Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court against a resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Criminal Complaint named Brian L. Turek, 38, as the sole defendant. Turek made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday. He is scheduled to have a preliminary examination and detention hearing on Friday, April 26, 2019, at 11 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly.

According to the Criminal Complaint, from on or about February 6, 2019 through April 24, 2019, Turek used the Internet and a cellphone to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity. During that time period, Turek exchanged messages with an individual, whom he believed to be 13 years of age, to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual activity. When Turek arrived for the meeting at a Dormont T-station, he was taken into custody. Turek had been unknowingly communicating with an undercover FBI agent.

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

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

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

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and

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

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

The two-count Indictment, returned yesterday, named William Johnson, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 13, 2018, Johnson, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Ruger, Model P94, 40 Auto caliber pistol, one magazine containing 10 cartridges of Hornady 40 S&W caliber ammunition, and an SKS, 7.62x39mm caliber rifle. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition. Additionally, on or about June 13, 2018, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, and methamphetamine, each a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Allegheny County Drug Task Force and the City of Clairton Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of 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.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael Flemmings-Smith, 30, pleaded guilty to three counts in the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

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

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 26, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Flemmings-Smith of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, 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 Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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 13 months in prison and three years’ supervised release, consecutive to the current prison term he is serving, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dilpreet Singh, 34, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on July 14, 2017, Singh possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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 Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, Loretto, Pa., for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Singh.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Butler County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, embezzlement from a healthcare benefit program, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering and false statement in a loan application, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 37-count indictment named Stephanie J. Roskovski, 48, and her husband, Scott A. Roskovski, 50, as defendants.

According to the indictment, the Roskovskis, during the years 2011 through December 2017, perpetrated a fraud totaling more than $1.3 million on Butler Healthcare Providers, d/b/a Butler Memorial Hospital, where Stephanie Roskovski was employed and, for much of that time, served as the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer. During the time, Scott Roskovski was employed as a detective with the Butler County District Attorney’s Office where he conducted investigations involving fraud and other financial crimes. Counts One through 23 of the Indictment allege that the defendants conspired to and did defraud Butler Healthcare Providers by submitting requests to Butler Hospital for alleged business-related expenses that were used, or intended to be used, for personal expenditures. Those personal expenses included, among others, lavish family vacations, household furnishings, concert and event tickets, and the purchase of, and expenses associated with, a motocross racetrack they purchased in 2015 known as Switchback MX, LLC, located in Butler, Pennsylvania. Counts 24 through 28 charge Stephanie Roskovski with embezzling funds from a healthcare benefit program. Count 29 through 35 charge the couple with conspiring to launder the proceeds of the fraud and with engaging in monetary transactions intended, in part, to conceal their theft, as well as in monetary transactions involving fraud proceeds in excess of $10,000. Counts 36 and 37 allege that in March and July of 2018, the defendants made false statements to S&T Bank in applying for two loans totaling approximately $1.2 million. The indictment also includes forfeiture allegations.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2.6 million, 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

Attachments

Roskovski Indictment

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 80 months in prison and ten years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kenneth Scott Boyd, 35.

According to information presented to the court, on June 2, 2016, Boyd distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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 Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Boyd.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

John F. Boslet, 53, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Aug. 8, 2013, Boslet knowingly possessed images as computer graphic files containing child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 100 months incarceration to be followed by 6 years of supervised release on his conviction of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Court Judge David Cercone imposed the sentence on Deon Webb, 45.

According to information presented to the court, in and around October, 2017, Webb conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office – DANET conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.

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

Peter Plaza, Jr., 37, 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 or about December 13, 2018, Plaza entered the Northwest Bank, 3407 Liberty Street in Erie and by force, violence and intimidation, did take United States currency.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2019 at 10:30 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Erie Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Plaza.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Quinshawn Haynie was sentenced to three years and four months (40 months) in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and for possessing those drugs with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a playground and a public housing facility, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Haynie, age 29 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone. Haynie was also sentenced to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Prior to imposing the sentence, the Court was informed that Haynie trafficked heroin and fentanyl close to playgrounds and public housing facilities in 2017 while he was on state parole following a 7-year to 14-year state prison sentence for a violent home invasion robbery he committed in 2007.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert L. Green, 41, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

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

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison and a fine of $6,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Green.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Alissa N. Mosley, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on July 27, 2017, Mosley and a co-defendant did possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence for Mosley of 40 years in prison and 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment named Eliezer Rodriguez, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Rodriguez was in possession of firearms while having been previously convicted of felonies; was in possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of heroin, and N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, commonly known as fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life 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.

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

The Beaver Falls Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment 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.

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

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

Danny Ray Alexander, 36, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that between November 29, 2013 and December 30, 2016, Alexander, and his wife and codefendant, Tara Jo Frain, who pleaded guilty earlier this month, knowingly received $25,164 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which they knew they were not entitled. In addition to the theft, Alexander took responsibility for making false statements to the Social Security Administration regarding his marital status, which impacted his eligibility to receive SSI disability payments, which was charged in a separate count of the Indictment. Specifically, the Court was informed, that in May of 2012, Frain and Alexander were married but Alexander did not inform the SSA of the change in his marital status and, in September of 2016, Alexander falsely claimed on a SSA form that he was not married.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019, at 10:30 a.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. Alexander remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski and Adam N. Hallowell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years and six months in prison, followed by three years’ supervised release, and was ordered to pay $379,591.95 in restitution on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Bill Wilson imposed the sentence last Friday on Atticus Sliter-Matias, 30, of South Euclid, Ohio.

According to information presented during trial and at sentencing, around 2014 to on or about July 5, 2016, Sliter-Matias advertised electronic devices for sale on 498 eBay accounts. However, Sliter-Matias mailed empty packages through the United States Postal Service to the purchasers instead of the purchased merchandise. Sliter-Matias often used the proceeds from these fraudulent sales to purchase gold or silver bars and coins, which were delivered to his UPS mailbox. As a result of this scheme, the victims suffered a loss of $379,591.95.

Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sliter-Matias.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 96 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 Arvell D. Brandon, age 40.

According to information presented to the court, on May 10, 2016, Brandon distributed a quantity of heroin.

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 Brandon.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Autumn Brown, 31, and Brenda Lowry Horton, 48, to five years of probation, including six months of home detention, for their roles in a years-long conspiracy. Brown and Lowry Horton were also ordered to pay restitution to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in the amount of $68,917.80 and $67,107.32, respectively.

During their respective plea hearings in December 2018, the defendants admitted that they were employees of one or more related entities operating in the home health care industry—Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). Each of these entities was owned or controlled by Arlinda Moriarty. MCI and ADL were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients ("consumers"), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between in and around January 2011 and in and around April 2017, MCI, ADL, and another related entity (Coordination Care, Inc.), collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for these services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount.

During that time, the defendants admitted that they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. The Court was further advised that the defendants conspired with, among others, various office workers at the companies, including Tiffhany Covington and Tia Collins. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants admitted that they fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care they provided to consumers but that, in fact, never occurred. In addition, at Arlinda Moriarty’s direction, certain co-conspirators, including Lowry Horton, stopped using their own names as the attendant on timesheets and instead used the names of "ghost" attendants, some of whom permitted their names to be used in exchange for a kickback of resulting fraudulent salary payments. Brown admitted that she allowed her name to be used in this manner and that she received a portion of the fraudulent proceeds from Ms. Covington. Lowry Horton further admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, she and others paid kickbacks to consumers in exchange for the consumers’ agreement to sign—or allow their names to be forged on—false timesheets.

To date, 16 people have been charged with offenses related to the conspiracy.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 10 years (120 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jeffrey E. Goehring, age 46.

According to information presented to the court, on July 3, 2016, Goehring uploaded approximately 13 images of child pornography to a Yahoo Flikr account. After investigators obtained a search warrant for Goehring’s residence, they discovered 111 videos and 862 images depicting child pornography on his electronic devices. Goehring admitted that he has had an addiction to pornography since the 1990s and that he has gradually switched to child pornography in the last 10 years.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH -A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years (24 months) in prison, restitution payable to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $2,285,807.70 and one year of supervised release on his conviction of willfully failing to pay over payroll taxes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed sentence on Amarender Tiparthy, 50, of Coraopolis, PA.

In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that Tiparthy willfully failed to account for and pay over payroll taxes totaling $2,285,807.70, including all relevant conduct, for the 16 tax quarters in 2010 through 2013.

According to information provided the court, Tiparthy was the sole owner of Prodigy Software Group, Inc. ("Prodigy"), a Subchapter S business that provided companies and governmental entities with consulting services regarding information technology projects. The business model of Prodigy included the employment of individuals who then were assigned to various information technology projects pursuant to contracts negotiated and entered into by Tiparthy on behalf of Prodigy. Although Tiparthy collected payroll taxes for the 16 tax quarters in 2010 through 2013, he failed to truthfully account for and pay over the taxes when due to the Internal Revenue Service.

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

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pompano Beach, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal armed bank robbery laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Stiver, 71, pleaded guilty to two counts of armed bank robbery in front of United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon. Stiver has been detained since his arrest at the Pittsburgh International Airport on December 22, 2016, and will remain detained pending sentencing.

According to information presented to the court, on November 2, 2016, Robert Stiver walked into the Allegheny Valley Bank in Shaler, PA wearing an orange construction vest, a duffel bag around his neck, a homemade face mask and a long wig. He approached a teller brandishing a large revolver and announced to everyone in the bank not to try anything or he would have to shoot. He then told the teller to hand over the money from her drawers. The teller complied and Stiver placed the money in the bag draped around his neck. Stiver then walked out of the front door of the bank and fled southbound in a black Toyota Versa Sedan. Stiver netted approximately $2,063 in cash from the robbery.

On December 9, 2016, Stiver walked into the First Commonwealth Bank in Harmarville, PA. Stiver was wearing light color blue jeans, white shoes, and a dark hooded jacket, and, orange construction vest, a homemade face mask and a long wig. Once again, Stiver had a large duffel bag around the front of his person. He approached the teller holding a large revolver in his right hand and demanded money from the drawers without any dye packs. The teller complied and handed over approximately $5,732 in US currency. Stiver fled out of an employee entrance in the back. Surveillance footage captured Stiver fleeing the scene in a small white Ford Focus.

On December 22, 2016, Special Agents of FBI-Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force stopped and arrested Stiver at Pittsburgh International Airport while he was attempting to board a plane. Pursuant to a search warrant, Special Agents recovered money stolen from the Harmarville, PA bank in Stiver’s bag. Stiver was arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint at the time.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both for each armed robbery count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force, Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, the Shaler Township Police Department, and the Harmar Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Turtle Creek, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shyann Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

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

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- Henry A. Bruce, formerly of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced again in federal court to 10 years (120 months) in prison on for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Bruce, 39, was sentenced in Pittsburgh by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer imposed an 8-year term of supervised release to follow the federal prison sentence.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about June 28, 2018, Bruce, a life-long resident of Farrell, in Mercer County, PA, possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as drug packaging paraphernalia, a digital scale, and over $19,000 in cash. The Court was further informed that Bruce has a prior federal felony drug conviction, for which he was sentenced on March 7, 2008 to 10 years in prison, and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bruce.

PITTSBURGH - Two former residents of Duquesne, Pennsylvania have pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal firearms laws United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Khalil Armstrong, 26, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and making a false statement to a licensed firearm dealer. Melvin Bowles, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Both defendants entered guilty pleas in front of Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak in separate hearings. Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. for Armstrong and August 12, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. for Bowles. Both defendants were detained after their initial appearances in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing.

According to information presented to the court, on February 8, 2018, Bowles, a convicted felon, asked Armstrong to purchase a Glock firearm for him. Bowles is prohibited from buying or possessing firearms after Pennsylvania state court felony convictions for illegally possessing firearms and eluding police. Thereafter, Armstrong traveled to a federally licensed firearm dealer in the Pittsburgh area and bought a Glock firearm and then transferred it to Bowles. On February 15, 2018, the Pittsburgh division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at Bowles’ residence and recovered the Glock firearm Armstrong had purchased for him, as well as ammunition. As part of the plea, Armstrong admitted to trafficking firearms by straw purchasing 23 firearms and transferring them to Bowles and other individuals.

The defendants face a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the two guilty pleas 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.

A Colombian national arrested in Colombia and extradited to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery for his role in the robbery of an employee of a New York business that sold jewelry and gemstones.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Special Agent in Charge Robert Allan Jones of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Division and Chief T. Robert Amann for the Northern Regional Police Department in Wexford, Pennsylvania made the announcement.

Oscar Javier Rodriguez Roa, 35, of Bogota, Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. Senior District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose the Western District of Pennsylvania to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery in connection with the robbery of an employee of a New York business that sold jewelry and gemstones.  Rodriguez Roa will be sentenced on Aug. 12, 2019.

Rodriguez Roa admitted that, on or about May 8, 2013, he is a national and citizen of Colombia who previously resided in Atlanta, Georgia and Harris County, Texas.  He was a member of a South American theft ring that targeted traveling jewelry salespersons in the United States and elsewhere.

On or about May 5, 2013, Rodriguez Roa and several accomplices drove from Lawrenceville, Georgia to Western Pennsylvania in a rented, grey-colored Nissan Maxima.

On May 8, 2013, in Wexford, Pennsylvania, Rodriguez Roa and three accomplices approached a traveling jewelry salesman from New York City as the salesman exited his car in the parking lot of a Wexford jewelry store.  Rodriguez Roa smashed the rear driver’s side window of the salesman’s car with a garden tool, reached inside the car, and stole a black shoulder bag containing approximately $500,000 worth of gemstones and jewelry.  One accomplice punctured the rear driver’s side tire of the salesman’s car, a second accomplice kept an eye on the salesman, and the third accomplice drove the Nissan Maxima getaway car.  Prior to the robbery, the accomplices obscured the Maxima’s license plate using a vanity plate.

Witnesses to the robbery followed the Nissan Maxima to a church parking lot.  After realizing they had been followed, Rodriguez Roa and his accomplices drove to a nearby muffler shop where they abandoned the Nissan Maxima and fled on foot to a nearby CVS pharmacy.

CVS pharmacy video surveillance, obtained by law enforcement, showed Oscar Javier Rodriguez Roa and one accomplice entering the store while the two remaining accomplices waited outside.  Rodriguez Roa was seen talking on a cell phone as he entered the store, while Rodriguez Roa’s accomplice was seen carrying the black shoulder bag containing the gemstones and jewelry.

Forensic analysis revealed Rodriguez Roa’s fingerprints on the front passenger door of the Nissan Maxima and on a video game console found in the trunk of the car.

Records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed that Rodriguez Roa, who is not a citizen of the United States, fled the United States on May 16, 2013, by boarding a flight in Houston, Texas destined for Bogota, Columbia.

The investigation of this case was led by the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Division, with the assistance of the Northern Regional Police Department.

Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles A. Eberle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support with the defendant’s extradition.   

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal robbery laws, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 16-count Superseding Indictment named George Wilson, III, 37, as the sole defendant. Wilson was first named in an 11-count indictment returned on June 2, 2015. The additional charges allege Wilson used a firearm in the commission of all of the robberies.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Wilson committed a series of armed robberies of businesses throughout the Pittsburgh area from November 2014 through December 2014. During that time, Wilson committed armed robberies of three retain chain stores called "The Exchange" (which sell new and used audio and visual media) and during one of these robberies, Wilson discharged a firearm. Wilson also committed armed robberies of two "Sunoco" and one "Exxon" convenience stores. Due to a prior conviction for a felony offense, Wilson is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 35 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 at each count, 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 Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Heidi M. Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Monroeville Police Department, the Ross Township Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Wilkins Township 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.

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

on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

PITTSBURGH, PA –A former resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Terrance Murphy, 46, entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Murphy has been detained since his initial appearance and will remain detained pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2019 at 10 a.m.

According to information presented to the court, on or about November 8, 2017, the FBI Opioid Task Force was conducting an investigation into Murphy. On that same date, members of the Task Force observed Murphy leave his home in McKees Rocks and enter an SUV. A traffic stop was later conducted on the SUV Murphy was driving and a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 26 grams of fentanyl. Murphy would later admit to FBI investigators that he was a fentanyl distributor and would buy and sell fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Jeffrey R. Bengel are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Cochranton, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment named Theodore D. Brown, 60, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on March 22, 2019, Brown possessed machineguns which are unlawful to own and were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

This case is being prosecuted as part of 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini 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 resident of Bogota, Colombia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to violate federal robbery laws. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones, and Chief Robert T. Amann of the Northern Regional Police Department.

Oscar Javier Rodriguez Roa, 36, of Bogota, Colombia, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Roa was a member of an organized South American theft ring that targeted traveling jewelry salespersons in the United States and elsewhere. On May 5, 2013, Roa and his accomplices drove from Lawrenceville, Georgia to Western Pennsylvania in a rented car to set up the heist. On May 8, 2013, in Wexford, Pennsylvania, Roa and his three accomplices accosted a traveling jewelry salesman from New York City as the salesman exited his car in the parking lot of a Wexford jewelry store. Roa smashed the rear driver’s side window of the salesman’s car, reached inside the car, and stole a black shoulder bag containing approximately $500,000 worth of gemstones and jewelry while the other robbers punctured the rear driver’s side tire of the salesman’s car, kept an eye on the salesman, and drove the Nissan Maxima getaway car. Prior to the robbery, the accomplices obscured the Maxima’s license plate using a vanity plate. Witnesses to the robbery followed the Nissan Maxima to a church parking lot. After realizing they had been followed, Roa and his accomplices drove to nearby muffler shop where they abandoned the Nissan Maxima and fled on foot to a nearby CVS pharmacy. CVS pharmacy video surveillance, obtained by law enforcement, showed Oscar Javier Rodriguez Roa and one accomplice entering the store while the two remaining accomplices waited outside. Roa was seen talking on a cell phone as he entered the store, while Roa’s accomplice was seen carrying the black shoulder bag containing the gemstones and jewelry. Forensic analysis revealed Roa’s fingerprints on the front passenger door of the Nissan Maxima and on a video game console found in the trunk of the car. Flight records showed that Roa, who is not a citizen of the United States, fled the United States on May 16, 2013, by boarding a flight in Houston, Texas destined for Bogota, Colombia.

"Thanks to the excellent police work of the Northern Regional Police Department, the FBI and the tenacious efforts of the United States Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, this international criminal has been brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "This prosecution should send a message to would-be international criminals, if you commit crimes against Americans, we will find you and you will be brought to answer for your actions in the United States."

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle and Trial Attorney Leshia Lee Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Oscar Javier Rodriguez Roa. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance with Roa’s extradition from Colombia to Pittsburgh.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years in prison and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of sex trafficking of a child and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Thomas Patrick Petoff, 31.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2015 to October 2015, Petoff and a co-defendant, Devonte Lucas, knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, advertised and maintained two minor victims who engaged in commercial sex acts at the behest of Petoff and Lucas. Petoff’s illegal activity was ultimately stopped when members of the Millcreek Police Department observed Lucas transport a minor female to a Millcreek motel after the Millcreek officers, acting in an undercover capacity, had set up a meeting at the motel with the victim via an Internet advertisement that had been placed by Petoff.  Lucas was sentenced to 13 years in prison on September 11, 2017.

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 Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Petoff.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of providing contraband in a federal prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Karlos Serrano pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 19, 2009, Serrano provided a quantity of heroin and marijuana to Jorge Borges-Rosario, an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 5, 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 Serrano on bond.

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

Officers of the McKean Correctional Institution and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Serrano.

ERIE, Pa. - A Braford County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in jail, 5 years supervised release and a $2,000 fine 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 John David Martin, 62, of Towanda, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Martin possessed computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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 Erie County Detectives Bureau for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Martin.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to four years and three months (51 months) of imprisonment and three years of supervised release in federal court for two charges of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Iklas Richard Davis, 38, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In November of last years, Davis pleaded guilty after three days of trial and after the government rested its case. In connection with the trial and guilty pleas, the court was advised that, on or about July 27, 2016 and October 12, 2017, Davis, who has a prior felony conviction in Pennsylvania, knowingly possessed several firearms and ammunition. Law enforcement officers discovered the firearms and ammunition during the execution of a search warrant of Davis’s home and vehicle in 2016. One of the firearms was an AR-15 assault rifle engraved with the phrase "Let it Rain" and included graphics of skulls. Some of the ammunition were forty rounds contained in an extended magazine compatible with the AR-15. Davis shared that home with Quinyahta Rochelle, who has pleaded guilty to celebrity hacking, identity theft and firearms offenses.

After the 2016 search warrant, Davis was charged by Wilkins Township Police Department and released on bond. However, United States Secret Service agents, working with the Allegheny County Police, subsequently developed evidence that Rochelle and Davis were engaged in various identity-theft related activities. Thus, Rochelle and Davis were both federally indicted for firearms-related offenses based on the 2016 search warrant, and law enforcement executed both the arrest warrants, which were for firearms-related offenses based on the 2016 search warrant, and new search warrants seeking evidence of identity-theft related offenses, on October 12, 2017. During that search, agents recovered another loaded firearm in the master bedroom closet, along with numerous rounds of ammunition and a bulletproof vest. Davis admitted to possessing that firearm, and he was federally indicted a second time for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The two firearm cases – one based on the 2016 search warrant and the other based on the 2017 search warrant – were consolidated for trial, which began on November 5, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Wilkins Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of incarceration and three years of supervised release on his convictions for criminal contempt and selling drug paraphernalia, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Mayank Mishra, 38.  Judge Bissoon also ordered the sentence to be served consecutively to a 12-year sentence imposed previously on Mishra for conspiring to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.

According to information presented to the court, Mayank Mishra and other members of his family operated stores that sold drug paraphernalia, including diluents used to manufacture heroin and the glassine bags in which heroin is typically sold. In February 2013, federal agents executed search warrants at the business and home of Mishra, and those searches revealed that Mishra was selling drug paraphernalia. He was released on conditions of bond, which, among other things, precluded him from violating any federal or state law.

Subsequent to his release, law enforcement received information that Mayank Mishra was continuing to sell cutting agents and glassine bags. Based on that information, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase cutting agents and glassine bags from Mayank Mishra, and the confidential informant successfully recorded the transaction. The confidential informant explicitly asked for "cut" and "bags", and Mayank Mishra provided a material typically used to dilute heroin and the bags typically used to store and sell heroin. Based on that information, law enforcement obtained another set of search warrants for Mayank Mishra’s business and home, where law enforcement found more cutting agents, glassine bags, marijuana paraphernalia, and $86,000 in cash. Law enforcement arrested Mayank Mishra a second time, and this time the Court did not release him on bond.

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

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Dept., Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mishra.

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kyle Reshaud Goosby, 19, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday to all five counts in the Indictment against him before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the plea, the court was advised that on June 22, 2018, and June 23, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Goosby distributed and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl). Goosby, a felon, also admitted in connection with the plea that on June 23, 2018, and on June 24, 2018, he unlawfully possessed five firearms (four pistols and an AK-47 rifle) and ammunition. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Finally, Goosby admitted that on June 23, 2018, he possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2019, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad R. Parks of the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Beaver County Drug Task Force, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. This case was brought 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 - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of four years (48 months) in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a fentanyl analogue, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Termane Thomass Eleam, 33.

According to information presented to the court, on November 3, 2016, Department of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroeville Police executed a search warrant on Rooms 238 and 305 of the Days Inn, located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. During the search of Room 238, investigators seized suspected heroin, gloves, and distribution paraphernalia, including packaging materials, blenders, and multiple cell phones. Wilfredo Torres and Donte Spence were in Room 238. A cousin of Eleam was in Room 305 bagging the suspected heroin in exchange for payment. The drugs recovered from both rooms tested positive for a total of approximately 200 grams of furanyl fentanyl and heroin.

Eleam had departed the Days Inn just prior to the execution of the search warrant, and returned to the hotel as the search warrant was being executed. When officers searched both his person and vehicle following the execution of the search warrant, a small amount of marijuana and related paraphernalia were recovered.

Previously, Torres was sentenced to 20 years in prison and Spence was sentenced to three years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Eleam.

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

The two-count Indictment named Kalief Jamil Malik Rethage, 39, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from September 25, 2018, to December 10, 2018, Rethage was unlawfully in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a spent cartridge, and various ammunition. Rethage is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because he is a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that on December 10, 2018, Rethage was in possession of marijuana.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 11 years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000.00, a term of supervised release not more than 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case with valuable assistance from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

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 Armstrong County, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tara Jo Frain, 33, of Apollo, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose to Count One of the four-count Indictment, which also charges her husband, Danny Ray Alexander at Counts Two and Four of the same crimes.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that between November 29, 2013 and December 30, 2016, Frain knowingly received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to which she knew she was not entitled in an amount of $25,164.00. In addition to the theft charge, Frain accepted responsibility for making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain SSI benefits, which is charged and Count Three of the Indictment. Specifically, the Court was informed, that in May of 2012, Frain and Alexander were married but Frain did not inform the SSA of the change in her marital status and, in September of 2016, Frain falsely claimed on a SSA form that she was not married.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total 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. Frain remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Adam N. Hallowell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

Angelo Massie, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around November 2015, and continuing thereafter to in and around September 2016, Massie conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Amy L. Johnston and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case grew out of a federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that resulted in several federal indictments in August of 2016. The OCDETF task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force including the Pittsburg Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by FBI San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Resident Agency, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Numerous other FBI field offices, including Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta, in addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also assisted with this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County has pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Eduardo Cardona, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, Cardona prepared false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for September 6, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of three years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Eduardo Cardona.

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

Michael Robert Heinrich, 68, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in January 2017 Heinrich took sexually explicit photos of a minor who was four years of age at the time. On February 14, 2017, Heinrich again took sexually explicit photos of that same four-year-old minor and also took a sexually explicit photo of a three-year-old minor. An examination of Heinrich’s computers and cell phone also revealed the presence of numerous other images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his plea, Heinrich agreed to a sentence of fifteen (15) years in jail and lifetime supervised release.

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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Heinrich on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2019, in federal court to felony drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Nathaniel Smiley, age 39, pleaded guilty to charges from two separate incidents before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Smiley was on federal Supervised Release after serving his prior federal prison sentence of 100 months for the illegal possession of a firearm, when, on December 19, 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration purchased 500 stamp bags, containing 9.2 grams of heroin, from Smiley. A search warrant was executed at his residence that day and $11,999 in cash was recovered.

On April 2, 2017, Smiley was apprehended. Two-hundred stamp bags containing 4.108 grams of fentanyl and 20.143 grams of powder cocaine were seized from his rental vehicle.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 60 years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The court ordered Smiley’s continued detention pending sentencing.

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

The DEA conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smiley, with the valuable assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police and officers from multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of East Orange, New Jersey was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to eight years and four months (100 months) in prison on his conviction of federal drug crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Marvin Anthony, 41.

According to information presented to the court, in March of 2018, Anthony brought 475 "bricks" of heroin to Western Pennsylvania from New Jersey in an effort to sell it. DEA agents and Task Force Officers then apprehended Anthony.

Judge Ambrose required Anthony to undergo an eight-year period of supervision by the United States Probation Office to follow his eventual release from incarceration.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and their many state, county and local police department partners, including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Westmoreland and Washington Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to six years (72 months) in prison on his conviction of federal drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon imposed the sentence on Laurenti James Robertson, 28, of Monessen and Venetia, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Robertson was stopped in a rental car on October 19, 2015, and found to be in possession of 158 stamp bags of heroin and $1,315.00 in cash. Five days later, on October 24, 2015, Robertson was stopped in a different vehicle and found to be in possession of 15 stamp bags of heroin and a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Robertson is precluded from possessing a firearm as a result of his separate 2013 felony convictions for Robbery and Theft. Federal law prohibits a felon from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Robertson and acknowledged the many law enforcement agencies that provided valuable assistance, including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, The Pennsylvania State Police, the Charleroi Police Department, the Homestead Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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

Nikia Perkins, 44, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around September 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around July 2017, Perkins conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute at least 1.2 kilograms, but less than 4 kilograms of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment, returned on March 26, named Robert Thurman, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 2, 2018, Thurman was an employee of the United States Postal Service and stole a gift card that was intended to be conveyed by mail.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a resident of Point Roberts, Washington have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced.

The one-count superseding Indictment, returned on March 26, named Lancelot De Montsegur, aka Patrice Berthome, 38, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Steven Juliver, 54, of Point Roberts, Washington, as defendants.

According to the superseding Indictment, De Montsegur and Juliver were involved in a complex fraud that involved fraudulently processing credit card payments. The credit card companies will not allow their products and services to be used to pay for certain precluded activities, including the on-line sales of recreational and designer drugs, kratom, and CBD oil. De Montsegur and Juliver participated in a conspiracy designed to conceal from the credit card companies the fact that De Montsegur, Juliver and their co-conspirators used their products and services to pay for precluded activities and to subvert the internal controls the credit card companies had in place to detect and prevent this type of activity.

The fraud involved establishing shell corporations and websites associated with the shell companies that falsely claimed that they sold a product other than designer drugs, kratom, or CBD oil. The conspirators then applied for PayPal, Stripe, Square, or merchant accounts from the credit card companies in the names of the shell corporations and the fake web sites. Once the accounts were established, they were used to process payments for designer drugs, kratom, or CBD oil. Additionally, the conspirators arranged for the credit card statements sent to the consumers to have the names of the shell corporations and telephone numbers. The conspirators set up a telephone bank to receive calls from customers questioning billings on their credit card statements, and the conspirators explained to the customers the true nature of the transactions in hopes of avoiding charge-backs that could cause the credit card companies to question the legitimacy of the transactions.

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 Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Jeffrey R. Bengel are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Parkland, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit Bank Fraud, Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Garri Shihman, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Shihman participated a complex matter has two primary components. The first component is related to the illegal on-line sale of pharmaceutical drugs to U.S. consumers from a host of websites located primarily in India. The second component relates to the fraudulent processing of credit card payments for these pharmaceutical drugs and other products. Shihman is only directly associated with the second component.

The fraud involves use of a series of misrepresentations that cause credit card companies to process credit card transactions for various illegal activities. Credit card companies have policies that preclude the use of their products and services to pay for these type of activities, and they have various internal controls designed to prevent the use of their products and services for such activities.

For example, the credit card companies require merchants to apply to use their services, and in the applications, they ask for information about the products or services the company is selling and ask the merchants to provide the website through which the company will sell goods or services. The credit card companies will not open a merchant account if the applicant indicates that they are involved in illegal activities, and the credit card companies check the website to make sure that the applicant is not engaged in illegal activities.

Shihman was involved in a payment processing operation that defrauded the credit card companies through a series of misrepresentations designed to conceal the use of the credit card companies’ products and services to process payments for illegal activities. The complex fraud involved front companies, fraudulent applications, a phone bank, and various other aspects.

The agents, beginning with the undercover purchases of the pharmaceutical drugs, began to unravel this scheme through dozens of search warrants for e-mail accounts, subpoenas, and interviews. Those investigative efforts ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at Shihman’s business located in Brooklyn, New York. The search warrant revealed of evidence implicating Shihman and others in the fraudulent scheme outlined above.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of thirty years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Garri Shihman.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment named Lisa Cavanaugh.

According to the indictment, Cavanaugh engaged in a theft and kickback scheme with another individual known to the grand jury as TK. From January 1, 2012 through May 6, 2013, Cavanaugh evaded and defeated her income taxes for calendar year 2012 by filing a false and fraudulent U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040A. In the tax return, Cavanaugh stated that her taxable income for calendar year 2012 was $50,667 and that her tax due was $3,231, when she then and there well knew and believed that her taxable income for calendar year 2012 substantially exceeded $50,667 and that her tax due substantially exceeded $3,231.

Likewise, from January 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014, Cavanaugh evaded and defeated her income taxes for calendar year 2013 from proceeds from the theft and kickback scheme, by filing a false and fraudulent U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040. In the tax return, Cavanaugh stated that her taxable income for calendar year 2013 was $45,463 and that her tax due was $3,755, when she then and there well knew and believed that her taxable income for calendar year 2013 substantially exceeded $45,463 and that her tax due substantially exceeded $3,755.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison and 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment named Tammy Keefer aka Tammy Coffman.

According to the indictment, Keefer engaged in a theft scheme from an entity known as CAP Glass with another individual known to the grand jury as LC. During the periods from January 1, 2012 through April 15, 2013, and from January 1, 2013 through April 15, 2014, Keefer evaded and defeated her income taxes for calendar years 2012 and 2013. Keefer’s income for calendar year 2012 was $235,859.09. Her income for calendar year 2013 was $80,022.29.

Keefer took check withdrawals from a CAP Glass bank account and transacted those checks at various financial institutions in a manner that did not readily identify those matters as income to Keefer. Keefer also negotiated CAP Glass checks in such a manner as to cause a "split deposit," where part of the amount of the check went into the bank account of a business known as Coffman Transport, and part of the amount of the check was returned to Keefer as cash with no record as to its disposition, thus concealing Keefer’s true income.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison and 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

Barry Daniels, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates hat and a black buttoned-up McDonald's shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller. Additionally, the Court was informed that Daniels was captured on surveillance video driving a black vehicle into the bank parking lot and, after the robbery, he was observed entering the same vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2019. 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. Daniels remains detained pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Mifflin Police Department, and the Turtle Creek Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels.