Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – Nicole Wallace, 34, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and Edward Hooten, 42, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been charged in two separate but related indictments with conspiring to rob three area banks, armed bank robbery, attempted armed bank robbery, and aiding and abetting armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to the February 12, 2019 indictments, Wallace and Hooten, conspired to, and aided and abetted, the armed robbery of Huntington Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 17, 2018. Wallace is also charged with conspiring to, and aiding and abetting, the attempted armed robbery the First National Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2018, and the armed robbery of First National Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 29, 2018.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years for each aiding and abetting count, 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, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Lawrence County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Joshua L. Bable, 31, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, from April 4, 2016, through December 30, 2016, Bable received $13,013.47 in Railroad Retirement Board unemployment benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.

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

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

The United States Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, Office of 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 Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Rickee Dawkins, 52, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak on February 12, 2019.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Rickee Dawkins was the final remaining defendant identified in an investigation into the distribution of cocaine conducted by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF). The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI.

PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for six hours, a federal jury found Anthony Taylor guilty of five counts of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Taylor, 35, formerly of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Lee J. Karl, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from 2016 to August 30, 2017 Taylor participated in a conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, mainly in the Beaver Falls area. On August 3, 2017, Taylor sold fentanyl to a confidential informant. On August 30, 2017, agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, from the Beaver Falls Police Department, and law enforcement officers from other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Taylor’s home. During that search, law enforcement seized more than forty grams of fentanyl, approximately ten grams of cocaine, adulterants, packaging material, a digital scale, more than $10,000 in cash, and cellular telephones.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 140 years in prison, a fine of $13,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver Falls Police Department, the New Brighton Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Anthony Taylor.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Duquesne, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to fifteen 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 Ron Matthew Sharp, 42.

According to information presented to the court, from February through May of 2018, Sharp, along with his co-defendant Christopher Carr, 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. Christopher Carr is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2019.

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 Ron Matthew Sharp.

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

Ekeyma E. Harris, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Harris, on November 21, 2018, obtained a U.S. Postal Express envelope and its contents, addressed to James Holliday at an address on Imogene Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, by signing a fictitious name on a Postal Service Domestic Return Receipt, knowing that no individual by the name of James Holliday resided at the Imogene Road address.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2019, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Harris remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving guns and drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

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

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

The second incident started when Rice told his former girlfriend that he had recently been shot at and that she needed to buy a gun for her own protection. Rice quickly obtained possession of that gun. On October 31, 2015, Edgewood Police officers stopped the vehicle Rice was driving and noticed a spent casing on the dashboard and a black pistol in the car. Rice fled in the vehicle and was a wanted fugitive until his December 18, 2015 arrest. Recorded jail calls include Rice telling others to make sure that an acquaintance puts the gun in his safe. On March 17, 2016, the acquaintance’s residence was searched by Pennsylvania State Parole Agents who located Rice’s gun in the acquaintance’s safe. The acquaintance is also pending federal charges.

Rice had a prior Allegheny County felony conviction in 2014 for carrying a firearm without a license. This conviction made it illegal for Rice to subsequently possess a firearm or ammunition, under federal law.

Finally, Rice was being housed in the Butler County Jail while his cases came to court. On July 10, 2018, the Deputy Warden arranged to have Rice’s cell searched and drug-soaked paper was located. The lab determined that the paper contained a substance called 5 Flouro ADB, a type of synthetic marijuana. In Court, Rice admitted to possessing this drug to provide to other inmates.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain incarcerated.

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

The ATF conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rice with the valuable cooperation of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Edgewood Police Department and the Butler County Jail.

This case is 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.

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

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Tony Charles Eppolito, 32.

According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 6, 2017, Eppolito distributed a quantity of heroin.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of structuring transactions to evade currency transaction reporting requirements, and was sentenced in federal court to time served, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Ashani Ishmael Levy, 22, a Jamaican national who had been detained since his arrest on November 21, 2018. According to the information presented to the court, from July 17, 2018 to November 14, 2018, Levy possessed in excess of $10,000 in United States currency, and transferred the funds through 23 separate wire transactions at Western Union and MoneyGram, each in an amount of less than $1,000, in order to prevent the financial institutions from filing a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government, as required. The wire transfers totaled $14,955.

Levy will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who lodged a detainer at the time of his arrest because he had overstayed his tourist visa.

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

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

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

The three-count Indictment named Terrance Shawn Elmore, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Elmore was in possession of firearms while having been previously convicted of felonies, was in possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, and a mixture of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

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

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

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment, returned on February 5 and unsealed today, named Adam Hosie, 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on July 12, 2018, Hosie possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $250,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, and the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Plum Township, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of three years and four months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Matthew Gallo, 35. 

According to information presented to the court, on December 4, 2017, an individual, later identified as the Defendant, robbed the First National Bank in the Mt. Washington section of the City of Pittsburgh. He fled the bank with $730.00 before authorities could apprehend him. Surveillance photos from the robbery were shown on the local news. FBI received two separate tips identifying Matthew Gallo as the individual responsible for the bank robbery. On January 10, 2018, Allegheny County Sheriff’s personnel arrested Gallo on an unrelated matter. Gallo later confessed to committing the bank robbery. Gallo was also shown a surveillance photograph of the bank robber and signed the back of a photograph identifying himself as the robber.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case through Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Deshaun A. McGeorge, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

According to the indictment, McGeorge and others agreed to defraud Pittsburgh area banks by depositing counterfeit checks by remote mobile deposit, and then making a series of withdrawals against funds credited from the deposited checks.

Judge Cercone scheduled the sentence for sentencing for June 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci and Shanicka L. Kennedy are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $4,845.24 in restitution on her conviction of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Terri C. Brown, 53, of Morrow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.

According to information presented to the court, Brown owned and operated Cherry Way, a Suboxone clinic, located in Bridgeville, PA. Her co-defendant,Mark Foster was the medical director at Cherry Way. Brown and Foster conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to Brown and to other persons. Brown also plead guilty to a charge of health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark through Cherry Way, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 9 months’ imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal tax and social security fraud laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Robert Alan Seth, Sr., 58.

According to information presented to the court, Seth filed a false U.S. individual income tax return for the 2013 tax year by failing to report income from his general contracting business, RAS & Sons. As part of his guilty plea, Seth accepted responsibility for filing a false individual tax return for the 2012 tax year. Seth also accepted responsibility for failing to file personal income tax returns for 2008 through 2011 and 2013, as well as corporate income tax returns for 2008 through 2014 for RAS & Sons. As part of his sentence, Seth was ordered to pay restitution for back taxes of $173,390.00, plus interest, to the Internal Revenue Service.

Additionally, between January 2009 and July 2017, Seth fraudulently collected Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for himself and his minor child totaling $248,145.90, by failing to report his employment activity as the owner and operator of RAS & Sons general contracting business. As part of his sentence, Seth was ordered to pay restitution of $248,145.90 to the Social Security Administration.

"Robert Seth committed an elaborate double fraud on the government," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "By stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Social Security Administration and failing to report significant income from a variety of businesses, Seth was in effect stealing from the hard-working, honest taxpayers of western Pennsylvania. My office is committed to prosecuting criminals like Seth to the fullest extent of the law."

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Seth.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Beaver County resident has been charged in a Superseding Indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The eight-count Superseding Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Rickee Dawkins, 52, of Aliquippa, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from July 2016 to July 2017, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Dawkins conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. In addition, on various dates during the course of the conspiracy, Dawkins distributed and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine.

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

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH -A Pittsburgh-area gang member has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tre Goins, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Goins was a member of the "TRAPPLE" street gang in the East End area of the City of Pittsburgh. On June 23, 2017, a 17-year-old boy was shot to death near a residence on Apple Avenue, the headquarters of the gang. Goins was observed by police leaving the alley behind this residence with an object tucked to his waist. That item was discovered to be the murder weapon used by another gang member during the killing. Since the defendant had two prior convictions for gun offenses in state court, he was also prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon heard testimony from the mother of the deceased victim as she described what his death meant to her and the family. Based in part upon a sentencing guideline range of 24 to 30 months, Judge Bissoon determined that 24 months of incarceration, a $10,000 fine, and supervision by the United States Probation Office for the maximum period of three years after his release from federal prison, was the sentence that was sufficient but not more than necessary in this matter. The Judge ordered that her sentence run concurrent with any future sentence imposed by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole as a result of committing the federal gun offense while on state parole for two prior gun convictions.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, of the Major Crimes and Violent Crimes Sections of the United States Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Goins.

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

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against defendants Ranier’s Rx Laboratory Inc., doing business as Ranier’s Compounding Laboratory, and Francis H. Ranier, its owner.  The injunction permanently enjoins the defendants from doing any act that causes a drug to become adulterated based on insanitary conditions while such drug is held for sale after shipment of one or more of its components in interstate commerce, the Department of Justice announced today.

The entered permanent injunction stems from a complaint the Department filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Western Pennsylvania on Feb. 1, 2019, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The complaint alleged that defendants violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by causing articles of drug to become adulterated.  The complaint alleged that defendants’ drugs were adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or may have been rendered injurious to health.

“The Department of Justice aggressively pursues legal measures to help ensure that compounded drugs intended to be sterile are made under appropriate conditions and thereby to minimize risk to consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division.  “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the FDA to make sure that consumers can rely on the protections in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.” 

Defendants agreed to settle the complaint and be bound by a consent decree for permanent injunction.  As part of the settlement, defendants represented that they are not engaged in manufacturing, holding, and/or distributing any sterile drugs manufactured at their facility.  As part of the permanent injunction, if defendants intend to resume manufacturing, holding, and/or distributing any sterile drugs manufactured at their facility, they must comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction.  The measures include, among other things, retaining an independent person to assist with remedial efforts, submitting a work plan to FDA, and providing a certification from the independent expert that defendants have undertaken corrective actions to ensure that defendants’ facility, equipment, processes, and procedures are adequate to prevent defendants’ drugs from becoming adulterated based on insanitary conditions.   

FDA conducted an inspection of defendants’ facility in May 2018.  According to the complaint, FDA observed numerous insanitary conditions, including insanitary employee practices, poor aseptic technique, failure to ensure adequate air quality in the cleanroom, and inadequate environmental and personnel monitoring.  Following the May 2018 inspection, defendants conducted a recall of all sterile drugs within expiry. 

“We continue to see concerning activity when it comes to some compounded drugs, including problems related to the conditions under which compounded sterile medicines are made, which can raise significant risks to patients. This is an area of intense focus for the FDA. We’re committed to making sure that compounded drugs are made under appropriate production standards and, when necessary, taking enforcement actions against compounders who fail to produce sterile drugs in compliance with the law,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “Despite our warning, Ranier’s and its owner placed patients at risk by compounding purportedly sterile drug products under insanitary conditions. The FDA will continue to pursue enforcement action against companies and owners who place American consumers at risk.”

Trial Attorney Jocelyn Hines of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael Mamula of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania represented the United States, along with the assistance of Senior Counsel Julie Lovas of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel’s Food and Drug Division.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A suspended nurse practitioner has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of dispensing and distributing controlled substances and conspiring to distribute and dispense controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 294-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Larry J. Goisse, Jr. 34, as the sole defendant.

According to information previously provided to the court, Goisse is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner who owns and operates Prime Psychiatric Care, LLC, which has two offices in Pittsburgh. In July of 2018, Goisse’s Pennsylvania state medical licenses were revoked by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, meaning he does not have the legal authority to authorize prescriptions for controlled substances. The indictment alleges that on 294 occasions, Goisse prescribed Adderall after his nursing licenses had been suspended.

"In addition to being illegal, prescribing controlled substances without a license raises all kinds of red flags," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We moved quickly to ensure the safety of the public but our investigation of this matter continues."

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

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. - The owner and operator of SKS Associates, Inc. (SKS) has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, using or maintaining a drug involved premises, conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Stephen K. Shaner, 69, of Bulger, PA.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Shaner owns and operates SKS, a clinic that provides Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) to opioid dependent individuals with a location at 2001 Bedford Street in Johnstown, PA. The indictment alleges that Shaner conspired with Dr. Michael Cash and Dr. Ruth Jones to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances. Shaner is also charged with conspiring with Drs. Cash and Jones to commit health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine. In addition, Shaner is charged with using or maintaining a drug involved premises between May 2012 and April 2018 for the dispensing of the drugs. Finally the indictment alleges that Shaner used the proceeds of the unlawful drug activity to pay for personal obligations in violation of the money laundering statutes. Dr. Michael Cash and Dr. Ruth Jones have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

"We have made significant progress in combatting the opioid epidemic in the Western District of Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Overdose deaths are down overall in our District. But our work has not ended. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who prey on people with opioid addiction."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New York City has been sentenced in federal court to 2½ years’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on William Rosario, 25, of New York, NY.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around November 2016 through in and around February 2017, Rosario conspired with his codefendants, David Francis and Jose Ortega, 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.

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

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroeville Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Ingram Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monaca Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rosario.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 27 defendants, many of whom are serving federal prison sentences or were recently released from federal prison sentences, with committing drug trafficking and money laundering crimes and with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 8-count Indictment, returned on January 18, 2019, charges 25 defendants with conspiring from January 2017 to January 2019 to distribute large volumes of drugs, including 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, fentanyl and a fentanyl analog, oxycodone, synthetic cannabinoids, and buprenorphine, commonly known as SubOxone.

The 25 defendants charged in Count 1 are Noah Landfried (age 34 of Moon Township), Mario Allen (age 40 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Larry Benavides (age 43 at the Clinton County Jail in Pennsylvania), Dashawn Burley (age 20 of Monroeville), Michel Cercone (age 45 of Sewickley), Ahmad Fletcher (age 26 at FCI-Gilmer in West Virginia), Michael S. Frawley (age 47 of Pittsburgh), Christopher Gahagan (age 35 of Ambridge), Richard Georgelos (age 34 of Santa Cruz, Arizona), Nicholas Giammichele (age 34 at FCI-Danbury in Connecticut), Robert Korbe (age 49 at FCI-Loretto in Pennsylvania), Ross Landfried (age 37 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Sterling Marshall (age 24 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Darren Martin (age 30 of Aliquippa), Harold Novick (age 38 of Ambridge), Paul Nuara (age 51 of Erie), Omari Patton (age 39 at FCI-Fort Dix in New Jersey), James Perry (age 52 of Ambridge), John Ramsey (age 47 at FCI-Ray Brook in New York), Donnell Steward (age 49 at FCI-Otisville in New York), Quoc Boa Trinh (age 39 at FCI-Otisville in New York), Terrell Williams (age 39 of Pitcairn), Richard Wood (age 39 of Pittsburgh), Shayla Yates (age 38 of Dinwiddie, Virginia), and Krystian Zarate (age 27 of Santa Cruz, Arizona).

"Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors, we have dismantled one of the largest prison drug smuggling rings in the country," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This drug trafficking organization, which consists largely of repeat offenders, peddled dangerous drugs in prisons and in our communities. If this type of conduct doesn’t demonstrate the need for tougher drug sentences, I don’t know what does."

As part of the drug trafficking scheme, narcotics were smuggled into federal prisons facilities by saturating paper (including into printed court opinions and greeting cards) and mailing the paper to inmates. The prisoners paid for the drugs through an elaborate money laundering scheme involving the inmates’ financial accounts at the prison. The indictment seeks forfeiture of those accounts, among other things. The Indictment charges 9 defendants with conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds from January 2017 to January 2019. The nine defendants charged in Count 2 are Noah Landfried, Allen, Benavides, Cercone, Fletcher, Ross Landfried, Marshall, Perry, and Yates.

The Indictment charges Angelo Williams (age 33 of FCI-Cumberland in Maryland) and Priyanka Kumar (age 32 of Potomac, Maryland) in Count 3 with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering from January 2017 to January 2019.

Counts 4, 6, and 7 of the Indictment charge Gahagan with distributing cocaine in September 2017, January 2018, and April 2018. Count 5 charges Benavides with possessing a fentanyl analog and synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute in November 2017. Count 8 charges Noah Landfried with distributing heroin in June 2018.

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

The law provides for minimum and maximum sentences for the counts in the Indictment ranging from at least 10 years to up to life in prison for Count 1, up to 20 years for Count 2, up to 5 years for Count 3, and up to 30 years for each of Counts 4 through 8. Fines ranging from $250,000 to up to $20,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and eight months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marcaius Butler, Jr., age 20.

According to the information presented to the court, on March 21, 2017, Butler possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and also possessed a Ruger pistol in furtherance of that crime.

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

The United States Attorney commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marcaius Butler, Jr.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation and ordered to pay $9,570.00 in restitution on her conviction of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Seleste M. Foster, 25, of Clairton, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Foster conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50, and $20 Federal Reserve Notes throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania..

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Larry J. Goisse, Jr., 34, of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to the federal criminal complaint filed in this case, Goisse is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner who owns and operates Prime Psychiatric Care, LLC, which has two offices in Pittsburgh. The complaint alleges that after Goisse’s Pennsylvania state medical licenses were revoked by the Commonwealth in July of 2018, Goisse continued to practice medicine and prescribe controlled substances to various individuals. Specifically, the complaint alleges that from September 11, 2018 through January 28, 2019, Goisse authorized 429 prescriptions for Schedule II and/or Schedule IV controlled substances to individuals, and that approximately 294 of those prescriptions, totaling 13,177 tablets, were for Schedule II drugs containing amphetamine. Because Goisse does not maintain a valid state medical license, he does not have the legal authority to authorize prescriptions for controlled substances.

Goisse was arrested today and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court on Friday, February 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.

The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of conspiracy to launder money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James Nelson, 31, of Wellsville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2015 to February 2016, Nelson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, 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.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nelson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Westmoreland County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal mail fraud and identity theft laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count indictment charged Jennifer Lynne Clark a/k/a Jennifer Gill, age 41, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania and now residing in Clearwater, Florida, with two counts of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

The indictment charges that, from in and around April 2017 to in and around January 2018, Clark defrauded her employer by preparing falsified timesheets indicating that another person, A.G., had worked on particular projects. When paychecks for A.G. reflecting the false timesheets were mailed to Clark’s employer, Clark obtained the paychecks and deposited them herself, sometimes by endorsing A.G.’s name. The superseding indictment states that this scheme caused an additional loss of approximately $32,528.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 44 years in prison, a fine of either $1,000,000 or an alternative amount depending on the victims’ losses, 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 Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Adam N. Hallowell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in federal prison on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The sentence is to run concurrent to the sentence he is currently serving from York County, South Carolina.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Rafael Vazquez Valentin, 38.

According to information presented to the court, Valentin and two co-defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of cocaine.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended 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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Valentin.

PITTSBURGH – Un gran jurado federal del Tribunal Federal de Distrito para el Distrito Occidental de Pensilvania acusó a un hombre de Pensilvania de delitos de odio adicionales y de delitos relacionados con armas de fuego por su conducta durante el tiroteo del 27 de octubre del 2018 en la Sinagoga Tree of Life en Pittsburgh, Pensilvania, anunció hoy el Fiscal Federal Scott W. Brady.

Robert Bowers, de 46 años, vecino de Baldwin, Pensilvania, fue acusado de 63 delitos en la acusación formal sustitutiva emitida hoy. La acusación formal original, presentada el 31 de octubre del 2018, acusó a Bowers de 44 delitos. La acusación formal sustitutiva añade 13 vulneraciones de la ley de Prevención de Delitos de Odio de Matthew Shepard y James Byrd, Jr. así como los delitos correspondientes por la descarga de un arma de fuego durante esos delitos violentos. En concreto, la acusación formal sustitutiva alega que Bowers causó de modo intencional daños corporales a once víctimas y a dos supervivientes por motivos de su religión real y percibida.

Según la acusación formal sustitutiva, el 27 de octubre del 2018, Bowers manejó a la sinagoga Tree of Life en Pittsburgh, Pensilvania, donde miembros de las congregaciones de Tree of Life, Dor Hadash y New Jewish Light se habían juntado para rezar. Bowers entró en el edificio armado de varias armas de fuego, incluyendo tres pistolas Glock .357 y un rifle Colt AR-15. Estando ya dentro de la sinagoga Tree of Life, Bowers abrió fuego y mató y lesionó a miembros de las tres congregaciones. También lesionó a varios policías que respondieron a la escena durante su intento de rescatar a las víctimas supervivientes.

Más aún, la acusación formal sustitutiva alega que el 10 de octubre del 2018, Bowers colgó una serie de declaraciones en la página web bag.com que criticaban a la Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (Sociedad Hebrea para Asistencia a Inmigrantes, HIAS, por sus siglas en inglés) y congregaciones afiliadas por organizar eventos relacionados con refugiados. La lista de congregaciones incluía la congregación judía Dor Hadash de Pittsburgh. Antes de entrar en la sinagoga Tree of Life el 27 de octubre del 2018, Bowers colgó lo siguiente en el sitio web gab.com: «A HIAS le gusta traer a invasores que asesinan a nuestra gente. No puedo quedarme con los brazos cruzados mientras matan a mi gente. A la mierda sus puntos de vista, yo voy a entrar». Según la acusación formal sustitutiva, estando ya dentro de la sinagoga Tree of Life, Bowers hizo declaraciones que indicaron su deseo a «matar a judíos».

En concreto, la acusación formal sustitutiva acusa de lo siguiente:

• Once delitos de obstrucción al libre ejercicio de creencias religiosas, resultante en muerte;
• Once delitos de odio resultante en muerte;
• Dos delitos de obstrucción al libre ejercicio de creencias religiosas que conllevan un intento de asesinato y el uso de un arma peligrosa resultante en lesiones corporales;
• Dos delitos de odio que conllevan un intento de asesinato;
• Ocho delitos de obstrucción al libre ejercicio de creencias religiosas que conllevan un intento de asesinato y el uso de un arma peligrosa, lo que resultó en la lesión corporal de agentes del orden público;
• Cuatro delitos de obstrucción del libre ejercicio de creencias religiosas que conllevan el uso de un arma peligrosa, resultante en la lesión corporal de agentes del orden público;
• Veinticinco delitos de descarga de un arma de fuego durante estos delitos violentos.

Entre las víctimas en la sinagoga Tree of Life están los 11 devotos que fueron asesinados, los dos congregantes que sufrieron lesiones graves a manos de Bowers y los doce congregantes que lograron escapar ilesos. Además, las víctimas incluyen cinco agentes de policía que respondieron a la escena y quienes fueron lesionados en su intento de rescatar a las víctimas supervivientes y de detener a Bowers.

Los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Troy Rivetti y Soo C. Song, juntos con Julia Gegenheimer, una Abogada de Litigios del Departamento de Justicia, están enjuiciando este caso por parte del Gobierno.

El Fiscal Federal Brady elogió el trabajo del Buró Federal de Investigaciones, la Policía de Pittsburgh y la Policía del Condado de Allegheny, que llevaron a cabo la investigación que llevó a la acusación formal sustitutiva en este caso. Brady también reconoció y dio las gracias a decenas de agentes de la policía local, estatal y federal que ayudaron en la investigación.

El acusado se enfrenta a una máxima condena posible de cadena perpetua seguida de una condena a 250 años de cárcel. Más aún, 22 de los delitos contenidos en la acusación formal sustitutiva son elegibles para la pena de muerte. Si el Fiscal General de los Estados Unidos determina que las circunstancias de los delitos son tales que justificarían la pena de muerte, la ley requiere que se notifique al tribunal de lo mismo de manera oportuna antes del juicio.

Una acusación formal sustitutiva es una acusación formal de conducta y no representa una prueba de culpabilidad. Al acusado se lo considera inocente mientras no se pruebe su culpabilidad.

Enlace a la acusación formal sustitutiva de Robert Bowers del Distrito Occidental de Pensilvania

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with additional federal hate crimes and firearms offenses for his conduct during the October 27, 2018 shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pennsylvania, was charged in a 63-count Superseding Indictment returned today.  The original Indictment filed on October 31, 2018 charged Bowers with 44 counts.  The Superseding Indictment adds 13 violations of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as corresponding counts for discharging a firearm during those crimes of violence.  The Superseding Indictment specifically alleges that Bowers willfully caused bodily injury to 11 deceased and 2 surviving victims because of their actual and perceived religion. 

According to the Superseding Indictment, on October 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship.  Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle.  While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on October 10, 2018, Bowers posted statements on the website gab.com that were critical of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and affiliated congregations hosting refugee-related events.  That list of congregations included the Dor Hadash Jewish congregation of Pittsburgh.  Before entering the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018, Bowers posted the following on the website gab.com: “HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people.  I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered.  Screw your optics, I’m going in.”  According to the Superseding Indictment, while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”

Specifically, the Superseding Indictment charges:

• Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; 
• Eleven counts of hate crimes resulting in death;
• Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
• Two counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill;
• Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;  
• Four counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;
• Twenty-five counts of discharge of a firearm during these crimes of violence.

The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, 2 congregants who were critically injured by Bowers and 12 congregants who escaped unharmed.  Additionally, the victims include 5 responding police officers who were injured while attempting to rescue surviving victims and apprehend Bowers.

Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with DOJ Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police, which conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.  Brady also recognized and thanked the dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement officers who assisted in the investigation. 

The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 250 years’ imprisonment. Further, twenty-two counts in the Superseding Indictment are capital-eligible offenses.  Should the Attorney General of the United States determine that the circumstances of the offenses are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial. 

A Superseding Indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Link to WDPA Robert Bowers Superseding Indictment

A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with additional federal hate crimes and firearms offenses for his conduct during the Oct. 27, 2018, shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones made the announcement.

Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was charged in a 63-count superseding indictment returned today. The original indictment filed on Oct. 31, 2018, charged Bowers with 44 counts. The Superseding Indictment adds 13 violations of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as corresponding counts for discharging a firearm during those crimes of violence.  The Superseding Indictment specifically alleges that Bowers willfully caused bodily injury to 11 deceased and two surviving victims because of their actual and perceived religion. 

According to the Superseding Indictment, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on Oct. 10, 2018, Bowers posted statements on the website gab.com that were critical of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and affiliated congregations hosting refugee-related events. That list of congregations included the Dor Hadash Jewish congregation of Pittsburgh. In addition, a statement on his profile expressed the belief that “jews are the children of satan,” and other posts referred to Jewish people using anti-Semitic slurs.  Before entering the Tree of Life Synagogue on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers posted the following on the website gab.com: “HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.”  According to the Superseding Indictment, while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”

Specifically, the Superseding Indictment charges:

• Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
• Eleven counts of hate crimes resulting in death;
• Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
• Two counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill;
• Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;
• Four counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;
• Twenty-five counts of discharge of a firearm during these crimes of violence.

The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, two congregants who were critically injured by Bowers and 12 congregants who escaped unharmed. Additionally, the victims include five responding public safety officers who were injured while attempting to rescue surviving victims and apprehend Bowers.

Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with Department of Justice Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI, with the valuable assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police, conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case. Dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement officers also assisted in the investigation. 

Twenty-two counts in the Superseding Indictment are capital-eligible offenses. Should the Attorney General of the United States determine that the circumstances of the offenses are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial. The defendant further faces a maximum possible penalty of life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 250 years’ imprisonment.

A Superseding Indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to five thefts of specialized mine equipment that occurred in Indiana and Armstrong Counties, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment names Eudell Delano Dickerson Jr., 43, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from February 2017 to January 2018, Dickerson unlawfully conspired to and did transport, transmit and transfer in interstate commerce goods that were stolen, that is, specialized mining equipment/components, with a value of $5,000 or more from mining companies located in the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Western District of Virginia to the State of West Virginia, where Dickerson is alleged to have sold the stolen mining equipment/components.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

Ryan Grasha, 24, 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 January 31, 2018, Grasha possessed approximately 250 images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years. Grasha obtained and distributed the sexually exploitive images over the Internet, using the "Omegle" and "Kik" peer-to-peer networks.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Grasha remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A Florida resident has been sentenced in federal court to nine years in prison followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of carfentanil, as well as distribution of quantities of methamphetamine, carfentanil, and ecstasy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Robert M. Gilner, aka Gman19635, 30, of St. Petersburg, Fla.

According to information presented to the court, Gilner conspired with others, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of carfentanil. Additionally, on March 10, 2017, Gilner distributed a quantity of methamphetamine and, on March 22, 2017, he distributed a quantity of carfentanil and a quantity of ecstasy to the Western District of Pennsylvania..

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilner.

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

David McAnally, 63, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that McAnally unlawfully possessed, on September 4, 2015, in excess of 500,000 still images and videos in computer graphics files depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom were under the age of 12. McAnally received and distributed the images through Bit Torrent, a peer-to-peer Internet file-sharing network.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. McAnally remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McAnally.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2½ years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Brandon Mlinac, 27. According to information presented to the court, the White Oak Police responded to a 911 call on January 6, 2018, requesting assistance removing Mlinac from his then-girlfriend’s residence. The caller reported that Mlinac was high on crystal meth and informed law enforcement that Mlinac had a firearm stored under the mattress in the bedroom. When officers arrived at the residence, they recovered an unregistered New England Firearms 20 gauge sawed-off shotgun, with an obliterated serial number, and a Remington 20 gauge shell. They also observed drug paraphernalia. Officers were advised that Mlinac had possessed the firearm at the residence on or about January 2, 2018. Mlinac was prohibited from possessing a firearm at that time due to an outstanding protection from abuse order entered against him on December 12, 2017.

The court was further advised that on December 9, 2017, Mlinac was subject to a traffic stop and a Savage Arms 17 caliber rifle was found in the backseat of his car. A hospital blood test following the traffic stop confirmed that Mlinac was unlawfully using methamphetamine at the time of the traffic stop. Federal law prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances and those addicted to controlled substances from possessing firearms.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Vincent L. Ruchlewicz, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Mar. 1, 2018, he was found in possession of numerous firearms. On Feb. 28, 2011, Ruchlewicz had been convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory sentence of at least 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.

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

The United States Probation Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ruchlewicz.

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.

Balon Kenney, age 25, 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, Balon Kennedy conspired to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2019 at 10 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 Balon Kennedy.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of McKees Rocks, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal robbery laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Cleo Kevin McLee, 33, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 8, 2016, Cleo Kevin McLee robbed the First Niagara Bank on Wabash Street in Pittsburgh, PA of $2,050.00. McLee also robbed the First Niagara Bank on Sixth Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA of $600.00 on August 15, 2016; the Dollar Bank on Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, PA of $800.00 on August 16, 2016; and the Dollar Bank on Walsh Road in Crafton, PA of $900.00 on August 22, 2016. McLee then attempted to rob the First Niagara Bank on Murray Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA on August 25, 2016..

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Crafton Borough Police Department, and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McLee.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of McKees Rocks, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal robbery laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Cleo Kevin McLee, 33, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 8, 2016, Cleo Kevin McLee robbed the First Niagara Bank on Wabash Street in Pittsburgh, PA of $2,050.00. McLee also robbed the First Niagara Bank on Sixth Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA of $600.00 on August 15, 2016; the Dollar Bank on Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, PA of $800.00 on August 16, 2016; and the Dollar Bank on Walsh Road in Crafton, PA of $900.00 on August 22, 2016. McLee then attempted to rob the First Niagara Bank on Murray Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA on August 25, 2016..

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Crafton Borough Police Department, and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McLee.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court to six years’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release on his conviction of violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about September 22, 2017 to on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of benzyl fentanyl.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady also commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Ambridge Police Department, New Brighton Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Aliquippa Police Department, Moon Township Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Matthew A. Switzer, 33, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 9, 2018, Switzer persuaded, induced, and coerced a four-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing May 30, 2019, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years or more than 30 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. Switzer remains under detention pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Switzer.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has 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 Indictment names Jasmine Parrish, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Parrish conspired to and did commit bank robbery and armed bank robbery at four different PNC locations from June 23, 2018, to November 21, 2018. The PNC banks were located at 452 Clairton Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA; 9805 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA; 206 Rodi Road, Pittsburgh, PA; and 4761 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. A total of $97,004.00 was taken from the banks during these bank robberies.

As to the June 23, 2018, and September 6, 2018, armed bank robberies, 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 the October 18, 2018, and November 21, 2018, bank robberies, 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 Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Indictment names Vaughn Carter, 55, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on November 1, 2018, Carter robbed the First National Bank, located at 1114 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Hadley, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to two bank robberies that occurred in the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment names Daryle Devlin, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 20, 2018, Devlin robbed the Farmers National Bank, located at 1812 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The Indictment further alleges that on October 26, 2018, Devlin robbed the same Farmers National Bank. Devlin is alleged to have brandished a firearm in the commission of the October 26, 2018 robbery. A total of $4,554.15 was taken from the bank during these bank robberies.

As to the October 20, 2018 bank robbery, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. As to the October 26, 2018 armed bank robbery, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Additionally, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than seven years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both, for the firearms 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 and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Octavio Rodriguez Shipman, 52, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, in or around April 2018, Shipman unlawfully possessed a 9 millimeter caliber semi-automatic Canik pistol. The Indictment also alleged that the defendant has been convicted of eight offenses in five different cases between 1992 and 2002. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

For Shipman’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Mitchell Thompson, age 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on August 30, 2018, Thompson unlawfully possessed a Glock 9 millimeter pistol, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include one conviction for a firearms violation and one conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten 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 Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation on her conviction of conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Dana McDougald, 33.

According to information presented to the court at the earlier guilty plea proceeding, between March and June 2017, McDougald, at the direction of her codefendant, Elliot Page, packaged, stamped and stored bags of fentanyl for further distribution at her residence. At the time of the imposition of sentence, the court stated that a sentence below the advisory guideline range was appropriate given McDougald’s lack of criminal history, her long-standing dedication to full-time employment, and her challenging childhood, that included periods in foster care.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Cherry Tree, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison and five years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Robert Neal Fiasco, 41.

According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 21, 2015, Fiasco distributed a quantity of heroin.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of heroin dealing and firearm possession, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Bobby Leon Cook, aka "Bobby L," or "Shorty," age 30, formerly of New Brighton, PA, and originally from Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to two felony counts before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Cook was selling heroin from a Washington County hotel room and set up surveillance. DEA Task Force Officer Charles Tenny, a Detective Sergeant with the Canonsburg Police Department, made an undercover call to Cook, who agreed to sell him a "brick" of 50 stamp bags for $350.00. Police stopped the defendant in a vehicle after Cook left the hotel and he was arrested on a warrant for violating his Pennsylvania state parole. Police found Cook’s heroin in the car, confirming the recorded calls with TFO Tenny. The hotel room was searched and law enforcement officers located three handguns, ammunition, and the ID card of Cook. Since Cook had two prior convictions for Robbery in Washington County and a separate gun conviction in Allegheny County, he was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm or ammunition. A search warrant for Cook’s cellphone revealed evidence which included pictures of the guns located in the hotel room. The government also seized and forfeited the $3,293 in cash possessed by Cook.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Since the court ordered that he remain in jail pending his sentencing, Cook was remanded to the custody of Deputy United States Marshals.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, a veteran prosecutor in the Major Crimes Section, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The DEA conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cook, with valuable assistance from the Canonsburg Police Department, the City of Washington Police Department, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.