Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to violations of federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jewell Hall, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boys Killas (GBK) street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Jewell Hall conspired to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of powder cocaine. The court was also advised that a few months prior to the wiretap investigation, on December 27, 2017, Hall possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of powder cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $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 of the defendant.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clairton, 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 Mariah Nicole Gentile, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 8, 2018, Gentile was an employee of the United States Postal Service and stole a $25 gift card that was intended to be conveyed by mail.

For Gentile’s offense, 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 David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to a series of bank robberies that occurred in West Mifflin, McCandless, Penn Hills and Bloomfield, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Superseding Indictment names Jasmine Parrish, 29, and Donna Poremski, 43, who had worked together in the home healthcare industry, as defendants.

According to the Superseding Indictment, Parrish and Poremski conspired to rob four (4) different PNC bank locations from January 2018, through November 21, 2018. The PNC banks are located at 452 Clairton Boulevard, 9805 McKnight Road, 206 Rodi Road, and 4761 Liberty Avenue. As alleged, during two of the bank robberies – in West Mifflin and McCandless – the women, who were dressed in disguises, displayed a handgun and forced the employees into the vault. As to the November 21, 2018 attempted bank robbery, in Bloomfield, Parrish is alleged to have worked at the bank prior to the bank robbery and waited in a car while another person attempted to rob the bank.

A total of $97,004.00 was taken from the West Mifflin, McCandless and Penn Hills PNC banks, during these robberies.

As to each of the armed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. As to each of the unarmed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Additionally, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both, for the conspiracy offense. 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 Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, the McCandless Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

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

The two-count Indictment named the defendants as Eric Timbers, 42, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, and Lino Espinoza, 44, formerly of Houston, Texas.

According to the Indictment, from June 2017 to March 21, 2019, Timbers and Espinoza conspired to possess with intent distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Both defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on March 21, 2019.

The law provides for a minimum total sentence of not less than 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki and Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine Wymard of the Pennsylvania Attorney General Office’s Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office with the assistance of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, was sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation on a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Brent Williams, age 32.

According to information presented to the court, Brent Williams was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that Williams and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute quantities of heroin between January and September 2016.

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

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

WASHINGTON – The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Wheeling Hospital, Inc., R & V Associates, Ltd. (R & V), and Ronald Violi in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Justice announced today. The government has alleged that Wheeling Hospital, which is located in Wheeling, WV, violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, and that those violations were caused by R & V, Wheeling’s contracted management consultant, and Violi, Wheeling’s CEO.

The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for services referred by physicians who have improper financial relationships with the hospital. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs. The United States alleges that Wheeling’s compensation to a number of employed and contracted physicians violated these statutory prohibitions because that compensation was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or exceeded the fair market value of the physicians’ services.

"Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "The Department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making and drive up healthcare costs for all of us."

"Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers who betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests."

The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did here in part.

The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Colin J. Callahan and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Rohith Srinivas.

The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 17-cv-1654 (W.D. Pa.). The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Wheeling Hospital Inc., R & V Associates Ltd. (R & V), and Ronald Violi in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Justice announced today. The government alleges that Wheeling Hospital, which is located in Wheeling, West Virginia, violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, and that those violations were caused by R & V, Wheeling’s contracted management consultant, and Violi, Wheeling’s CEO.

The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for services referred by physicians who have improper financial relationships with the hospital.  The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs.  The United States alleges that Wheeling’s compensation to a number of employed and contracted physicians violated these statutory prohibitions because that compensation was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or exceeded the fair market value of the physicians’ services.

“Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making and drive up healthcare costs.”

“Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady.  “Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers who betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests.”

The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.  Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery.  The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did here in part.

The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. 

The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 17-cv-1654 (W.D. Pa.).  The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Meadville, 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.

Dennis Michael Kerr, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kerr transported computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Kerr also transferred and attempted to transfer obscene material to an individual Kerr thought was a minor.

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 July 15, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

Brett Rodgers, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boy Killas (GBK) street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Brett Rodgers conspired to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years (60 months) in prison and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $3,000 on his conviction of 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 Jonathan Scott Boynton, 31, 3420 Clifton Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boynton.

PITTSBURGH – A United States citizen who resided in the Republic of Uganda pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to manufacture/pass/transfer/sell counterfeit currency, conspiracy to launder money, and committing counterfeiting acts outside the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka WillyClock, age 31, pleaded guilty to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

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

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

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan Andrew Gustafson.

PITTSBURGH – Brandin Gardner was sentenced today for illegally possessing firearms while on federal supervised release following prior felony convictions for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Gardner, age 23 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone to a combined sentence of 3½ years (42 months) in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms following prior felony convictions and violating the terms of his supervised release.

Gardner was convicted in 2014 in Pennsylvania state court for possessing heroin with intent to distribute. In 2016, he was convicted in federal court for conspiring to distribute heroin while on probation following the prior state heroin conviction. In 2018, he was indicted and convicted in federal court for possessing a Glock 27 semi-automatic pistol and a Smith & Wesson M & P semi-automatic pistol.

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

The United States Probation Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal immigration law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on March 20, named Damian Benitez-Castro, 43, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Benitez-Castro was previously deported or removed from the United States on October 14, 2008, and again on May 11, 2010. Benitez-Castro then illegally reentered the United States and was located in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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 Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael Stashchyshyn, 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Stashchyshyn conspired with others to export night sighting equipment, firearm parts, and ammunition to Ukraine without the requisite license issued by the State Department. The items were purchased in the United States by Stashchyshyn’s co-conspirators, and shipped to Stashchyshyn who owned a freight forwarder business in Parsippany, New Jersey. Stashchyshyn then shipped the items to an individual in Ukraine in violation of U.S. law and regulations. The items shipped are contained on the Federal Munitions List and are controlled by the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) regulations. They are illegal to ship without a license from the State Department, which the defendant and his co-conspirators did not have.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Shardul Desai are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Michael Stashchyshyn.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to eight years (96 months) in prison followed by five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution on his conviction of armed robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Derek Hanner, age 30.

According to information presented to the court, Hanner committed the armed robbery of the following banks:

• Citizens Bank, 2021 Wharton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 of $8,233:

• Citizens Bank, 5550 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15232 of $ $8,024;

• Brentwood Bank, 5259 Library Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 of $12,470; and

• Brentwood Bank, 5259 Library Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 of $4,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bethel Park Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hanner.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been convicted in federal court for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Ambrose J. Sample, II, 38, was convicted after a January 2019, bench trial before Senior United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti. The defendant was found guilty of one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and acquitted of a charge related to possession of a firearm. The Judge issued the verdict today after receiving and considering findings of fact and conclusions of law by the parties.

The charges in the Indictment arose from an incident wherein the defendant pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired shots into the air after a dispute with neighbors. The Court was advised that after the defendant fired shots into the air, witnesses observed his girlfriend drive away from the scene shortly after officers responded to the area. The defendant agreed to submit to a gunshot residue test of his hands and it was found that he had components of primer-gunshot residue on both of his hands. Officers obtained search warrants for the defendant’s residence as well as the residence of his girlfriend. In the defendant’s residence, officers recovered one GFL .380 ammunition. From his girlfriend’s residence, under the bed where she had been sleeping, officers recovered a firearm. Sample has been previously convicted of the charges of murder of the third degree, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, simple assault, fleeing and eluding police and tampering with physical evidence, all of which preclude him from possessing ammunition or firearms. The Court found the defendant guilty of possessing the ammunition that was present in his residence. The Court, however, found the defendant not guilty of possessing the firearm recovered from his girlfriend’s residence, as it was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the firearm was the same one possessed by the defendant.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 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 of the defendant.

Judge Conti ordered that Sample remain detained pending sentencing.

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

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

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Honduras has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 20, named Belfran Joel Najera-Chirinos, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about February 19, 2019, Najera-Chirinos was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Najera-Chirinos had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on March 13, 2007 and was removed from the United States on November 9, 2018. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Attorney General of the United States or her successor the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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 California resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years (60 months) in prison followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of distributing methamphetamine in violation of federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Richard Sperry, 54, of Newberry Springs, California

According to information presented to the court, Sperry distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on two occasions - February 4-7, 2017, and April 7-10, 2017.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sperry.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating various federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on March 20, named brothers Cassidy Barton, 35, and Forrest Barton, 30, as codefendants.

According to the Indictment, Cassidy Barton and Forrest Barton conspired to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The Indictment also charges Cassidy Barton with possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life, a fine of $20,000,000, or both for Cassidy Barton and not less than 10 years in and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for Forrest Barton. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the City of Pittsburgh Police and the Greensburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

Ernest Dewayne Taylor, 50, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 17, 2018, Taylor robbed the Huntington Bank located at 921 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. As a result of the robbery, Taylor obtained $600.00 in U.S. currency.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Brighton Area Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ernest Dewayne Taylor.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year of probation on his conviction of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit offenses against the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed sentence on Norman Lee McCullough, 55, of McKees Rocks, PA.

In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that from June 2016 to May 4, 2017, McCullough conspired with two other individuals to defraud the Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services. McCullough, a United States Citizen, received money and entered into a sham marriage with a Nigerian citizen so that the Nigerian citizen could obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. McCullough also submitted false statements and documents to the Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), for conducting the investigation in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Susan Rings, 63, pleaded guilty to one felony count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Rings became a member of a money laundering conspiracy. Rings conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Rings knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, Rings and her co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds. The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled over $95,000, were the proceeds of wire fraud.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Rings on bond.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, PA - A resident of DuBois, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David James Girardi, 41, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, Girardi, formerly a physician at Brookville Hospital, admitted to committing health care fraud by submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark for six Oxycodone and Hydrocodone prescriptions that Girardi wrote for his wife, but which were in fact intended for his own use.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and Rachael L. Mamula are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of David James Girardi.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Frank Christian, 46, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about February 22, 2016, in the City of New Castle, Christian distributed approximately 90 grams of heroin to a confidential informant. Christian has a prior federal felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than thirty 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 and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Judge continued Christian’s detention.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christian.

PITTSBURGH – Daroy Murphy was sentenced to one year and three months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Murphy, 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also sentenced Murphy to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Murphy was on parole from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute heroin in 2016 when he conspired to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018.

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

The Jefferson Hills Police Department, the Pleasant Hills Police Department, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute alprazolam and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James Robert Czachowski, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, in April 2018, agents interdicted an international express parcel addressed to the defendant with a return address in the United Kingdom. Pursuant to extended border search authority, agents opened the package which contained 11,000 pills consistent with the size and shape of Xanax.

On April 11, 2018, United States Postal Inspectors made a controlled delivery of the parcel as addressed. The defendant’s father signed for the package. As the defendant’s father removed the package from the residence, but before he could deliver it to his son, agents stopped the defendant’s father, who stated that the package was to be delivered to his son at an address in Pittsburgh. The defendant contacted his father on the phone while his father was with the agents. The agents overheard the defendant ask his father whether he left yet and if everything was OK. Agents then went to the defendant’s residence.

The defendant admitted to investigators that he had purchased narcotics over the DarkNet for approximately one year. He admitted that he paid $4,200 for 10,000 Xanax bars and that he intended to sell them for $1.50 per bar. The defendant gave permission to search his residence and admitted to possessing a .22 revolver. A .380 9mm revolver, a Springfield XD 9mm and numerous rounds of ammunition were recovered, as well. As a result of a prior felony conviction, the defendant is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Czachowski.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Middle River, Maryland, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Harvey Leemore, age 43, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on numerous occasions between January of 2017 and July of 2017, Leemore and others traveled from Baltimore, Maryland to various retail dealerships in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia for the purpose of stealing utility terrain vehicles and lawn tractors from those retail dealerships. After stealing these items, Leemore and his co-conspirators took the items back to Maryland and sold them.

Judge Cercone scheduled the sentencing for July 23, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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 Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Cranberry Township Police, the Western PA Auto Theft Task Force, the Town of Orange Police Department (VA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harvey Leemore.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Columbus, Ohio pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sarah M. Wiley, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, beginning in and around September, 2014, and continuing until in and around October, 2017, Sarah M. Wiley, as an analyst for JPMorgan Chase Bank, accessed without authorization personal identifiers, including names and Social Security numbers of JPMorgan Chase account holders. She then shared the information with her father, Karl Edward Wiley, who was indicted earlier in 2018 on charges of conspiracy to produce counterfeit identification documents and checks. Some of the counterfeit checks were negotiated at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Karl Wiley is pending trial.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for July 25, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of seven years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sarah M. Wiley.

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

Mardeja Chapple, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Mardeja Chapple and her co-conspirators distributed 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in and around the area of the Greenway Projects.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, 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 Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

\PITTSBURGH -A former resident of McKeesport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Deondre Lee Purter, 24, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Purter possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine base. In addition, Purter, a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As a convicted felon, Purter is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison to a maximum of life, and a fine of up to $1,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – Steven White was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after several prior felony convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on White, age 29. White was also sentenced to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. In support of the sentence, the Court was informed that White unlawfully possessed a stolen pistol on June 15, 2016, while on state parole following five felony convictions and five prison sentences for drug trafficking and gun crimes. White was on parole at the time from a prior 3-6 year state prison sentence for heroin trafficking.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for obstruction of justice, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab sentenced Erika Romanowski, 41, to serve one day in prison, followed by six months (180 days) of home detention and three years of supervised release. Romanowski was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

In connection with her prior guilty plea, entered on November 14, 2018, Romanowski admitted that while employed as a clerk with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), she had access to sensitive law enforcement information, including information related to ongoing federal investigations with which ACSO assisted. Romanowski further admitted that, between in and around February 2018 and in and around April 2018, she disclosed non-public, sensitive law enforcement information to two personal associates, Jewell Hall and Joelle Hollis, in an effort to protect Hall from investigation and prosecution by federal authorities. The court was further advised that Hall and Hollis were targets of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation focused on the criminal activities of a drug trafficking organization—the Greenway Boy Killas (GBK)—which operated in the West End neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Romanowski further admitted that during the course of an interview with Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on June 20, 2018, she repeatedly lied about having disclosed non-public, sensitive law enforcement information to Hall and Hollis.

On June 12, 2018, Hall, Hollis, and 14 other defendants were charged in a four-count indictment, alleging various serious drug offenses. That case currently is pending before Judge Schwab.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Romanowski, with assistance from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, tax evasion, and willful failure to file income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Eugene Traficante, 44, pleaded guilty yesterday to four counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2006, Traficante was hired to perform billing and bookkeeping work for a business located in Steubenville, Ohio. As part of his duties, Traficante had access to a post office box where the business received payments from customers through the United States mail. In May 2006, Traficante opened a bank account at National City Bank and began depositing into the account checks that he removed from the company’s post office box without the knowledge or consent of the owner of the victim business. Traficante withdrew fraudulently obtained monies from the National City Bank account for his own personal benefit. Traficante stole and/or diverted approximately 168 checks totaling $345,552.59. Additionally, from around January 2011 through April 15, 2012, Traficante willfully attempted to evade income tax due and owing by him to the United States for the 2011 calendar year. Traficante also willfully failed to file income tax returns following the close of the 2012 and 2013 calendar years despite being required by law to do so.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the mail fraud offense, up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for tax evasion, and up to one year in prison and up to a $100,000 fine for each count of conviction of failure to file tax returns. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Internal Revenue Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Antoine Dean, Jr., 29, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Antoine Dean, Jr. and his co-conspirators distributed 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in and around the area of the Greenway Projects.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, 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 revoked the defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 years (216 months) in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Norman Blackwell, 43.

According to information presented to the court, from November 2015 to January 2016, Blackwell conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.

The indictments from August 2016 were the result of an investigation, which utilized Title III wiretap intercepts and other investigative techniques,  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.

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.

Assistant United States Attorneys Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTBURGH - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government funds and providing false documentation to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment returned on March 13, named Janile Fielding, 56, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from approximately June 2013 until approximately May 2017, Fielding converted for her own use housing assistance payments that were funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such payments were required to be used solely on mortgage payments. Additionally, in order to conceal her theft, Fielding provided multiple false documents to the United States in which she falsely represented how the stolen funds were used.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General 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. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment with six years of supervised release on his conviction of a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Stanley Church, age 47, of West Mifflin, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on March 17, 2017, Allegheny County Police detectives went to execute a search warrant on the person of Church and his vehicle. This search warrant was approved after investigators observed Church trafficking drugs out of this same vehicle. Investigators conducted a traffic stop on Church and then began to search his car. Inside Church’s car investigators found quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and Psilocyn mushrooms, drug packaging material, scales, and other paraphernalia. Church has previously been convicted of State and Federal narcotics offenses..

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted 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, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a term of eight years (96 months) in prison and three years of supervised release on one count of using interstate commerce facilities in connection with a murder for hire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence upon Brad Lanese, 52. Lanese was originally charged by complaint on December 8, 2017 and detained after his initial appearance and detention hearing.

The court was advised that Brad Lanese and two associates – identified as C.B and his wife, L.D. - ran a large marijuana grow operation in Northern California. When Lanese and L.D. began having difficulties, Lanese was asked to leave the property. Back in Pittsburgh, Lanese contacted a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Agency and asked that source to travel with him to Northern California in order to rob C.B. and L.D. of the profits from the marijuana grow operation.

On October 31, 2017, Lanese and the confidential source travelled to California. The next day, Lanese and the confidential source met with "Deeds", a DEA operative acting in an undercover capacity who was to provide firearms and logistical support for the robbery. Lanese told "Deeds" that he no longer wanted to rob C.B., but wanted "Deeds" to murder someone instead. Lanese then hired "Deeds" to kill L.D. by injecting L.D. with a fatal dose of heroin/fentanyl mix in the marijuana fields, and pushing L.D.’s body and car over the cliffs and into the Pacific Ocean. Lanese told "Deeds" that once L.D. was dead, he would be able to return to the marijuana grow operation and pay "Deeds" for the murder.

On November 14, 2017, back in Pittsburgh, Lanese confirmed to "Deeds" that he wanted L.D. to be murdered and agreed to pay $30,000 for the murder.

The Drug Enforcement Agency - Pittsburgh Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Pittsburgh Division, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency - Santa Rosa, California Division, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea and sentence in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California also assisted in the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal robbery, extortion, firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The six-count Indictment, returned on March 12, named Kevin Harris, 37, as the defendant. Harris was initially charged by criminal complaint on December 21, 2018. Prior to indictment, on March 11, 2019, a Magistrate Judge conducted a detention hearing on the charges listed in the complaint, and ordered Harris detained pending trial.

According to the Indictment, from in and around September 1, 2017 to September 18, 2018, Harris conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute marijuana. Also on September 18, 2018, Harris is charged with committing Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion, Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented in the complaint and at the detention hearing, the charges in the indictment relate to Harris’ attempt to extort an undercover FBI Task Force Officer as part of a kidnapping hoax.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years in prison up to life, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment 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, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, with a violation of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on March 12, named James Robert Snyder, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 15, 2019, Snyder illegally possessed a 5.45x39mm caliber semi-automatic Saiga rifle. Snyder was previously convicted of a felony drug offense on October 16, 2014, and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under 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.

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Bronx, New York has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment named Jared Devin Gomes, 39, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, between February 2018 and February 2019, Gomes conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed more than 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, 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 Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH -A resident of Penn Hills, PA, was sentenced in federal court to 120months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Angelo Everett, age 36.

According to information presented to the court, Angelo Everett was the leader of a drug trafficking organization distributing in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood. Everett was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that Everett and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute between 700 grams and one kilogram of heroin between January and September 2016.

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

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF programsupplies 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 Angelo Everett.

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

The one-count Indictment named Michael William Horvwalt, 32, formerly of Homestead, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 8, 2019, Horvwalt possessed a firearm and ammunition, despite his prior felony convictions.  Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

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

The United States Probation Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  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 information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The twelve-count indictment named Joshua Davis Loucks, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Loucks took sexually explicit photos and produced videos of a minor victim who was under the age of eighteen. He also received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 361 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 19, named Lancelot De Montsegur, aka Patrice Berthome, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, De Montsegur was 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 participated in a conspiracy designed to conceal from the credit card companies the fact that De Montsegur and his 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 web sites 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 Indictment in this case.

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

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

Mark Fisher, 40, pleaded guilty on March 6, 2019, to one count before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2016, Fisher conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack. During his plea colloquy, the defendant admitted that he obtained crack from a co-defendant on numerous occasions during the period of the conspiracy, and that on one occasion, he fled his vehicle, leaving five grams of crack on the floor, when law enforcement initiated a traffic stop.

With his guilty plea, the defendant is the last of nine co-defendants to admit guilt in connection with the Indictment returned on August 1, 2017.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2019, at 1 p.m. The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 and not more than 40 years, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and comprises members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced in federal court last week for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton sentenced Adolph Brown, 48, to serve 210 months (17.5 years) in prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Walton previously found the defendant guilty at the conclusion of a bench trial on July 9, 2018.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on March 2, 2015, the defendant traveled from Akron, Ohio, to Farrell, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of completing a sale of approximately 722 grams of cocaine. En route to Farrell, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Brown was traveling. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of the cocaine concealed inside a children’s car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Brown subsequently provided a voluntary statement, admitting that the cocaine was his and that he was on his way to sell the cocaine to a customer in Farrell.

At the time of the offense in this case, the defendant was awaiting sentencing in Summit County, Ohio, following his guilty plea to state heroin and cocaine trafficking charges.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Adolph Brown, with assistance from the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New York, NY, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jose Ortega, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around November 2016 through in and around February 2017, Ortega conspired with his codefendants, David Francis and William Rosario, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, which he transported from New York to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroeville Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Ingram Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monaca Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ortega.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Munhall, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Christopher Eric Carr, 46.

According to information presented to the court, from February through May of 2018, Carr, along with his co-defendant Ron Matthew Sharp, entered multiple apartment buildings in the Shadyside and North Oakland areas of Pittsburgh, and opened United States Postal Service packages or other mail items that were not addressed to them, stole packages, and stole items from within packages that had been left at authorized mail depositories. Defendants stole items from more than 40 victims, filling up trash bags, duffel bags, and backpacks with their loot. Defendants then provided items they had stolen from the mail, including gift cards, to others, who redeemed the gift cards at various locations, including Giant Eagle and GETGO. Defendants also re-sold, and instructed others to attempt to re-sell, items defendants had stolen from the mail.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Christopher Carr.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former City of Pittsburgh Police Officer and resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of making false statements to government agents, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Antoine Cain, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to government agents before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that during the course of a federal investigation pertaining to an armed bank robbery that occurred on January 8, 2018 at the Citizens Bank in Crafton, PA, federal agents interviewed Cain, who was at the time a 25-year veteran police officer for the City of Pittsburgh. Through the course of their investigation, federal agents learned that Mr. Cain had been involved in a seven-year, on-again, off-again, relationship with a woman identified as Melissa Kane. Federal investigators had identified Melissa Kane as the mother of the lead suspect in the Citizens Bank armed robbery, Brent Richards.

The court was further advised that federal agents interviewed Cain on July 27, 2018, and July 31, 2018, wherein he made false statements to government agents. Namely, Cain told federal agents during both of these interviews that he did not know the identity of the individual who had robbed the Citizens Bank, when in fact he did. On September 18, 2018, federal agents spoke once again with Cain and advised Cain that their investigation revealed additional information indicating that Cain knew who robbed the Citizens Bank.

Cain was asked once again if he had any information regarding the identity of the bank robber, to which Cain admitted, during this interview, that he did. During this interview Cain explained to law enforcement that Brent Richards, who Cain knew through his relationship with Melissa Kane, had committed the Citizens Bank armed robbery. Cain further admitted that Brent Richards told him that he had "hit" a bank, which Cain understood to mean that Brent Richards had committed a bank robbery, and Melissa Kane told him that Brent Richards had robbed the Citizens Bank, wearing a mask and using a bb gun and that Brent Richards had been covered up so law enforcement could not prove that it was Brent Richards who had robbed the bank.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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