples illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously having been convicted of a felony, and also illegally possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA -A former resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Patrick Acierno, 34, pleaded guilty to four counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 5, 2019, Acierno entered KeyBank, located at 9605 Harmony Drive, Ingomar, PA 15127, dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt, black mask, sunglasses, and blue latex gloves, proceeded toward the teller stations where two tellers were working and took $7,743, including eight $20.00 bait bills. Acierno fled on foot and was observed by one of the tellers getting into a blue Toyota Rav 4. Franklin Park Police later identified the Toyota Rav4, and apprehended the defendant after a brief vehicle chase. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement officials found the items Acierno wore during the robbery, and $7,743 in U.S. currency, including the bait bills from the Key Bank.

The court was further informed Acierno robbed three additional banks prior to the Key Bank robbery, as listed below:

• On September 12, 2018, Acierno entered the PNC Bank at 20940 Route 19, Cranberry, PA, and robbed it of $2,474. Acierno wore a black hoodie with the hood up, baseball hat, white bandana or T-shirt covering his face, black gloves, dark sunglasses, blue jeans and carrying a navy blue Adidas duffle bag.

• On November 12, 2018, Acierno entered the West View Savings Bank, 2566 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA, and robbed it of $4,406.00. Acierno wore a camouflage jump suit, tan bandana mask, gloves, boots and a burnt orange/brown knit cap and dark sunglasses.

• On December 5, 2018, Acierno entered the WesBanco Bank, 3531 Broadhead Road, Monaca, PA, and robbed it of $11,800. Acierno wore a black ski mask with sunglasses, black hoodie with the hood pulled up, black jacket, black denim jeans, dark gloves and black shoes.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 17, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant will remain imprisoned pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cranberry Police Department, the Franklin Park Police Department, the Center Township Police Department, and the McCandless Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Acierno.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Millersburg, Ohio, 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.

John Trisket, Jr., 48, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Trisket possessed 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Trisket on bond.

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

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Trisket.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of McKean, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in jail and 8 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Nathan Mark Williams, 37.

According to information presented to the court, Williams distributed, received and possessed computer images and movies 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 Williams.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tony Crawford, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Crawford set fire to the Fred’s Beds and Furniture building located at 117 East 12th Street in Erie on February 5, 2016.  The investigation revealed that Crawford was using his cell phone in close proximity to Fred’s Beds around the time of the fire.  Crawford also revealed that he set the fire to several individuals who were interviewed by law enforcement. 

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Johnsonburg, 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.

Clarence Robert Neal IV, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Neal on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Johnsonburg Borough Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Neal.

PITTSBURGH – After deliberating for two hours, a federal jury found Samirkumar J. Shah guilty of two counts of health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shah, 56, of Fox Chapel, Pa., was tried before United States District Judge David S. Cercone in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "Health care fraud threatens the safety and integrity of our entire health care system. Doctors and medical professionals like Dr. Shah who issue false diagnoses, order unnecessary testing and fraudulently bill Medicare and Medicaid in effect steal from the most vulnerable in our community. Today’s jury verdict sends a clear message to those who would do the same: if you commit health care fraud, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

"Health care fraud is a serious problem that impacts every American," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "It takes critical resources from our health care system and increases health care costs for everyone. Dr. Shah's disregard for safe patient care goes against the medical ethics he was to uphold. The FBI, with its law enforcement partners, will continue to allocate a significant amount of expert resources to investigate these crimes and hold those defrauding the system accountable."

The evidence introduced during the eight-day trial established that between 2008 and 2013, Shah, a practicing cardiologist, submitted fraudulent claims to private insurance companies—Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (Highmark), UPMC Health Plan (UPMC), and Gateway Health Plan (Gateway)—as well as government insurance programs—Medicare and Medicaid—for an outpatient treatment known as External Counter Pulsation, or ECP. ECP involves the use of a specialized bed equipped with pressure cuffs, which exert pressure upon patients’ lower extremities as a means to increase blood flow to the heart. The evidence at trial further demonstrated that insurers only reimbursed for ECP treatments of patients who suffered from disabling angina—or chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart—and only when a physician supervised the treatment.

In total, Shah purchased 25 beds and offered ECP to patients at more than 18 locations in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Florida. The evidence also showed that, in order to acquire new patients, Shah advertised ECP as "the Fountain of Youth," claimed that it made patients "younger and smarter," and offered the treatment for a range of ailments other than disabling angina, including obesity, migraines, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. After signing up new patients, including many patients who never experienced chest pain, Shah instructed his employees to indicate that every patient had disabling angina on billing sheets that were used to support false insurance claims. In certain instances, Shah never met patients for whom he billed for ECP treatments.

The evidence also showed that patients were required to undergo certain diagnostic ultrasounds as a precautionary measure prior to starting ECP—in part to rule out blood clots that could cause a stroke or heart attack during the treatment. Nevertheless, witness testimony established that Shah did not review any of the ultrasound imagery before approving new patients to begin ECP.

Likewise, contrary to health insurance requirements, ECP treatments routinely occurred while neither Shah nor any other medical doctor was present at his various locations. On one such occasion, a patient experienced an adverse event during his ECP treatment and had to be transported via ambulance to the hospital.

In addition to billing for ECP treatments that were not medically necessary and were not provided under direct physician supervision, Shah also double-billed insurers by using a so-called "bundled" ECP code, which accounted for and included payment for various incidental procedures, and then separately submitted claims for the same included procedures. The evidence at trial further established that during reviews initiated by various insurers, Shah routinely submitted fabricated patient files and made false statements concerning his practice, his patient population, his record keeping, and his compliance with applicable coverage guidelines.

During the period of Shah’s scheme, the evidence showed that he submitted ECP-related claims for Medicare, Medicaid, UPMC, Highmark, and Gateway beneficiaries, totaling more than $13 million and that he received reimbursement payments in excess of $3.5 million.

Judge Cercone set sentencing for November 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Philip O’Connor.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, conducted the investigation that led to the conviction of Shah.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Turtle Creek, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and ordered to pay $9,570.00 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Edward J. Botti, 34.

According to information presented to the court, Botti conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50, and $20 FRNs throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania..

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Botti.

PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for two hours, a federal jury of seven men and five women found Taurean Potter guilty of one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and one count of Distribution of Cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Potter, age 33, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Yvonne Saadi, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Potter sold cocaine out of Ellwood City bars in 2017 and 2018, and he sold cocaine to other cocaine dealers who would further distribute the cocaine. In addition, on October 14, 2017, Potter sold cocaine to an undercover narcotics agents with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of sixty years in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, 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.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, in conjunctions with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Potter.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Allegheny County and a Somerset County man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and/or firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Harvey G. Hicks, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Breanna M. Bane, 27, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Matthew L. Pearson, 44, of Somerset, Pennsylvania; as the defendants.

According to the Indictment, in and around March 2019, and continuing to on or about May 1, 2019, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Additionally, the Indictment charges Hicks, a felon, with unlawfully possessing four firearms and ammunition on or about May 1, 2019. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

As to Hicks, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20,250,000, or both. As to Bane and Pearson, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - Three Ohio residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy robbery, armed pharmacy robbery, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count Indictment named Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea, age 21, Arthur Lee Worthy, II, age 21, and Mohammed Jibril, age 19, formerly of Reynoldsburg, Ohio as the defendants.

According to the Indictment, on or about September 27, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 10, 2019, the defendants conspired to rob numerous different pharmacies while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, and conspired to possess with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances.

The following pharmacies were affected:

• On or about September 27, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 124 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16412;

• On or about November 17, 2018, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 1799 Third Street, Beaver, Pennsylvania 15009;

• On or about November 22, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 4610 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213;

• On or about December 2, 2018, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 301 Greene Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750;

• On or about December 7, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 3800 Pine Avenue, Erie, Pennsylvania 16508; and

• On or about May 10, 2019, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 417 Chartiers Street, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Bridgeville Police Department, and the Ohio Highway Patrol 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.