Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment named Leon E. Szewczyk, 34, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on April 6, 2018, Szewczyk possessed with the intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and a quantity of fentanyl. Also, on April 6, 2018, he was found in possession of a loaded Raven ArmsModel MP25, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Ruger, Model LCP, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. On Nov. 2, 2010, Szewczyk was convicted in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, of drug trafficking, 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.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 70 years in prison and a fine of $6,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment named Dilpreet Singh, 33.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on July 14, 2017, Singh possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and 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 Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Rodriguez-Melendez.

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

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

The two-count indictment named Mark Anthony Prindle, 24, 1534 Taki Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

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

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Millcreek 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Blair County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment named Delores Ann Clouser, 68, of Altoona, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from May 1, 2015, to March 1, 2017, Clouser did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $16,865, which represents approximately 23 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to her as representative payee for her son, to which she 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Koppel, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced by a federal district court judge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to one year and a day in prison on charges of Criminal Conspiracy to Impede the Lawful Functions of the Internal Revenue Service in Ascertaining and Collecting Taxes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Neal Prence, 62, entered a plea of guilty on September 28, 2016, to Count 6 (Criminal Conspiracy) of an Indictment that was returned by a grand jury against Prence and co-defendant Nicholas Trombetta in August of 2013. In his plea, Prence acknowledged that his actions had played a part in causing a tax loss to the Federal Government that Judge Conti found was $437,632.

According to the particular charges set forth in Count 6 of the Indictment, Prence, a certified public accountant, was instrumental in aiding the former head of the PA Cyber Charter School, Trombetta, in funneling approximately $8,000,000 from PA Cyber through an entity then known as NNDS and finally to a company called Avanti Management Group, where Trombetta had free access to the funds. Among the matters charged in Count 6 that were attributed to Prence were the filing of tax returns that attributed Trombetta’s income to the four straw owners of Avanti, the filing of false tax returns by Trombetta’s sister, Elaine Trombetta Neill, and the filing of false tax returns on behalf of Trombetta. All of this was done to disguise income that should have been reported by Trombetta, but was shifted to other persons or entities.

At the sentencing proceeding, Chief U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti also imposed a three-year term of supervised release on Prence and ordered him to pay $50,000 in restitution to the IRS.  Judge Conti stated that, "As a CPA, Prence knew what he was doing was illegal."

Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman, Robert S. Cessar and James R. Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Education – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Upon the conclusion of a non-jury trial before United States District Judge Reginald B. Walton, Judge Walton found Adolph Brown guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brown, 47, formerly of Akron, Ohio, waived his right to a jury trial, resulting in a non-jury bench trial before the Honorable Judge Walton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen S. Gilson and Eric Olshan, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that, on March 2, 2015, Adolph Brown traveled from Akron, Ohio, to Farrell, Pennsylvania, for the purposes of completing a sale of approximately 722 grams of cocaine. While on his way to Farrell, the vehicle Brown was traveling in was stopped by police and searched. The search resulted in the discovery of the cocaine hidden behind inside a child’s car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Upon the discovery of the cocaine, Brown voluntarily spoke with special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who were leading the investigation In this interview with the FBI, Brown admitted that the cocaine was his and that he was on his way to sell the cocaine to a customer in Farrell. Drug lab reports later confirmed the amount and type of narcotics was approximately 722 grams of cocaine.

Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2018 at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

North American Power Group Ltd. (NAPG) and its owner and president, Michael Ruffatto, have agreed to pay the United States $14.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent claims under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Department of Justice announced today.

Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, NAPG develops, owns, operates and manages energy-related projects.  On December 8, 2009, NETL awarded a $14 million cooperative agreement to NAPG for a Carbon Site Characterization Project to collect and analyze data, as well as to design and implement carbon sequestration wells at the Two Elk Energy Park (TEEP) located in Campbell County, Wyoming.   Between December 2009 and January 2012, Ruffatto served as NAPG’s representative for the cooperative agreement and was responsible for authorizing the submission of the company’s invoices to NETL for payment.  During that time, NAPG was paid approximately $5.7 million by NETL for costs purportedly related to the project.  In fact, however, none of the claimed costs were for work associated with the project and instead reflected expenses incurred by Ruffatto to pay legal fees, car payments, jewelry, international travel and other personal items unrelated to the scope of work under the cooperative agreement.  The DOE suspended the cooperative agreement in January 2012 after discovering the fraudulent claims. 

“The money allocated by Congress for the National Energy and Technology Laboratory is designed to fund the important mission carried out by the laboratory, not to be diverted for personal use,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “This investigation and its resolution demonstrate that the Justice Department will work with its agency partners to ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.”  

“This $14.4 million False Claims Act settlement is the largest NETL settlement in the history of western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “Protecting taxpayer funds is an important priority of our office and this settlement, along with yesterday’s sentence, demonstrate we will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent and deter wrongful expenditures of government monies.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring the integrity of Department subcontractors by detecting and holding accountable those who choose to abuse their positions of trust while attempting to hide behind sophisticated fraud schemes,” said Acting Inspector General April G. Stephenson for the Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General. “We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing this important matter resulting in an 18 month sentence of incarceration, a $50,000 fine and a $14.4 million civil settlement for Mr. Ruffatto and NAPG.  We will continue to work with the DOJ to aggressively investigate those who seek to defraud Department programs.”

On October 21, 2016,  Ruffatto entered a plea of guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania to a felony count of intentional submission of false claims under 18 U.S.C. § 287.  He was sentenced on June 27, 2018, to 18 months in prison, three years supervised release, a $50,000 fine and $2 million dollars more in restitution.

This settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the DOE Office of Inspector General, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. 

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, conspiracy to commit identity theft offenses, unauthorized use of counterfeit driver’s licenses and credit cards, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and accessing protected computers without permission, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Quinyahta Rochelle, 32, pleaded guilty yesterday to six counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rochelle participated in a number of different crimes. Between March 2016 and July 2016, Rochelle assisted another individual gain access to social media accounts of various celebrities by hacking into their accounts. During a search warrant related to that investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at her home, where the officers located several stolen firearms and many rounds of ammunition. Rochelle was a felon at the time of the search and therefore could not legally possess firearms or ammunition under federal law.

Contemporaneously with the execution of the arrest warrant on the firearms charge, law enforcement executed a second search warrant at her home based on information that Rochelle was engaged in a complex multi-state identity theft scheme. Ultimately, the investigation revealed that Rochelle obtained the names, dates of birth, social security numbers, credits cards, and other information through a variety of means, including through purchasing the material on the internet. Rochelle and her conspirators would then use that information to manufacture counterfeit credit cards and driver’s licenses, which they then used to make purchases and apply for credit both on-line and in person.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 26, 2018. The law provides for a total maximum possible sentence of no less than two years and no more than 48 years in prison, a fine of $1,350,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the multiple police departments in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California, including police departments from Columbus, Ohio, Canfield, Ohio, Bucks County, Ohio, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ross Township, Pennsylvania, Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rochelle.

PITTSBURGH - North American Power Group, Ltd. (NAPG) and its owner and president, Michael Ruffatto, have agreed to pay the United States $14.4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent claims under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, NAPG develops, owns, operates and manages energy-related projects. On December 8, 2009, NETL awarded a $14 million cooperative agreement to NAPG for a Carbon Site Characterization Project to collect and analyze data, as well as to design and implement carbon sequestration wells at the Two Elk Energy Park (TEEP) located in Campbell County, Wyoming. Between December 2009 and January 2012, Ruffatto served as NAPG’s representative for the cooperative agreement and was responsible for authorizing the submission of the company’s invoices associated with the project to NETL for payment. In that time, NAPG submitted more than $7 million in claims for reimbursement under the cooperative agreement, of which approximately $5.7 million was reimbursed by NETL. A federal investigation revealed that the $5.7 million paid by DOE to NAPG for costs supposedly related to the NETL project were actually used by Ruffatto to pay legal fees, car payments, jewelry, international travel, and other personal items unrelated to the scope of work under the cooperative agreement. The DOE suspended the cooperative agreement in January 2012 after discovering the fraudulent claims.

On October 21, 2016, Ruffatto entered a plea of guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania to a felony count of intentional submission of false claims under 18 U.S.C. § 287. He was sentenced on June 27, 2018, to 18 months in prison, three years supervised release, a $50,000 fine and was directed to pay $2 million dollars more in restitution as the remainder of the civil settlement.

"This $14.4 million False Claims Act settlement is the largest NETL settlement in the history of western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Protecting taxpayer funds is an important priority of our office and this settlement, along with yesterday’s sentence, demonstrate we will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent and deter wrongful expenditures of government monies."

The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the DOE Office of Inspector General, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Senior Trial Counsel Donald J. Williamson of the Department of Justice’s Civil Frauds Section and Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich handled the investigation that led to this civil settlement on behalf of the United States.

PITTSBURGH – An experienced and well-known local amateur radio operator agreed to pay the United States $7,000.00 to resolve allegations that he intentionally disrupted the communications of other amateur operators without their consent or permission, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations in a Complaint filed in Federal Court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, against Brian Crow, a resident of Westmoreland County. The settled claims contend that on March 14, 2014, Crow intentionally and unlawfully engaged in one-way communications, which interfered with the licensed communications of other amateur operators and also failed to use his ‘call sign’ as required by Federal law and enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Licensed amateur radio operators can only communicate with other operators who agree to participate. To allow otherwise would not only disrupt consensual communications among radio operators but would lead to a chaotic situation. Besides paying the above amount, Crow agreed that his license operating class will be reduced to Technician class for the next six months and agreed to discontinue contact with the individuals involved in this case. Crow has held an amateur radio operator license at the most advanced class since 1997, and obtained his first license in 1976.

"Allowing licensed amateur radio operators the freedom to converse with others in an orderly fashion and without unwanted disruption is one of the missions of the FCC," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This complaint identifies one such individual who intentionally interfered with other law-abiding amateur radio operators."

This matter was investigated by the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich handled the investigation that led to the filing of the Complaint and settlement on behalf of the United States.

The case is captioned as United States of America v. Brian Crow (No. 17-595).

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

PITTSBURGH – Brent E. Clark, M.D., a former family practice doctor in Pittsburgh, agreed to pay $360,000 to the United States to settle claims that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing to be submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary and unreasonable services, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Between February 2015 and February 2017, Clark billed Medicare and Medicaid for medically unreasonable and unnecessary office visits and procedures and falsified records to support the billings. The settlement follows Clark’s earlier guilty plea and sentencing on related criminal charges.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Mamula handled the investigation that led to this civil settlement on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation.

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

Clayton D. Dudley, 31 of Allentown, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on May 30, 2017, Dudley distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and 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 Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shawn Robinson, age 36, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Robinson conspired with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute, and possessed with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.

The Court was further advised that on October 14, 2015, one of Robinson’s co-conspirators made arrangements to sell 100 bricks of heroin for $14,500 to another individual. Robinson’s co-conspirator also agreed to advance an additional 50 bricks of heroin. Robinson and another of his co-conspirators arrived at the Hyatt Place in Robinson Township to deliver the heroin. When they arrived, Robinson was carrying a black plastic shopping bag. Inside of the shopping bag, officers recovered a clear plastic vacuum-sealed bag containing 150 bricks of heroin, weighing 185.92g.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Robinson remain detained.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – William Harvey Scott, Jr., aka "PacMan", pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Scott, age 27, formerly of Munhall, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three felony counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

The court was advised that Scott sold the manmade opiate fentanyl, in stamp bags marked "LIZZ" to a female on July 13, 2016 and that this woman died as a result. Law enforcement located the victim’s cellphone and determined that she had been purchasing drugs from a person she labelled as "Chris Man." Law enforcement used the victim’s phone to text "Chris Man" and asked him to meet and sell more of the drugs. When Scott appeared at the prearranged location, he was found to possess more stamp bags of fentanyl marked "LIZZ".

During his guilty plea, the defendant specifically admitted to selling the fentanyl and to causing the July 2016 death of the young woman. During the guilty plea hearing, the defendant specifically agreed to pay restitution to the victim’s family.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. The defendant was remanded to jail, pending his sentencing hearing.

Defendants charged with these types of felony drug offenses face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and at least six years of supervision by the United States Probation Office. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon information that includes the defendant’s criminal, family, educational and work histories.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, a federal prosecutor with the Violent Crime and Major Crime Sections of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, and law enforcement officers from the Duquesne Police Department, Homestead Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendant.

United States Attorney Brady noted that 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, state, and local agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Butler County woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of both wrongfully obtaining and disclosing the health information of another individual, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on June 28, named Linda Sue Kalina, 61, of Butler, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Kalina, while employed as a Patient Information Coordinator by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and then by the Allegheny Health Network, wrongfully obtained health information, in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), from March 30, 2016, through August 14, 2017, relating to 111 individual patients. The indictment also charges that on four occasions between December 30, 2016, and August 11, 2017, Kalina wrongfully disclosed the health information of three such individuals, with the intent to cause malicious harm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 11 years in prison, a fine of $350,000, 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 Carolyn Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced, as part of a nationwide health care fraud enforcement action, three Pittsburgh-area doctors were charged and two medical professionals – a doctor and a Suboxone clinic manager – pleaded guilty to unlawfully dispensing and distributing controlled substances and health care fraud. U.S. Attorney Brady’s announcement followed a national announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III, of the largest ever health care fraud takedown by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force which involved 601charged defendants across 58 federal districts, including 165 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving more than $2 billion in false billings.

"Health care fraud is a betrayal of vulnerable patients, and often it is theft from the taxpayer," said Attorney General Sessions. "In many cases, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists take advantage of people suffering from drug addiction in order to line their pockets. These are despicable crimes. That’s why this Department of Justice has taken historic new steps to go after fraudsters, including hiring more prosecutors and leveraging the power of data analytics. Today the Department of Justice is announcing the largest health care fraud enforcement action in American history. This is the most fraud, the most defendants, and the most doctors ever charged in a single operation—and we have evidence that our ongoing work has stopped or prevented billions of dollars’ worth of fraud. I want to thank our fabulous partners with the FBI, DEA, our Health Care Fraud task forces, HHS, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Medicare, and especially the more than 1,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers from across America who made this possible. By every measure we are more effective at finding and prosecuting medical fraud than ever."

"Every single day, 91 Americans and 13 Pennsylvanians die from an opioid overdose. To attack this scourge, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is aggressively prosecuting corrupt doctors and medical professionals who unlawfully distribute painkillers and other prescription narcotics," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "If you are a doctor who is exploiting your patients’ addiction to feed your greed, you are hereby on notice: first we will take away your livelihood and then we will take away your liberty."

"These were trusted health care professionals. They had an obligation to prescribe an appropriate amount of opioid medications and only what was necessary," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. "Instead, they betrayed that trust and contributed to the growing opioid epidemic. The FBI wants to make it clear: dishonest medical professionals will be held accountable for their crimes."

According to U.S. Attorney Brady, the following five cases were part of the national health care fraud takedown:

1. United States v. Peter James Ridella: Dr. Peter James Ridella was charged with one count of conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute oxycodone and Percocet and one count of health care fraud. Ridella conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone and Percocet, and then unlawfully dispensed over 24,000 mg of controlled substances to other persons. Ridella is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed oxycodone and Percocet.

2. United States v. Michael Cash: Dr. Michael Cash was charged with one count of unlawfully dispensing and distributing a Schedule III controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute Schedule III controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud. Cash conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, known as Subutex and Suboxone, and then unlawfully dispensed 32,000 doses of buprenorphine to other persons. Cash is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

3. United States v. Ruth Jones: Dr, Ruth Jones was charged with one count of unlawfully dispensing and distributing a Schedule III controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute Schedule III controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud. Jones conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, and then unlawfully dispensed 22,382 doses of buprenorphine to other persons. Jones is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine. Dr. Jones is scheduled to plead guilty on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

4. United States v. Christopher Handa: Suboxone clinic operations manager Christopher Handa pleaded guilty today, June 28, 2018, to two counts of unlawfully dispensing and distributing a Schedule III controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute Schedule III controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud. Handa was employed by Redirections Treatment Advocates, a Suboxone clinic located in Washington, Pennsylvania. Handa and others conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, and then unlawfully dispensed 18,146 doses of buprenorphine to other persons. Handa also committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

5. United States v. Omar Almusa: Dr. Omar Almusa pleaded guilty yesterday, June 27, 2018, to one count of unlawfully dispensing and distributing Schedule II controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute Schedule II controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud. Almusa conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Vicodin, and then unlawfully dispensed 39,600 mg of Vicodin to other persons. Almusa also committed health care fraud by submitting fraudulent claims to UPMC Health Plan, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Vicodin.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Cessar.

Since Attorney General Sessions announced the formation of Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Units throughout the country in August 2017, the Western Pennsylvania

OFADU has been one of the national leaders in attacking opioid diversion by medical professionals. Following its formation, the Western Pennsylvania OFADU filed the first indictment against a doctor in the nation, and has filed charges against 15 doctors and medical professionals. Further, a total of ten DEA Registrations, which allow doctors to prescribe controlled substances, and seven doctors’ licenses to prescribe Medication Assisted Treatment have been surrendered; and five medical licenses have been suspended by the Pennsylvania Department of State.

The investigations leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

Today’s national enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) partners, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

A complaint, Information, or Indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The filing of an Information generally indicates that the defendant intends to enter a guilty plea.

PITTSBURGH – Circulatory Centers of America, LLC, a Pennsylvania company that provided treatments for varicose veins in several states, together with related subsidiaries, its former owner and chief executive officer Thomas E. Certo, president David Gilpatrick, chief financial officer Everett Burns, and medical director Dr. Louis Certo, M.D., (collectively "Defendants"), agreed to pay the United States $1,205,000.00 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The United States contended that Defendants submitted claims to the Medicare program to receive reimbursement for services purportedly performed by non-physicians "incident to" the supervision of a physician when, in fact, no physician was present in the office. Billing services as "incident to" a physician’s supervision commands a higher reimbursement rate than billing those same services without physician supervision. The Complaint also alleged that Defendants submitted claims to the federal government for medically unnecessary and unreasonable ultrasound services performed by technicians who did not have the requisite license, certification, and/or training; and ultrasound services that were not actually provided.

"Inflating the cost of healthcare services defrauds taxpayers and depletes the limited funds available to provide medical care to deserving patients," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Today’s settlement signals our commitment to aggressively pursue entities and individuals who attempt to cheat American taxpayers."

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan, Rachael L. Mamula and Jill L. Locnikar handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

This case is captioned United States ex rel. Paul Shields, et al. v. Circulatory Centers of America, LLC, et al., Civil Action No. 15-cv-229 (W.D. Pa.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 13 months incarceration and three years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute oxycodone, an opiate, and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on John Zurick, 41, of 506 Porter Street.

According to information presented to the court, Zurick participated in a criminal network of drug dealers that obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Zurick helped transport Antoinette Adair, one of the key dealers in the criminal network, to buy and sell opiate pills. While transporting Adair, Zurick was armed with a firearm, in violation of federal law.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zurick.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release on his convictions for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Nashawn Williams, 35, currently incarcerated, but who last resided in Brooklyn, New York.

According to information presented to the court, Williams acted as a supplier in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin in Pittsburgh. Upon execution of a search warrant, agents found Williams to be in possession of over 100 grams of heroin and firearms. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and Williams has a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine. He was also on supervised release for the prior offense at the time of the current offense.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Colorado power company executive has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $50,000 fine and $2 million dollars in restitution on his conviction of filing a false claim against the United States Department of Energy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed sentence yesterday on Michael J. Ruffatto, 72, of Englewood, CO.

In connection with the sentencing, the court was advised that on December 8, 2009, the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, awarded a multi-million dollar cooperative agreement to North American Power Group Ltd. (NAPG), a corporation headquartered in Denver, Colorado, that is owned and controlled by Ruffatto, an attorney and graduate of Stanford University.

The purpose of the agreement was to study the carbon sequestration potential of an 880-acre site in Campbell County, Wyoming. The agreement required NAPG to conduct seismic studies and to drill wells necessary for the studies. Instead of performing the work required under the cooperative agreement, Ruffatto fraudulently transferred millions of dollars of award monies into his personal bank account and used the award monies to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Ruffatto secretly filtered millions of dollars of award monies through Ruffatto’s wholly owned subsidiary, North American Land and Livestock, LLC, while falsely representing to the Department of Energy that the subsidiary was doing work on the project.

At Ruffatto’ s direction, NAPG submitted twelve invoices to the Department of Energy that were false and fraudulent, resulting in the wrongful payment of over $5,700,000 in award monies as a result of the fraud. As part of the terms of the plea agreement, Ruffatto accepted responsibility for all twelve false claims filed with the Department of Energy and agreed to make full restitution of over 2 million dollars currently owed as restitution to the Department of Energy. Ruffatto has already paid $3.7 million to the government toward his restitution.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hopewell Township, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of distribution of fentanyl, which he acknowledged caused the death of a victim identified as L.K., United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Corey Bargerstock, age 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 6, 2016, Bargerstock sold stamp bags of fentanyl to L.K., which caused L.K. to fatally overdose.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2018, at 11 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed 1,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense/offensesoffense 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 Timothy Lanni are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Detectives Bureau, and the Hopewell Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bargerstock.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Waverly Primm, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies joined forces in a long-term wiretap investigation of drug trafficking in New Castle. The investigation revealed that Primm conspired with others to distribute crack cocaine, which was transported from Buffalo, NY, to the New Castle area for further distribution.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Primm.

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

Alexander Rodriguez-Melendez, 30, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on May 12, 2017, Rodriguez-Melendez possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA.  - A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 51 months’ imprisonment, followed by six years’ supervised release, on his 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 Dawndre Bivins, age 30.

According to information presented to the court at the time he entered a guilty plea, Bivins, as frequently as twice per month, purchased four to five grams of fentanyl, commonly known as "bricks", and two ounces of cocaine from his codefendant, Skyler Carter, for further distribution in the Clairton, Pennsylvania, area. The court found Bivens to be responsible for the total distribution of 1.9 kilograms of cocaine and 40 grams of fentanyl. He is the third of 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to be sentenced. Bivins had a previous conviction for a felony drug trafficking offense, and as such, was subject to enhanced penalties.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 60 months to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Jeffrey John Valenta, age 57, formerly of Irwin, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, in November 2010, the Pennsylvania State Police were conducting an undercover investigation into the internet sharing of child pornography. In connection with the investigation, the state police obtained evidence that led to Valenta’s home. Troopers executed a search warrant at the residence of Valenta on January 6, 2011. He admitted to collecting and trading child pornography. A forensic review of Valenta’s computer revealed 33 video files depicting child pornography.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Allan W. Clark, M.D. pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Clark was the owner and operator of the South Hills Recovery Project (SHRP), a strictly cash based suboxone clinic located in Bridgeville, Pa. A patient’s first visit fee during the relevant times was $250. The follow up monthly visits were $150. Over the course of 2011, 2012 and 2013, Clark hired approximately 11 different doctors to work part time at SHRP to assist him in handling the follow up visits. Of the $150 collected from the patient for the follow up visit, the 11 doctors were paid approximately half, or $75, and SHRP kept the other $75. Clark did not report all of the cash collected, and used some of it for personal expenses such as improvements on his home.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence per count of three 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 Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the information filed in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Andrew Edwards, age 32, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States Circuit Court Judge D. Michael Fisher.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 11, 2016, Edwards was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations in Middlesex Township, Butler County. The driver gave the officer permission to search the vehicle. In the backseat of the vehicle, where Edwards had been seated, officers observed a jacket and a backpack. From the jacket, officers recovered 528 bags of heroin, and a plastic baggie containing crack cocaine. From the backpack, officers recovered a Springfield XD 45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with six rounds in the magazine. Personal items including a towel, hairbrush and a toothbrush were also in the backpack. The FBI laboratory determined that there was support for the inclusion of Edwards as a contributor to the DNA found on the toothbrush.

Judge Fisher scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered Edwards to remain detained.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middlesex Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Beaver County 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.

Britny Beaver, 25, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, 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, Beaver conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin. She also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 Beaver.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been charged in federal court with stealing federal drug evidence from the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACOME), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Matthew Ieraci, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal Information with one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal benefits.

According to the Information, on multiple occasions between on or about February 8, 2017, and on or about February 27, 2017, Ieraci stole a total of approximately 52.45 grams of powder alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance, from ACOME, where he was employed as a laboratory scientist. The information further alleges that Ieraci stole the evidence from a larger quantity of alprazolam that the United States Postal Inspection Service had submitted to ACOME for chemical analysis in connection with an ongoing multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency federal drug-trafficking investigation. According to the charging document, Ieraci, the scientist assigned to analyze the evidence on behalf of ACOME, had received training in proper evidence-handling techniques and was aware of the consequences of evidence tampering, including the possibility that such evidence would not be admissible at trial. The street value of the alprazolam Ieraci is alleged to have stolen was at least $78,675.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Rachael L. Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of Ieraci.

A criminal Information is an accusation.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The filing of an Information generally indicates that the defendant intends to enter a guilty plea.

PITTSBURGH- After a lengthy Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in Pittsburgh’s West End neighborhoods and other communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area, 28 people, all residents of Western Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws. A federal grand jury has issued two separate, but related, indictments, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones announced today.

U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "Reducing violent crime and making our communities safe for law-abiding citizens is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Working with our federal, state and local partners and using every tool at our disposal, we will prosecute gangs like the Greenway Boy Killas, which terrorize our neighborhoods and put innocent people in danger, to the fullest extent of the law."

"The FBI works closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure those bringing violence to our streets are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones. "We want to make this clear to other gangs operating in our communities. We are coming for you, and the violence won’t be tolerated."

THE INDICTMENTS

The first indictment, unsealed today, containing four counts, named:

• Jewell Hall, 36, of Wilkinsburg, PA;

• Willie Harris, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Marvin Younger, 37, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;

• Joelle Hollis, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Allen Green, 39, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Mardeja Chapple, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Brett Rodgers, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Marshinneah Manning, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Bryan Smith, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Balon Kennedy, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Tyree Davis, 34, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;

• Cecil Howard, 47, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Brianne Dean, 30, of Bridgeville, PA;

• Antoine Dean, Jr., 28, of Washington, PA;

• Antoine Dean, Sr., 53, of Heidelberg, PA; and

• Mary Cerezo, 57, of Lawrence, PA.

According to the indictment, from in and around November 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. Also according to the indictment, during that same time frame, Jewel Hall, Willie Harris, Marvin Younger, Joelle Hollis, Allen Green, Brianne Dean, and Mary Cerezo conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine. The indictment also charges Jewel Hall and Marvin Younger with one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, on December 29, 2017, and May 21, 2018, respectively.

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

The second indictment, also unsealed today, containing four counts, named:

• Monta Banks, 27, of McKees Rocks, PA, currently incarcerated

• Lawrence Morrison, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Tamra Moore, 34, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Jaimon Woods, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated;

• Robert Moore, 36, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Raymond Chrzanowski, 50, of Zelienople, PA;

• Mark Givens, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Eric Kaminski, 46, of Pittsburgh, PA;

• Charles Jones, 25, of Bellefonte, PA;

• Delrico Clyburn, 26, of Braddock, PA; Rashem Littleberry, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA; and

• Kellie Gossett, 36, of Canonsburg, PA.

According to the indictment, from in and around November 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2018, Monta Banks, Tamra Moore, Jaimon Woods, Robert Moore, Raymond Chrzanowski, and Eric Kaminski conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Also according to the indictment, during the same time frame, the same defendants, along with Charles Jones, Mark Givens, Delrico Clyburn, Rashem Littleberry, and Kellie Gossett conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin. Also according to the indictment, during the same time frame, Monta Banks, Lawrence Morrison, Tamra Moore, and Raymond Chrzanowski conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of powder cocaine. The indictment also charges Jaimon Woods with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on or about December 7, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence on the drug charges of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. The law provides for a maximum sentence on the firearm charge of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, 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. Other assisting agencies include the Moon Township Police Department, Avalon Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Altoona Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Shaler Township Police Department, Canonsburg Police Department, Cecil Township Police Department, Allegheny County Adult Probation, ICE/Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Parole, and the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department.

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 Washington, DC, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of aiding in the filing of false tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, announced today.

The 13-count indictment, returned on March 27, 2018, named Jaason J. Weatherly, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Weatherly, filed false tax returns in 2012 and 2013 for other persons, which contained false W-2 forms, income and withholding information.

The law provides for a total sentence of 39 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal 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 -  One resident of Michigan, and one resident of Ohio, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count superseding indictment named Victor Burnett, Jr., 37, of Oak Park, Michigan, and Christopher Butler, 31, of Twinsburg, Ohio, as defendants.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around January 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around September 2016 in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Burnett, Jr. and Butler conspired with each other and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.  Additionally, on or about September 1, 2016, Burnett, Jr. possessed multiple firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Rodney Edwards, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Mar. 15, 2018, he was found in possession of a loaded Norinco .38 caliber pistol. On Mar. 31, 2017, Edwards was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of firearms not to be carried without a license, 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 Oct. 23, 2018, at 10 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 Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edwards.

WASHINGTON – Tamara L. Collier, Community Outreach Specialist and Reentry Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania, was one of 162 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell, IV at the 34th Director’s Awards Ceremony Friday in Washington D.C.

The Western District of Pennsylvania was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.

In addressing the award recipients and guests, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said, "These honorees earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, they earned the gratitude of our fellow citizens — the people whose communities you made safer, whose lives you improved, and whose trust you rewarded. Today, we pause to honor and recognize a small portion of your work."

Tamara L. Collier, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was recognized for her superior performance in the area of prevention and reentry. Ms. Collier is the district’s reentry coordinator, and she has worked tirelessly to implement strategies to reintegrate former offenders successfully into our communities. She acts as a key participant in the district’s two reentry courts, in Pittsburgh and Johnstown, during which she consistently develops the trust and respect of the re-entrants. Ms. Collier also took the initiative to develop strong and positive relationships with staff at a federal prison located within the Western District of Pennsylvania, Federal Correctional Institute McKean, and she was instrumental in supporting a life-coaching program, under which inmates assist one another in developing strategies for success upon release. Ms. Collier’s unflagging efforts help to ensure that individuals who are reentering society have the best possible chance for success.

"I echo the sentiments of Attorney General Jeff Sessions who has said that while the job of a prosecutor is to enforce the law, we also recognize that prevention efforts and re-entry programs for offenders play a key part in an effective strategy to reduce violent crime," said U.S. Attorney Brady.

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jesse Edward Lester, 36, of Sidman, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Sept. 10, 2016, in connection with the purchase of a firearm, Lester knowingly made a false statement in an effort to deceive Sporting Goods Discounters, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lester represented to Sporting Goods Discounters that he was the actual buyer of the firearm, when, in fact, he was purchasing the firearm on behalf of someone else.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lester.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Waterford, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of willfully injuring or committing depredation against any property of the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Thomas Ross, age 50, formerly of New Waterford, Ohio. Ross has been imprisoned since July 26, 2016, five months of which had been allocated to a separate state conviction on simple assault, fleeing and eluding, and failing to stop at traffic signals, committed on the same date as this offense. Ross was also ordered to a six-month to 12-month residential drug treatment program as part of a three-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Ross was ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution: $25,000 to the property owner of 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and $20,000 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to information presented to the court, on July 26, 2016, Ross drove his vehicle, a large dump truck, through the gate of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, located at 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Ross proceeded to ram through the security barriers at a high rate of speed, inflicting extensive damage on the gate and security barriers and causing the vehicle to become airborne. Upon hitting the ground, the vehicle struck a nearby light post in the interior parking lot of the FBI Pittsburgh.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Ross’s actions caused a financial loss of $248,019.45, including $228,019.45 in property damage to the gate, barriers, and light post, as well as costs to the FBI associated with hiring additional security while the gate and barriers were being repaired.

"Unfortunately, the weaponization of large-scale vehicles is becoming increasingly commonplace," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Thomas Ross’ drug-fueled attack of the FBI’s Pittsburgh facility represented a serious threat that put the lives of others at risk. Thanks to the quick response of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police a potential tragedy was averted."

"The FBI Pittsburgh Division highly commends the actions of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officer who responded to an incident at our facility on July 26, 2016," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. "Officer Wester's diligence and quick-thinking prevented the incident from escalating into a more dangerous situation and protected our staff from additional harm. We appreciate his efforts and the efforts of the entire Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to protect all of us in this community."

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas Ross.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to time served, approximately eight months incarceration, and three years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to utter and pass counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, and for possession of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Nathaniel Lee, age 35, of Columbus, Ohio.

According to information presented to the court, it was part of the conspiracy that Lee and his co-conspirators obtained counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100 dollars in Ohio and transported the counterfeit Federal Reserve notes into the Western District of Pennsylvania. It was further a part of the conspiracy that on numerous occasions, Lee and his co-conspirators passed, and attempted to pass, counterfeit $100 bills at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania and received legitimate currency as change. Lee also possessed several counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100.

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

The United States Secret Service, the Scott Township Police Department, the North Fayette Police Department, and the Bethel Park Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of escape from custody, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Devon Johnson, age 29.

According to information presented to the court, on August 31, 2016, the defendant escaped from the Renewal, Inc. Residential Reentry Center, where he had been confined pursuant to a judgment and commitment order of the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia..

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak 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 United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

PITTSBURGH – Two residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug, firearms, and witness tampering laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The six-count Indictment, returned on June 13 and unsealed today, named brothers Julian Gray, age 26, and Brandon Gray, age 24, both of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, as the defendants.

According to the Indictment, on April 24, 2018, Julian Gray and Brandon Gray conspired with each other and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base. The Indictment also alleges that on April 24, 2018, Julian Gray possessed a Ruger .380 LCP caliber handgun; a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun; and, a black .22 caliber rifle bearing, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Indictment further alleges that on April 24, 2018, Brandon Gray possessed a Mossberg .22 caliber rifle, after having been convicted of a previous felony offense (robbery). Lastly, the Indictment alleges that from April 25, 2018, to June 6, 2018, Julian and Brandon Gray did knowingly corruptly persuade a person whose identity is known to the grand jury, and attempt to do so, with the intent to hinder and prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer of information relating to the commission of a Federal offense.

Julian Gray faces a maximum total penalty of up to life imprisonment, a fine of $2,500,000, or both. Brandon Gray faces a maximum total penalty of up to 70 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case with valuable assistance from the Wilkins Township Police. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

PITTSBURGH- On June 14, 2018, a resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing firearms, ammunition and body armor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Stanley Patterson, aka Robert Cook, age 65, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Patterson’s house in Carnegie, Pa, was searched pursuant to a search warrant on December 16, 2015 and police located items which included four firearms (one with the serial number obliterated), ammunition for those weapons, and body armor. Patterson has prior convictions for crimes that include Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy, Burglary (two counts), Theft, Receiving Stolen Property and Felony Criminal Trespass. Each of these offenses precludes a person from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law, since they carry a maximum possible penalty of more than 2 years of incarceration. A person is prohibited from possessing body armor under federal law if they have been convicted of a prior crime of violence, such as robbery.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2018 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 13 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 remanded the defendant to the Allegheny County Jail. Patterson has several cases listed for trial in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on September 17, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, a veteran prosecutor in the Violent Crime and Major Crime Sections of the United States Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Carnegie Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Patterson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to assaulting two federal officers, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Leonard Rushin-Felder, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with his guilty plea, Rushin-Felder admitted that on May 2, 2017, he appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell in the Joseph F. Weis, Jr., United States Courthouse for a detention hearing related to separate drug trafficking and firearms charges pending against him. At the conclusion of the detention hearing, Judge Mitchell ordered that the defendant be detained pending trial. The defendant further admitted that when two Deputy United States Marshals attempted to escort him from the courtroom, he forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with the Deputy Marshals while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties as federal law enforcement officers. During the ensuing struggle, the defendant made physical contact with the two Deputy Marshals. As part of his guilty plea, the defendant acknowledged that additional law enforcement and court personnel were needed to restrain him and assist with his removal from the courtroom.

As to each count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 8 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 Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Rachael L. Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation of Rushin-Felder.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Andrew Michael Dubois, age 32, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on December 7, 2017, Dubois knowingly travelled in interstate commerce from New York to Pennsylvania for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

United States District Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018 at 02:15 P.M. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the North Strabane Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dubois.

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 - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 10 months incarceration and two years supervised release on his conviction of Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz, a/k/a Cesar Yohan Alvarez-Paz, Cesar Alvarez, Cesar Alvarez-Paz, age 29, of Guatemala.

According to the information presented to the court, Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 7, 2015. Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz was found to be illegally present in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 2017.

The court noted that his three drunk driving convictions supported the imposition of the 10-month sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Attorney commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to a successful prosecution of Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of the Monessen, Donora, and West Mifflin areas of Western Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 345 months of incarceration on his conviction of federal drug charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judges Arthur J. Schwab and David S. Cercone imposed sentences yesterday on Maurice Kenneth Frezzell aka "Reece", age 35. Judge Schwab imposed a sentence of 327 months on Frezzell as a result of his recent conviction at trial for selling two "bricks" of heroin, containing a total of 1.784 grams of heroin, to a confidential informant. A "brick" is a street term for 50 stamp bags of heroin or other opiates. Judge Cercone added an additional 18 months of incarceration for committing the crimes while on federal supervison.

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Maurice Frezzell is a career criminal and one of the most significant heroin and fentanyl dealers in Washington County. He and his drug organization are responsible for overdose deaths throughout the county, and the people of Washington County are safer today now that he is behind bars. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting heroin and fentanyl dealers like Frezzell – through the Opioid Strike Force - to the fullest extent of the law."

During the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Frezzell was a much larger heroin dealer than the modest drug buy would indicate. Testimony of DEA Task Force Officer Charles Tenny, who is also a Detective Sergeant with the Canonsburg Police Department, indicated that Frezzell was identified by the federal investigation as one of the highest-ranking members of the drug trafficking organization that has plagued Western Pennsylvania, and Washington County more specifically, in recent years. The federal investigation began in August of 2015 when large numbers of individuals began overdosing on high quality heroin and the much more deadly synthetic opiate fentanyl. Many of those people succumbed from the use of drugs packaged in stamp bags marked "Made in Columbia."

The government’s evidence implicated Frezzell as the source of drugs that have caused multiple overdoses investigated by the federal government. Charts submitted as evidence at the sentencing showed that in 2014, when Frezzell was serving his prior federal sentence for drug dealing, there were 1.77 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in Washington County. In 2016, after Frezzell was released on supervision, the number jumped from 1.77 to 51 per 100,000 residents. The Washington County Coroner’s Office supplied statistics showing that a total of 62 people had died of overdoses in the 10 years between 1992 and 2002, for an average of six people per year. That number was 73 in 2015 alone, and increased to 109 in 2016. A map of the Washington County locations where the victims overdosed showed that the majority of the deaths were within five miles of locations associated with Frezzell.

According to evidence presented to the Court, Frezzell began his criminal career when he was only 12 years and 3 months old and sexually assaulted a female victim twice in the same day. His second arrest occurred days later when he was arrested with crack cocaine. The government noted that Frezzell was sentenced during his multiple juvenile cases to penalties which include: curfew, probation, house arrest, electronic home monitoring, Agape Day Treatment, Glen Mills School for Boys, Mel Blount Youth Home, Vision Quest Boot and Hat Camp, and ultimately, Abraxas. The defendant was still on juvenile probation when he committed his first adult crime at the age of 18, when he was intoxicated and fled police with a concealed handgun with the serial number obliterated. Overall, the defendant has had 23 arrests during the 23 years between his first crime and his current conviction. Frezzell has spent essentially the entire 23 year time from the age of 12 either: pending trial; in jail; on supervision; and/or wanted for crimes. Frezzell is pending additional felony drug charges as a result of federal authorities executing a search warrant and locating approximately two pounds of marijuana, multiple vials of injectable steroids, several methamphetamine tablets and an amount of the highly concentrated form of THC commonly called "wax" or "shatter" at his residence.

Since Frezzell committed his new crimes while being supervised by the United States Probation Office after serving 80 months in federal prison for his last drug trafficking crime, Judge Cercone sentenced Frezzell to an additional consecutive period of 18 months incarceration for violating his federal supervision.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab noted that the defendant had a "significant criminal history," called the defendant a "Career Offender" and stated that the sentence was "sufficient, but not greater than necessary."

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, a veteran federal prosecutor with the Violent Crime and Major Crime Sections of the United States Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

A group of law enforcement officers from the DEA, the Monessen Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the IRS conducted the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Frezzell. United States Attorney Brady commended the officers, agents, and detectives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Frezzell.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of fentanyl resulting in an overdose death, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Skyler Carter, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing fentanyl causing serious bodily injury and death. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Carter had supplied quantities of fentanyl and cocaine to his codefendant, Katie Spratt, which she then distributed to the victim user, identified as A.B., causing his overdose death on June 5, 2017. In addition to the overdose death, Carter acknowledged his responsibility for the distribution of at least 160 grams of fentanyl, 280 grams of cocaine base, and 3.5 kilograms of cocaine. Carter enlisted the help of his brother and sister, codefendants Courtney and Jalea Carter, among others, in his drug trafficking activities, using their residences to store, package and distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base. He is the seventeenth of 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years nor more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $1 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Carter remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months probation, with 11 months of home confinement,  and ordered to pay $3,434 in restitution on her conviction of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Tynesha Renee Dorsey, 46, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Dorsey, and two codefendants operated a forged prescription ring. Prescriptions were forged with the names, DEA numbers, medical license numbers, and signatures of real medical doctors. The prescriptions, most of which were forged for oxycodone and Percocet, were filled at a large number of Western Pennsylvania pharmacies and primarily paid for with Medicaid funds. The fraudulently obtained prescription pills were then sold on the street for substantial profit.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Brentwood Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Bellevue Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dorsey.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has 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.

John Edward Desalome, age 30, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on November 23, 2016, Desalome possessed 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.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 23, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Desalome.

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

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a bank robbery charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady.

Michael Moschetti, age 39, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of bank robbery before United States Chief District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 19, 2017, at 12:35 p.m., Michael Moschetti entered the Key Bank located at 1801 Route 286, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 wearing a black sweatshirt over a white t-shirt, a black baseball cap, and white shorts. Moschetti waited in line to be called forward by one of the tellers, then approached the open teller station. Moschetti then handed the teller a demand note indicating that if the teller gave him the money from the drawer, nobody would be hurt. Moschetti then urged the teller to move quickly. The teller retrieved $2,235.00 from a nearby drawer. The teller then set the cash on top of Moschetti’s demand note, and Moschetti exited the bank with the money and note.

Moschetti faces a total maximum 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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - On June 11, 2018, a resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Warren Worthy, 21, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 3, 2016, Worthy sold a bundle of heroin (10 stamp bags) to a female who used the heroin that day and overdosed. The female was taken to the hospital, where she died a few days later. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was heroin toxicity. The Allegheny County Police Department thereafter conducted a lengthy investigation, which confirmed that Worthy had distributed the lethal heroin to the female victim. Worthy acknowledged responsibility for selling the heroin that resulted in the woman’s death.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at 9 a.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Worthy remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Caitlin Loughran are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Warren Worthy.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to five months in prison, with credit for time served, and then ordered deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Mexico, on his conviction of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Yovani Escalante-Escalante, 32, of Blair County, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Oct. 12, 2017, Escalante-Escalante, an alien who had been deported from the United States on May 13, 2009 was found in Blair County, Pa.  He had unlawfully reentered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

Mr. Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Escalante-Escalante.