Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 96 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kareem Jamal Jones, 28, of Philadelphia, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Jones conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today the arrest of Taiwo Musiliudeen Idris by law enforcement authorities in Nigeria. Idris was charged today by criminal complaint in the Western District of Pennsylvania with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. The arrest was made public following an announcement by federal authorities of a significant coordinated effort to disrupt BEC schemes designed to intercept and highjack wire transfers from businesses and individuals, including many senior citizens.

According to U.S. Attorney Brady, Idris’ arrest was part of Operation Wire Wire, a coordinated law enforcement effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Postal Service, to disrupt Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes. The operation was conducted over a six-month period, culminating in over two weeks of intensified law enforcement activity resulting in 74 arrests in the United States and overseas, including 29 arrests in Nigeria and three arrests in Canada, Mauritius, and Poland, respectively.

BEC, also known as "cyber-enabled fraud," targets businesses that regularly perform wire transfer payments, as well as individuals, including the elderly and purchasers of real estate. The schemes typically involve impersonating a key employee or other party to a business transaction after obtaining unauthorized access to that person’s email account. Fraudulent emails sent to the victim dupe the victim into wiring money to bank accounts controlled by the criminals instead of to a legitimate bank account belonging to a party to the transaction.

"Deception is at the heart of every business e-mail compromise or CEO impersonation scheme. Attackers gain access to a corporate e-mail account and then spoof the owner’s identity to defraud the company or its employees, customer or partners of money," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We are committed to identifying and prosecuting anyone who uses the internet to financially exploit western Pennsylvania businesses and citizens."

"These types of schemes are constantly evolving as criminals become more sophisticated in targeting their victims,’ said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. "The best way to avoid being taken advantage of is to verify the authenticity of requests before they are carried out."

According to the criminal complaint affidavit, Taiwo Musiliudeen Idris conspired with Ismail Shitu, Nathanael Nyamekye, Adnan Ibrahim, and Akintayo Bolorunduro to launder over $411,000 in real estate settlement proceeds that were fraudulently obtained from a BEC. The BEC targeted the sellers of residential property in Maryland, along with their real estate company, and the settlement company.

According to the complaint affidavit, the settlement company received fraudulent emails and faxes that caused the settlement company to wire the sale proceeds to a bank account belonging to Ismail Shitu in the Western District of Pennsylvania, instead of to the bank account of the victim sellers. Specifically, the complaint affidavit states that on April 29, 2016, Ismail Shitu sent an instant message to Akintayo Bolorunduro containing the details of Shitu’s bank account. Within minutes, Bolorunduro sent Shitu’s bank account information to Taiwo Musiliudeen Idris in an instant message. Within twenty minutes of Idris’ receipt of Shitu’s bank account information, the settlement company received a fraudulent fax purporting to be from the sellers which requested the settlement proceeds to be wired to a bank account which, unbeknownst to them, belonged to Shitu.

The complaint affidavit further describes how the $411,000 was then withdrawn through Shitu’s purchase of eight official bank checks payable to various individuals and/or entities in varying amounts. Photos of several of the official bank checks were sent in instant messages from Shitu to Bolorunduro. Bolorunduro then forwarded those photos to Idris. Shitu, Nyamekye and Ibrahim then laundered the remaining funds.

Shitu, Ibrahim, and Bolorunduro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Bolorunduro was sentenced on May 10, 2018, by Judge Arthur J. Schwab to 63 months’ imprisonment. Shitu and Ibrahim are scheduled for sentencing on October 15, 2018. Nyamekye is scheduled for trial in September 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle, Adam N. Hallowell and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the arrest of Idris.

PITTSBURGH, PA – The owner of Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, an opioid addiction treatment practice with offices in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, has been indicted on charges of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady of  the Western District of Pennsylvania and United States Attorney William J. Powell of the Northern District of West Virginia announced today.  This indictment is the eleventh in a series of charges filed in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia since Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the formation of the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that commit opioid-related health care fraud.

The 47-count indictment, returned on June 5, and unsealed Friday, names Jennifer Hess, 49, of Washington, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, Hess is the owner of Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, an opioid addiction treatment center with multiple locations in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.  The indictment alleges Hess aided five physicians on multiple occasions with unlawfully dispensing buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone and Subutex, a drug that should be used to treat individuals with addiction.  The indictment also charges Hess with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute buprenorphine.  Finally, the indictment charges Hess with health care fraud for allegedly causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

“Combatting the opioid epidemic in western Pennsylvania is the number one priority of this Office.  We are aggressively prosecuting doctors and medical professionals who would exploit others’ addiction for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Brady.  “As detailed in this indictment, RTA owner Jennifer Hess operated a network of addiction treatment clinics – which could be helping those in their hour of greatest need – as a cash business, and then committed health care fraud.  This Office will continue to protect those suffering from opioid abuse disorder from this illegal and unethical conduct.”

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with our colleagues in the Western District of Pennsylvania.  The Northern District of West Virginia has been seriously affected by health care providers who violate federal law.  Our citizens have suffered at their hands long enough.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who choose to violate the law,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.

“The health care system is a critical piece of our nation's infrastructure,” said Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “Individuals alleged to have defrauded health care programs place additional burdens and costs on the health care system, which affects every American citizen. The FBI views this crime as a severe problem and today's arrest sends a clear message that we are dedicated to stopping this type of activity.”

Hess faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the 45 counts charging her with unlawfully dispensing Schedule III controlled substances, a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $1 million for the single count charging her with conspiracy to unlawfully dispense a Schedule III controlled substance, and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the single count charging her with health care fraud.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Michael L. Ivory of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Wagner of the Northern District of West Virginia are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States. 

The investigation leading to this indictment was 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. 

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

David Payo, age 52, formely of Mount Oliver, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Mark Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 27, 2017, Payo entered the PNC Bank in Homestead wearing a black baseball hat, black hoodie, and approached the teller. Payo stated, "This is a robbery, give me 50’s, 100’s, 20’s, and no dye packs." Payo escaped with $3,460 in cash out of the front door of the bank.

The court was also advised that on June 8, 2017, Payo, wearing an orange sweatshirt, black baseball cap and black sunglasses on top of the hat, approached a teller at the Citizens Bank in Monroeville, PA. He sat down at the desk and told her, "This is a robbery." He then repeated, "This is a robbery, give me your 100’s, 50’s, and 20’s, no 10’s, and no dye packs." The teller complied and handed over $1890.00 in cash and one dye pack. Payo fled from the bank. A search of Payo’s residence recovered dye stained clothes from the exploding dye pack given to him at the Citizens Bank.

Payo faces a total maximum sentence of not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $750,000, 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, the Homestead Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year of probation on her conviction for lying to federal agents, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Cythnia Mahoney, age 49, of South Park, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Mahoney lawfully purchased two pistols and later began to use heroin. Mahoney told federal agents that the guns were stolen, when in fact she had sold them for money to buy heroin.

Judge Bissoon noted that the federal sentencing guideline range included a sentence of probation, and indicated that Mahoney’s subsequent efforts at drug rehabilitation were important to her sentencing decision. Judge Bisson noted the very serious nature of the offense and indicated that if Mahoney violates her probation, her next sentence "won’t be a probationary sentence." Mahoney’s conviction will also preclude her from possessing a firearm or ammunition in the future.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mahoney and noted the valuable assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State 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.

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 35 months in jail, to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Davis is the first defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced in connection with the Mendoza/Lightfoot Drug Trafficking Organization Indictments. The cases against the 38 other co-defendants remain pending.

United States District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on Anthony Davis, age 41.

According to information presented to the court from approximately April 2017 to December 2017, Anthony Davis operated a cocaine "stash – house" for the Mendoza/Lightfoot Drug Trafficking Organization. Davis stored large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, along with drug production and distribution materials at his personal home in Donora. Davis ran this operation with Mendoza/Lightfoot DTO member and co-defendant Brandon Thomas.

On December 13, 2017, FBI Special Agents, Task Force Officers, as well as members of the Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant at Davis’ home. During the search, investigators recovered approximately five ounces of cocaine, large amounts of marijuana, approximately $11,025 in cash, and a large hydraulic kilo press in the basement of Davis’ home. As part of his guilty plea, Davis agreed to forfeit the items seized at his home on that day.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Monongahela Valley Residential Agency, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today the formation of the United States Attorney’s Project Safe Childhood Task Force to focus on protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

"The number of technology-facilitated sexual crimes against children continues to grow," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "By establishing the United States Attorney’s Project Safe Childhood Task Force, with six experienced federal prosecutors dedicated to the protection of children, we are able to focus our resources on locating, apprehending and prosecuting pedophiles and predators who seek to exploit children."

The United States Attorney’s Project Safe Childhood Task Force is headed by Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan, who has been named as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator. U.S. Attorney Brady noted, "Assistant U.S. Attorney Grogan has prosecuted crimes against children as both a state and federal prosecutor. She has a breadth of experience and a strong commitment to these cases that will serve her well in this new role." Task Force members include Asst. U.S. Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch, Lee J. Karl, Shanicka L. Kennedy, Soo C. Song and Christy C. Wiegand. These prosecutors will be responsible for using the weight of the federal justice system against these offenders, where stronger sentences and harsher penalties exist for sexual predators.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the work of Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, who has been the coordinator of the office’s crimes against children cases since 2012. "AUSA Smolar’s hard work and dedication on these challenging cases has provided us with an excellent road map for moving forward," U.S. Attorney Brady said. AUSA Smolar will now focus her work on international cybercrime and national security.

"As United States Attorney and as a father, there is nothing more important to me than keeping our children safe. This new Project Safe Childhood Task Force will ensure that children are protected from the horrors of sexual abuse and those who harm children will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," U.S. Attorney Brady added.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Interstate Transportation of a Minor for Purpose of Engaging in Unlawful Sexual Activity, Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, and Sex Trafficking of a Child, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The indictment was brought following the creation of the U.S. Attorney’s new Project Safe Childhood Task Force that is focusing on protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

"The number of technology-facilitated sexual crimes against children continues to grow," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "By establishing the United States Attorney’s Project Safe Childhood Task Force, with six experienced federal prosecutors dedicated to the protection of children, we are able to focus our resources on locating, apprehending and prosecuting pedophiles and predators who seek to exploit children."

"Without the professional and coordinated efforts of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Cranberry Police Department and the FBI, the juvenile victim would not have been rescued and her traffickers brought to justice. The sex trafficking of children in the Western District of Pennsylvania will not be tolerated," added U.S. Attorney Brady.

The three-count indictment, returned on June 5, named Oscar Carter, 34, and Shelby Summer Brown, 27, both of 1254 N. Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, onMarch 6, 2018, Carter and Brown knowingly and willfully transported Minor A, who had not attained the age of 18 years, from Ohio to Pennsylvania, with the intent that Minor A would engage in prostitution and other sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a criminal offense. Then, from March 6, 2018 to March 14, 2018, Carter and Brown knowingly entered into a conspiracy to recruit for sex trafficking a female minor who had not attained the age of 18 years. The indictment further alleges that from March 6, 2018 to March 14, 2018, Carter and Brown knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained and maintained by any means, in and affecting interstate commerce, a female minor under the age of 18 years, and did benefit financially or by receiving anything of value from participation in a venture engaged in commercial sexual acts, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact, and having had a reasonable opportunity to observe Minor A, that Minor A had not attained the age of 18 years, and that Minor A would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $750,000, and a term of supervised release for any term of years not less than five, and up to life. 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.

Carter and Brown are currently incarcerated at the Butler County Prison. The government intends to seek their continued detention pending trial.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cranberry Township Police, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

Warren Robb, age 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, in 2010, Robb applied for and received disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Robb never notified the Board that his condition had improved or that he had performed work for any employer, and certified in December 2016 that his disability prevented him from working. Robb in fact worked as a short-order cook at a restaurant in Level Green, Pennsylvania, from October 2015 to February 2017, and intentionally received and converted RRB disability benefits during that time to which he knew he was not entitled. From November 2015 through July 2017, Robb received disability benefits totaling approximately $57,821.68.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2018, at 2:00 PM. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Warren Robb.

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

The six-count indictment, returned on June 5, named Stephen Barnes, age 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment and information provided to the court, on six separate occasions, between March 28, 2018 and May 11, 2018, Barnes distributed and/or possessed with the intent to distribute various quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. On May 11, 2018, he was arrested with over 100 grams of heroin. Barnes has been held without bond since the date of his arrest.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of 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, PA – Kevin Livsey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for committing drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment, returned on June 5, charges Livsey, age 31, of Pittsburgh, with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carfentanil, and heroin on May 9, 2018; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 9, 2018; and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, also on May 9, 2018. Livsey was on federal supervised release as of May 9, 2018, following a prison sentence for prior federal convictions for distributing heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $2,500,000. 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Cecil Shields, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with Elliot Page, Skyler Carter, and 18 other individuals, between March and June of 2017, to distribute narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Shields purchased approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, commonly known as "bricks", per month from his codefendant, Elliot Page, for further distribution in the McKeesport area. Shields was arrested by officers of the McKeesport Police Department on unrelated charges on June 24, 2017, at which time he was found in possession of more than $5,000 cash. The officers also discovered a bag on the ground approximately five feet from Shields containing more than 270 "stamp bags" of fentanyl. Shields acknowledged responsibility for the distribution of at least 160 grams of fentanyl. He is the sixteenth of 21 defendants charged in the case to plead guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. Shields has at least one prior felony drug conviction, and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000, 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. Shields remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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. - One resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of armed bank robbery and Hobbs Act Robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on June 5, named Hugo Lopez, age 55, formerly of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about February 6, 2018, Lopez robbed Family Dollar, located at 2020 Spring Garden Avenue, in Pittsburgh, PA. The indictment also alleges that on or about March 8, 2018, Lopez robbed Dollar General, located at 508 Pine Hollow Road, in McKees Rocks, PA. The indictment further alleges that on or about March 22, 2018, Lopez robbed at gunpoint the PNC Bank located at 500 Pine Hollow Road, in McKees Rocks, PA. PNC Bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 25 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 Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police, the City of Pittsburgh Police, and the Kennedy Township Police Departments, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA –  A Jamaican national has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal wire and mail fraud laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count indictment, returned on June 5, charged Kristoff Cain, age 22, of Jamaica, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and five counts of wire fraud.

“Kristoff Cain is charged with conducting a series of ‘Jamaican Lottery’ telephone scams targeting senior citizens in the United States.  Cain and others called victims and, through misrepresentations such as telling the victim he or she needed to pay taxes on a lottery jackpot or by claiming to be a police officer, caused these victims to part with their hard-earned savings,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting all Pennsylvanians, especially seniors, from becoming victims of financial exploitation.  As this indictment demonstrates, we will even go beyond borders to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of fraud schemes. Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between federal and state law enforcement, including the Pennsylvania Attorney General, our seniors are safer today from these scams.”

“Kristoff Cain is in custody thanks to strong law enforcement collaboration with our federal and state partners,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said.  “Because of our cooperation, the international ringleader in a lottery scam that has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from seniors across our Commonwealth and the country has been federally indicted by U.S. Attorney Scott Brady’s office. We’re proud of the partnership and I applaud U.S. Attorney Brady for his outstanding leadership.”

According to the indictment, from in and around September 2013 to in and around April 2018, Cain and other individuals conspired to defraud victims in the United States by making false representations over the telephone.  In some instances, members of the conspiracy falsely told victims that they had won large cash prizes in a lottery and needed to send money in order to pay taxes or other assessments on those prizes.  In other instances, members of the conspiracy pretended to be law enforcement officers and instructed victims to send cash to specified addresses in connection with purported investigations involving their bank accounts.  The indictment states that an unindicted co-conspirator, a Western Pennsylvania resident, received packages containing cash sent by some victims of the scheme, and wired more than $210,000 via MoneyGram and Western Union wire transactions to recipients in Jamaica and other foreign countries between September 2013 and December 2016.

As further described in the indictment, in December 2015, Cain contacted an 82-year-old victim in South Carolina, claiming to be an FBI agent named “Trooper Phillips” investigating purported discrepancies with the victim’s bank account.  Cain’s false representations induced the victim to send a package containing $25,000 in cash to the Pittsburgh co-conspirator via UPS in connection with the purported investigation.  After receiving the package, the Pittsburgh co-conspirator sent $8,000 in MoneyGram wire transactions to a member of the conspiracy in Jamaica.

“Elder fraud is a serious and growing threat,” said Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson. "We understand how devastating these schemes can be, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally and even physically. The FBI urges people to check with law enforcement before sending money to anyone they don't know.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to actively investigate fraudulent lottery schemes based in Jamaica directed at ripping off victims in the United States,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Pittsburgh Division.  “Lottery scams tied to Jamaica are targeting victims in the United States, and we will not allow fraudsters to use the U.S. Mail to commit their crime.”

“Homeland Security Investigations and our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners are committed to investigate and bring to justice individuals perpetrating these lottery schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Marlon V. Miller. “Fraud schemes, targeting vulnerable individuals within our communities, are simply appalling and will not be tolerated.”

Cain was arrested on a Pennsylvania state complaint in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 21, 2018, after law enforcement learned he was visiting the United States.  Cain was subsequently charged by criminal complaint in federal court on May 9, 2018.  Cain is expected to make his initial appearance in Federal Court this week.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 140 years in prison, a fine of either $1,750,000 or an alternative amount depending on the victims’ losses, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney 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 - A Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court to 41 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of wire fraud and damaging a computer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Sullivan, Jr. was also ordered to pay $374,198.73 in restitution.

United States District Judge Cathy Bisson imposed the sentence yesterday on William Simon Sullivan, Jr., 45, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Sullivan worked as a consultant for Triangle Payroll Services, Inc. (TPS), a Pennsylvania corporation that provides clients with various financial services including payroll and tax escrow processing services. Using the software program CyberPay, TPS created daily batch files that were uploaded to a national financial services company. The batch files contained specific instructions regarding the transfers of funds for TPS clients. From January 12, 2013, and continuing to January 24, 2014, Sullivan executed a scheme to defraud TPS and its clients. Using his position as a consultant to TPS, his knowledge of the CyberPay software, and his remote access to TPS’s computer network, Sullivan fraudulently altered TPS’s daily batch files and caused more than $374,000 to be transferred via wire transfers from bank accounts of TPS and its clients to Sullivan’s personal bank accounts, without the knowledge, approval or authorization of TPS or its clients.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sullivan, Jr.

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

Robin Chiappetta, age 63, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Chiappetta, who was employed as an Assistant Branch Manager at First National Bank, located at 1703 Seventh Avenue in Beaver Falls, embezzled funds belonging to and entrusted to the custody and care of the bank, resulting in a loss of $20,513.80.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to four years of probation with eight months of home detention and ordered to pay $16,700.00 in restitution on his conviction of passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bisson imposed the sentence on Peter A. Maiolo, Jr., 42, of 6060 Jackson Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Maiolo passed counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes at Target stores in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

Isaiah Pridgen, age 20, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Pridgen possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Further, on that same date, Pridgen possessed a Taurus Millennium, .45 caliber pistol, in furtherance of said drug trafficking crime.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for November 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the McKeesport Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pridgen.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime, including violent crime caused by drug trafficking, and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Boca Raton, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 1, 2018, named Gennady Nudelman, 42, as the sole defendant. Nudelman was arrested today and the indictment unsealed.

According to the indictment, Nudelman was involved in a complex conspiracy related to the fraudulent processing of credit card payments. The credit card companies will not allow their products and services to be used to pay for certain precluded activities, including the on-line sales of pharmaceutical drugs and of products violating trademark infringement laws. The defendant participated in the conspiracy designed to conceal from the credit card companies the fact they used their products and services to pay for precluded activities and to subvert the internal controls the credit card companies had in place to detect and prevent this type of activity. The fraud involved establishing shell corporations and web sites associated with the shell companies that falsely claimed that they sold products other than pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. The conspirators then applied for merchant accounts from the credit card companies in the names of the shell corporations and the fake web sites. Once the merchant accounts were established, they were used to process payments for pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. Additionally, the conspirators arranged for the credit card statements sent to the consumers to have the names of the shell corporations and telephone numbers. The conspirators set up a telephone bank to receive calls from customers questioning billings on their credit card statements, and the conspirators explained to the customers the true nature of the transactions in hopes of avoiding charge-backs that could cause the credit card companies to question the legitimacy of the transactions.

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

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

The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service 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 - Larry Malloy, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to distributing Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, including heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Malloy pled guilty before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. As part of the guilty plea, Malloy accepted responsibility for causing the fatal overdose death of T.C. in April 2016 and acknowledged being responsible for the distribution of at least 100 grams of heroin and at least four grams of fentanyl.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing to occur on October 3, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Allegheny County Police Department, the Verona Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA. – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and attack the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest personnel increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas across the country. This includes 190 new violent crime prosecutors, 86 new civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSAs will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

"Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades."

The Western District of Pennsylvania will receive two of the new prosecutors who will focus on violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "The top priorities of General Sessions and our Office are reducing violent crime and combatting the opioid crisis. These two new prosecutors will be critical to this mission. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take dangerous criminals off the streets. These additional resources will be crucial in fulfilling our responsibility to keep the citizens of western Pennsylvania safe."

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced by a federal district court judge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to 60 months in prison on charges of wire fraud and tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Albert P. Majkowski, Jr., 59, went to trial in January and was found guilty by a jury of wire fraud and tax violations set forth in a seven-count indictment.

According to the evidence presented during trial, Majkowski defrauded potential investors over nearly a decade by, among other things, making false statements about his own success in "incubating" start-up businesses, misrepresenting his own personal wealth and producing a series of false documents that inflated the assets of his company and the funding he was supposedly receiving from outside sources. He also evaded his income tax obligations for the years 2007 through 2010 by a variety of means including failing to file tax returns, putting his assets into the names of other persons and manipulating a series of checks made out in blank or to cash. The evidence produced at trial showed that he evaded nearly $200,000 in federal income tax on income of more than $700,000. The presiding judge, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton, made a finding at the time of sentencing that various investors had lost more than $2.2 million that they had entrusted to Majkowski.

At the sentencing proceeding Majkowski was given 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $2.2 million to defrauded investors as well as restitution to the IRS of $181,456.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to four years of probation on her conviction of conspiring to commit health care fraud and conspiring to distribute oxymorphone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Mildred Rainey, 61.

According to information presented to the court, Rainey participated in a criminal network of drug dealers by obtaining opiate painkillers prescribed to an elderly person and arranging for the sale of that medication to individuals who illicitly distributed the medication to individuals addicted to the medication. In addition, a taxpayer funded insurance program paid for the medication that Rainey arranged to distribute illegally.

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 Rainey.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 months’ imprisonment followed by four years supervised release on her convictions for conspiring to commit health care fraud and conspiring to distribute oxycodone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Teresa Bernardi, 56.

According to information presented to the court, Bernardi participated in a criminal network of drug dealers that obtained opiate painkillers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Bernardi acted as a broker to arrange for co-conspirators to sell prescription opiates they obtained using prescriptions through health care providers to William Richardson, the primary dealer in the conspiracy. The conspirators paid for the prescriptions through taxpayer funded health care insurance.

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 Bernardi.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Edward Skrine was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin in January 2015, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Skrine, age 61 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. Judge Hornak also ordered Skrine to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison. As part of Skrine’s conviction and sentence, he accepted responsibility for causing the overdose death of a customer in January 2015 and agreed to pay restitution to the customer’s family for expenses related to the death.

The information presented to the Court in support of the conviction and sentence revealed that, during the evening of January 25, 2015, P.W., age 47, suffered a fatal drug overdose in a hotel room in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. He died from heroin he and his friend purchased earlier that day. Detectives with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, in conjunction with members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, promptly investigated who was responsible for supplying the heroin that killed P.W. The investigation led to an undercover purchase of heroin from Anthony McCullough two days later. McCullough and Skrine, who was McCullough’s direct supplier, were arrested at that time and were subsequently indicted and convicted in federal court in Pittsburgh.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

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

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Destiny S. Dayton, 21, of Duquesne, PA.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Verona, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 72 months to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Christopher Gregg, 46, formerly Verona, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, on February 22, 2016, Christopher Gregg walked into First Commonwealth Bank in Edgewood and passed the teller a note, which stated, "no dye packs, hand over the money". Gregg kept his hand in the left pocket of his jacket and acted as though he had a gun in his waist area. He took $4,799 from the teller along with the note. Gregg was identified after surveillance video was shown on the news. He confessed to robbing the bank and stated that he spent all of the money on drugs.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Allegheny County Police and Edgewood Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa - After deliberating one hour, a federal jury found Atticus Sliter-Matias guilty of two counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sliter-Matias, 29, of Euclid, Ohio was tried before visiting United States District Judge Bill Wilson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Shardul Desai and Colin Callahan, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from around June 2015 to on or about July 5, 2016, Sliter-Matias advertised electronic devices for sale on 161 eBay accounts. However, Sliter-Matias mailed empty packages through the United States Postal Service to the purchasers instead of the purchased merchandise. Sliter-Matias often used the proceeds from these fraudulent sales to purchase gold or silver bars and coins.

Judge Wilson scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Slither-Matias be continued on bond.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sliter-Matias.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to three months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jarrod William Burrell, 40. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Burrell is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about August 29, 2017, Burrell was in possession of contraband, namely a quantity of marijuana while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Burrell.

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to two months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Francisco Uresti, 43. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Uresti is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, on or about August 31, 2017, Uresti was in possession of contraband, namely a quantity of marijuana while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Uresti.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation on his conviction of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John L. McDowell, 68.

According to information presented to the court, McDowell’s three co-defendants were engaged in food stamp fraud primarily involving exchanging food stamps for cash. John McDowell was enlisted to submit a fraudulent application for a food stamp license so that the food stamp terminals in use at the convenience stores owned and operated by two of the co-defendants would not be in their names. The defendants then used the food stamp terminals at locations where they were not authorized.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the Erie Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McDowell.

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

Jibul R. Jibul, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jibul and two-defendants were all engaged in food stamp fraud primarily involving exchanging food stamps for cash. Jibul and his co-defendants also used the food stamp terminals at locations where they were not authorized.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the Erie Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jibul.

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

Paris Xavier Boyd, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the FBI’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets task force conducted an investigation into the drug dealing and violent crime activity of members of a local gang identifying itself as "1800". The court was advised that court authorized intercepts of telephone communications between members of the group and others revealed Boyd selling crack cocaine in the Erie area. The court was advised that Boyd took over the role as the crack cocaine distributor when another member of the group was arrested after shooting at rival gang members in Erie. Boyd pleaded guilty to conspiring with his co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distribute the crack cocaine.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Boyd on bond.

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

The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Boyd. The Erie County District Attorney’s County Detectives Bureau also assisted in the investigation.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three months in a halfway house, one year of supervised release, and a $5,000 fine, on his conviction of simple assault on an aircraft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence on Wei-Ming Shi, 59, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on August 18, 2016, Shi was a passenger on Southwest flight number 2888 from Las Vegas to Pittsburgh. An adult female (hereinafter referred to as the victim) was seated next to Shi during the flight. The victim fell asleep. While the victim was asleep, Shi placed his hands underneath the dress of the victim. Shi placed his hand on the inner thigh of the victim, her upper buttocks, and her lower back.

The victim awoke in response to this conduct of Shi. She notified a flight attendant as to what had occurred and had her seat changed. At no time did the victim consent to Shi’s conduct or give him permission to touch her in the manner described.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Walton stated that Shi’s behavior was "repulsive and cannot be tolerated."

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shi.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment and eight years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Khalifa Cochran, age 37.

According to information presented to the court, the charges in this case resulted from a wiretap investigation conducted by the FBI and other law enforcement partners. During the investigation, the defendant was intercepted over a wiretapped phone discussing drug transactions. In connection with the investigation, on April 18, 2017, officers recovered 105 grams of fentanyl from the defendant’s car. Additional quantities of fentanyl were recovered from the defendant’s house during the execution of a search warrant on the same day.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Caitlin A. Loughran prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Brighton Police Department, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, and the Cranberry Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cochran.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Peter Digiacomo, 31, formerly of Brockway, Pa., pleaded guilty to four counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on various dates between July 2016 and March 2017, Digiacomo recruited straw purchasers to buy a total of 20 guns, and acquired one additional stolen gun which he later transferred to another individual. Digiacomo admitted to investigators that since he cannot purchase firearms due to prior convictions, including one for domestic violence, he solicited others to purchase firearms. The straw purchasers provided false information on federal forms in order to facilitate the purchase of the firearms. Due to his prior conviction, Digiacomo is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.

Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2018. The law provides, at each count, for a maximum sentence of not more than ten 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 offenses, and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Judge Conti ordered the defendant to remain detained pending sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with a detective from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Plum, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 62 months’ imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release on a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence yesterday on Radames Perez, age 46, and a citizen of Cuba.

According to information presented to the court, a wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in the New Kensington area from January to May 2015 revealed that the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Perez received between 700 and 1000 grams of heroin from a source of supply in New York City, which he later distributed in Western Pennsylvania.

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

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Baldwin Borough Police Department, the Duquesne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Scott Township Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department, along with assistance from the City of New Kensington Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Perez. 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 Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kevin C. Conklin, 56, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Court David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Conklin was employed by Mountain Energy Company, Ltd., an energy company headquartered in Aleppo Pennsylvania that operated oil and natural gas wells in the Western District of Pennsylvania. As part of his employment, Conklin oversaw the day-to day operations of Mountain Energy and managed the financial matters of Mountain Energy.

From January 2008 through December 2012, Conklin engaged in a scheme to defraud Mountain Energy and fraudulently obtained thousands of dollars of Mountain Energy’s funds. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Conklin used checks drawn on Mountain Energy’s business bank account to pay for personal expenses, including payments for Conklin' s home, personal credit card bills, college tuition for his daughter, an engagement ring for his son and automobile payments for a personal vehicle. Conklin falsely recorded in the financial database of Mountain Energy, the payee information and purpose of the Mountain Energy’s checks used by Conklin for his personal expenses. As part of the scheme, Conklin concealed from Mountain Energy’s tax preparer and the Internal Revenue Service, the expenditure of Mountain Energy’s funds to pay for his personal expenses.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mary McKeen Houghton and Paul E. Hull are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, was found to have violated the terms of his federal supervision, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to information presented to the Court, Darryl Lee Arnold, Jr., aka "Boulders," was previously charged with federal drug trafficking offenses nearly 10 years ago, on June 24, 2008. On January 21, 2010, Arnold was sentenced to serve 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervision. In 2018, the United States Probation Office filed a petition alleging that Arnold was again dealing drugs and Arnold was placed on house arrest pending a supervised release violation hearing.

At that hearing, held on May 23, 2018, United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone determined that Arnold had violated his Supervised Release and ordered the United States Marshal Service to take the defendant into custody.

The law provides for a total sentence of up to three more years in prison, and an additional period of supervision. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arnold. The DEA joined forces with many other state and local law enforcement agencies including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Monessen Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to address the extraordinary number of opiate overdoses since August of 2015.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Matthew Gallo, age 34, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, 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 Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Walter Porter, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance before United States District Court Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 14, 2016, Walter Porter was a passenger in a maroon Hyundai Elantra that was pulled for a traffic stop in Indiana, Pa. Porter was seated next to a green bag. Inside the green bag, Indiana Police found a bag of a white material within a Big Puncture Seal Tire Repair hideaway can. The Pennsylvania State lab tested the substance and revealed that it was approximately three grams of crack cocaine, a Scheduled II controlled substance.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against a resident of the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count superseding indictment named Jerome "Bubba" Barnes, age 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around June 2016, to in and around July 2017, Barnes conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The superseding indictment also alleges that Barnes distributed and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl between April and June of 2017.

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.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Jamaican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment named Kevin Ruddock, 34, of a citizen of Jamaica residing in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Ruddock knowingly gave false information on an application to purchase a Ruger Model 9E, 9 millimeter handgun, in violation of federal law. Federal law prohibits anyone who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States, or who is an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa, from possessing a firearm. The indictment alleges that on March 13, 2017, Ruddock falsely claimed that he was a United States citizen on the form submitted to Dick’s Sporting Goods when he purchased the Ruger. The indictment further alleges that on March 16, 2018, Ruddock possessed the Ruger, along with 123 rounds of ammunition, and that the possession was illegal both because Ruddock was admitted into the United States on a non-immigrant visa and because he was in the United States at the time of his possession illegally and unlawfully having overstayed his visa.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also provided assistance to the investigators.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating less than one-half hour, a federal jury found Kahlil Shelton guilty of five counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws and Deron Howell guilty of eight counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws.

Shelton, age 23, formerly of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and Howell, age 25, formerly of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, were tried before United States District Court Judge Billy Roy Wilson in Pittsburgh.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Lanni and Jeffrey Bengel, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on August 7, 2017, Howell and Shelton robbed two individuals of marijuana in a residential neighborhood in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, while using firearms.  Howell and Shelton organized this robbery by telling the victim that they wanted to purchase approximately six pounds of marijuana.  Howell, Shelton, and a third unknown accomplice then travelled to the victim’s house in Cranberry.  Upon arrival, Shelton excused himself to go to the bathroom and returned from the bathroom holding a firearm that he pressed to the heads of both of the victims.  At this time, Howell stole the marijuana from one of the victims.  The second victim struggled with Shelton before attempting to flee from the house.  Before the second victim could flee from the house, the third unknown accomplice shot the victim through the chest, but he survived.

Additionally, on July 27, 2017, Deron Howell, and two unidentified accomplices used firearms to rob four professional video game players of $6,700 dollars to be used at a video game tournament.  Howell accomplished the robbery by picking up the four victims at the Pittsburgh International Airport in his silver Kia Optimum and driving them to the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh.  After Howell locked the victims in the car, two unknown accomplices pulled the victims from the car and held them at gunpoint with an AK-47 and a pistol while Howell stripped the victims of their belongings, the $6,700 dollars, and their luggage.  ATF and Pittsburgh Police were able to link the Cranberry incident to the City of Pittsburgh incident due to their similar styles.

“This case arose from a marijuana deal gone bad when the buyers attempted to rob the seller.  Shots were fired and one of the participants was wounded.  All of this occurred in a quiet Cranberry neighborhood,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Project Safe Neighborhoods, the federal program to combat the illegal use of firearms, is designed to address exactly this type of violent criminal activity.”

Judge Wilson scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018.  Shelton faces a total maximum sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Howell faces a total maximum sentence of not less than 30 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both    Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

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

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, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ryan Gainer, age 37. According to information presented to the court, on or about June 14, 2016, Gainer knowingly possessed a stolen firearm.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. 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 United States Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on his convictions for conspiring to possess and distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, health care fraud, and perjury, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jeremiah Davidson, 62.

According to information presented to the court, Davidson participated in a criminal network of drug dealers that obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Davidson obtained opiate pills from various sources and provided them to a dealer for further distribution. One of Davidson’s sources of supply was his own prescriptions, which he obtained fraudulently and paid for through a taxpayer-funded health care benefit program.

While on bond for these offenses, law enforcement arrested him for continuing to sell fraudulently obtained prescription medication to dealers. In an ultimately successful attempt to avoid revocation of his federal bond, Davidson lied under oath about several important matters and thus committed perjury.

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 Davidson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months of incarceration, followed by five years of supervised release, and payment of $246,170.03 in restitution, on his convictions for conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Reginald Harris, 51.

According to information presented to the court, from around September 2009 through December 2012, Harris, while imprisoned on state offenses at SCI-Cresson and other correctional facilities, conspired with others to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by filing fraudulent tax returns and collecting refunds in the names of other people, many of whom were fellow inmates at state facilities. After his release from state prison, Harris was charged with a federal drug-related offense. When serving that sentence and while awaiting sentencing on the tax-related offenses, Harris continued to commit tax offenses while in federal custody at North East Ohio Corrections Center. While in federal custody, he arranged for the filing of fraudulent tax returns of other individuals in federal custody at NEOCC.

The Court concluded that Harris was the leader of the complex tax fraud scheme, and that he was responsible for the filing of hundreds of tax returns that sought hundreds of thousands of fraudulent refunds. He coordinated the scheme through several non-incarcerated individuals who established banks accounts, mailed the tax returns, and obtained the information for the tax returns. Harris also taught other inmates how to conduct the scheme.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak recognized that Harris was the hub for a complicated and substantial tax fraud scheme that affected many people and was hard to detect. He further emphasized that Harris recruited others who did not appear predisposed to commit this type of crime without Harris’s substantial direction. Judge Hornak also described Harris’s substantial criminal history as a ‘buffet of criminal conduct’ that included a wide array of offenses involving fraud, theft, drug sales, and threats of violence, and expressed concern that a prison sentence alone seemed unlikely to deter Harris’s further criminal conduct.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harris.

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

Jerome Sowell, 31, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from November 2015 to May 2016, Sowell conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, 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 Cindy K. Chung and Shanicka L. Kennedy are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Scott Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws , United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Charles D. Outcalt, Jr., age 25, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 29, 2016, Outcalt conspired with others to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute over 5 grams of actual methamphetamine.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2018.  The law provides, at each count, for a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Stowe Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, 150 hours’ community service, and a $3000 fine on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Paul Sedor, 36. According to information presented to the court at the time he entered a guilty plea, Sedor, from March through June 2017, regularly purchased one-quarter ounce to one-ounce quantities of cocaine from his codefendant, Skyler Carter, for personal use and further distribution purposes. He was held responsible for the distribution of approximately 100 grams of cocaine during that time period.  This was Sedor’s first drug trafficking conviction. He is the second of the 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to be sentenced.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting 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.