Western District of Pennsylvania

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

Marlin Scott, age 25, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

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

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 26, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Albans, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

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

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2016, Dashamae Wayne and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise, which totaled approximately $91,000.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentence for November 2, 2018 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 140 months’ imprisonment, followed by 20 years supervised release, on a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Timothy David Piper, age 22, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about January 29, 2016, Piper knowingly distributed images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.  Specifically, Piper, groomed and sexually assaulted a minor male child, admitted to taking sexually explicit images and videos of the child using his cellular phone, and shared the images and videos over the Internet.

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

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Greensburg Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Piper.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and conspiracy to launder proceeds of marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Ryan Schanck, age 30, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy of Schanck and his co-conspirators. From 2012 through 2017, Schanck and his co-conspirators arranged for marijuana to be supplied from the West Coast and mailed to the Pittsburgh area through the United States Postal Service. Schanck and his co-conspirators would then distribute the marijuana in the Western District of Pennsylvania, primarily on college campuses, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the operation of the conspiracy, Schanck conspired to distribute from 700 to 1000 kilograms of marijuana. He also conspired to launder approximately $258,404 in proceeds from marijuana trafficking.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schanck. 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 - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Joban Rodriguez-Nava, aka Joban Roderiguez, aka Jovan Rodriguez, age 31, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Joban Rodriguez-Nava, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 14, 2011, March 28, 2011, May 24, 2011, June 7, 2011 and June 15, 2012. Joban Rodriguez-Nava was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 30, 2018.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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 – Four people have been charged in separate, but related, indictments with aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

According to a five-count indictment, Martha B. Vasser of Pittsburgh filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

Another five-count indictment charges Earlene L. Clancy of Pittsburgh with filing false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

A third five-count indictment alleges Quincy K. Denson of Clairton filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

A fourth five-count indictment charges Daniel K. Hamilton of Arnold, Pennsylvania, with filing false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

At each count, the law provides for a total sentence of three years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictments in these cases.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 41 months of imprisonment 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 Malcolm Howard, 26.

According to information presented to the court at the time he entered a guilty plea, Howard, from March through June 2017, purchased 10 "bricks" of heroin and three ounces of cocaine twice per month from his codefendant, Skylar Carter, and was personally responsible for the distribution of more than 60 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine in the Clairton area. He was the first of the 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to be sentenced. In imposing sentence, Judge Schwab highlighted Howard’s prior criminal history, which included a felony drug trafficking conviction, and his repeated disregard for the law.

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.

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

Robert G. Landsbach, 36, of Stoystown, Pa., pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on October 5, 2016, Landsbach knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security, Child Exploitation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Landsbach.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 25 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiring to possess and distribute opiate painkillers, oxycodone and oxymorphone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Chani Watkins, 26, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Watkins participated in a criminal network of drug dealers that obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Watkins distributed opiate pills to, and collected money from, Kavon Dawkins, one of the primary dealer in the conspiracy. Dawkins is presently awaiting sentencing.

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 Watkins.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of incarceration followed by three years of federal supervision by the United States Probation Office on his conviction for escaping from a halfway house, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Anthony Lee, age 38, formerly of the Hill District section of Pittsburgh and the borough of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the defendant was serving the end of his 10- year federal sentence for drug dealing and illegal gun possession in a halfway house when he walked away on October 23, 2016. He was later located and arrested by members of the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force on November 22, 2016.

The Court noted that Lee walked away after becoming involved in an altercation with his girlfriend and a new girlfriend that left the former girlfriend bleeding from injuries to her face. The government noted that the defendant has amassed a total of 46 arrests between his first arrest at the age of 11 and his current sentencing at age 38. Those incidents resulted in 27 different criminal convictions. The government noted that Lee has spent the entire time between his first arrest and the current sentencing either: pending trial; on supervision; incarcerated; or as a fugitive - with the sole exception of three months in 2004. Lee had walked away from numerous different facilities in the past, according to evidence presented to the court.

The Court learned that Lee had been seriously injured as a result of two separate incidents where he was shot in 2001 and 2002. Although Lee claimed that the injuries from these incidents left him physically unable to work, his criminal record includes a subsequent 2004 incident where Lee and his co-defendants kicked in the door to an apartment and pointed guns at the female occupant and her children. After realizing that they had forcibly entered the wrong apartment, the defendants went to the second floor, forced entry to that apartment and pointed guns at those residents as well. One resident jumped from the second floor in an effort to escape, apparently breaking his ankle. As police arrived, Lee and his co-defendants were attempting to flee across the rooftops, but were apprehended.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that Lee committed a "serious offense," that he has "never had any legitimate employment" and that he had a "bad criminal history" which warranted the current sentence.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Marshal Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lee.

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

Glenn Bailey, 60, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on July 25, 2013, Bailey knowingly possessed videos and images as computer graphic files containing images of child pornography, including images which depict prepubescent minors and minors who have not attained twelve years of age, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bailey.

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

PITTSBURGH – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week.

"One officer death is too many," Attorney General Sessions said. "While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks."

"During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of police officers, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "In particular, May 15th marks National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time to honor the memories and service of brave, selfless heroes who risked their own lives for the safety of others. They died doing what all law enforcement officers do every day - protecting and serving."

In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

The names of 360 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty—including 129 who died in 2017—were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018.

Three Western Pennsylvania officers were added this year: New Kensington Police Officer Brian Shaw, who was shot and killed on the evening November 17, 2017; Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael P. Stewart, who was killed in a crash in the early morning hours of July 14, 2017; and Westmoreland County Constable John Thomas Caslin, who was shot and killed in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 7, 1948.

The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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

Adam D. Cadle, 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cadle had been using a group chat service, known as "Chatstep," to distribute and receive images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were under the age of 12 years. On November 1, 2017, Cadle’s residence was searched by members of the Pittsburgh Crimes Against Children Task Force, during which numerous images of child pornography were identified on his laptop computer and a SanDisk thumb drive. Forensic analysis undertaken after the search revealed that Cadle was chatting with minors and sharing sexually exploitive material. It was established that on November 17, 2015, Cadle distributed 10 images of child pornography during one such chat session.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Cadle remains on bond pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cadle.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months in prison on his conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Akintayo Bolorunduro, age 36, of Atlanta, Georgia. Bolorunduro was also sentenced to pay restitution of $646,606.59 to victims of the conspiracy.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016 through in and around July 2017, Bolorunduro and others conspired to launder funds derived from business email compromise scams, in which fraudulent emails and faxes caused businesses to wire real estate settlement funds to bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.

In particular, on April 29, 2016, Bolorunduro forwarded to another conspirator the bank account information of a Pittsburgh-area co-conspirator, which was used to induce a fraudulent wire transfer of $411,548.06 into the Pittsburgh-area conspirator’s bank account. Bolorunduro then directed the Pittsburgh-area conspirator to purchase and distribute cashier’s checks with the fraud proceeds, including three checks totaling $131,000 made payable to fake names and businesses and sent to Bolorunduro in Georgia. In a separate scam, which resulted in a fraudulent wire transfer of $235,058.53, Bolorunduro received a portion of the proceeds and, on April 18, 2016, deposited a bank check for $20,000 into a bank account he had previously opened using a false Nigerian passport.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was appropriate due to the seriousness of the offense, the scope of the financial losses from the conspiracy, and Bolorunduro’s role in the criminal activity.

Assistant United States Attorneys Adam N. Hallowell and 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 Bolorunduro.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty to one count of international parental kidnapping and was sentenced in federal court to "time served," having been imprisoned for 25 months, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Marike Vuga, 48, a citizen of Austria and a former professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Judge Bissoon also ordered that Vuga be removed from the United States and returned to Austria. She remains detained pending removal by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to information presented to the court, Vuga, on March 16, 2016, traveled from the United States to Canada with her child, contrary to a custody order in place since November 2010, and without the permission of the child’s father. She crossed the border in northern Maine at the New Brunswick, Canada border crossing, using false identification for her child, and then traveled to Ottawa and endeavored unsuccessfully to obtain Austrian travel documents for her child, who was born in the United States and was a U.S. citizen. From March 18, 2016 through April 8, 2016, Vuga and her child stayed at a bed & breakfast located in Ottawa, evading law enforcement authorities. The owner of the establishment became suspicious of her behavior, and learned through a search on the Internet that there was an outstanding arrest warrant for Vuga, issued in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and immediately contacted the Ottawa Police Service. Officers confirmed her identity through surveillance and affected her arrest on April 8, 2016. Vuga was thereafter extradited to the United States.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Vuga.

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

Marcus Smith, age 23, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 2, 2017, Smith, an individual with several prior felony convictions, knowingly and unlawfully possessed a Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named William Kelly Penn, age 32, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 27, 2018, Penn possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to ten months’ imprisonment followed by eighteen months of supervised release for violating the terms of his federal supervised release imposed as part of Walls’ 2013 conviction for violations of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak revoked supervision and imposed the sentence on Antoine Walls, age 25.

Recently, on April 17, 2018, Judge Hornak sentenced Walls to 44 months’ incarceration followed by three years’ supervised release for violations of federal firearms laws. Today, Judge Hornak ordered that Walls may serve six months of his ten-month sentence for violating his federal supervised release concurrent to the sentence imposed last month. Judge Hornak also ordered that the eighteen-month term of supervised release imposed as part of today’s sentence for violating supervised release may be served concurrent to the sentence recently imposed for violations of federal firearms laws.

According to information presented to the court, while on supervised release for a violation of federal narcotics laws, Walls unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition in violation of the terms of his supervised release and in violation of federal firearms laws.

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

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

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

The indictment named Clarence M. Cosby, 36, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on July 5, 2017, Cosby distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and on Oct. 6, 2017, he was found in possession of a loaded Remington Model RM-380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. On Jan. 29, 2016, Cosby was convicted in Bedford Co., Pa., of drug trafficking, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

The indictment named Willie Gene Gulley, Jr., 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on each of the dates of March 1 and March 20, 2018, Gulley distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of $2,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Virginia has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on March 31 and unsealed today, named Van Gregory Barrows, 26, of Bowden, West Virginia, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Barrows attempted to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in November 2017. The indictment further alleges that Barrows conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between September 2017, and November 2017. Barrows, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, is also alleged to have unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition on or about November 17, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $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 Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Ross Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment 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.

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

PITTSBURGH – Dr. Robert Fetchero, D.O., of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sridhar Pinnamaneni, M.D., of Windermere, Florida, and Dr. Thelma Green-Mack, M.D., of Zionsville, Indiana, separately agreed to settle allegations that they each received improper payments for referrals from Greensburg, Pennsylvania drug testing lab Universal Oral Fluid Laboratories, and caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare for drug testing services, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. These settlements follow the earlier guilty plea on related charges of Dr. John H. Johnson of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, who had served as UOFL’s medical director.

The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling physicians referred Medicare patients to Universal Oral Fluid Laboratories ("UOFL") for drug testing services while engaged in a financial relationship with the lab. Specifically, UOFL paid the settling physicians to refer their patients to the lab for drug tests; UOFL then submitted claims to Medicare for the drug testing services from 2011 to 2014. UOFL was owned and operated by William Hughes. The United States alleged that the financial arrangement between the settling physicians and UOFL violated the physician self-referral law, commonly known as the "Stark Law," and the Anti-Kickback Statute, giving rise to liability under the False Claims Act. Pursuant to separately executed settlement agreements, Dr. Fetchero agreed to pay $200,000; Dr. Pinnamaneni agreed to pay $370,000; and Dr. Green-Mack agreed to pay $130,000.

The Stark Law forbids physicians from making referrals for certain designated health services payable by Medicare to an entity with which he or she (or an immediate family member) has a financial relationship, unless an exception applies. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of services covered by federal health care programs, such as Medicare. Violations of the Stark Law or Anti-Kickback Statute may give rise to civil liability for treble damages and penalties under the False Claims Act.

"The integrity of the relationship between patients and their doctors is sacrosanct. A physician’s medical judgment should never be compromised by improper financial incentives," said United States Attorney Scott W. Brady. "We will continue to hold healthcare providers accountable when they enter into financial arrangements that violate the law."

These matters were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Mamula and Paul E. Skirtich handled the investigations that led to the settlements on behalf of the United States.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to possess and distribute opiate painkillers, oxycodone and oxymorphone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Nicole Miller, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Miller participated in a criminal network of drug dealers who obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Miller took orders for pills, recruited customers, delivered pills, and delivered payment to dealers.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2018 The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A New Jersey resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Carolyn Spann, age 53, Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from 2013 to September 2017, Spann conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

United States District Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $20 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Spann. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former radiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marios D. Papachristou, 43, of Allison Park, PA, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Papachristou conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Vicodin, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to other persons not specifically named in the Indictment. Papachristou also committed health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to UPMC Health Plan, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Vicodin.

"Today’s guilty plea marks the first conviction in a case investigated by the Western Pennsylvania 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," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "The data we are receiving provides important information about prescription opioids, prescribers and pharmacies that is being used to start or strengthen our investigations."

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provide a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 for unlawfully dispensing Schedule II controlled substances; and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for health care fraud. 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 the defendant on bond.

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

The investigation leading to the prosecution of this case 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.

WASHINGTON, DC – Five physicians of Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, an opioid addiction treatment practice with offices in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have been indicted on charges of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, 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.  These indictments represent the latest in a series of charges filed since Attorney General 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 defendants named in the indictments are:

• Dr. Krishan Kumar Aggarwal, 73, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a contractor at RTA in Weirton, West Virginia;
• Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, 68, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a contractor at RTA in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania;
• Dr. Parth Bharill, 69, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a contractor at RTA in Morgantown, West Virginia;
• Dr. Cherian John, 65, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, a contractor at RTA in Weirton, West Virginia; and
• Dr. Michael Bummer, 38, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, a contractor at RTA in Washington, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictments, Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, operates Suboxone clinics in several locations in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.  The indictments allege that the defendants, working as contractors at various locations, created and distributed unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, known as Subutex and Suboxone, a drug that should be used to treat individuals with addiction.  The defendants are also charged with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute buprenorphine.  Finally, the defendants are charged with health care fraud for allegedly causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare or Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.

“Today we are facing the worst drug crisis in American history, with one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  “It's incredible but true that some of our trusted medical professionals have chosen to violate their oaths and exploit this crisis for profit.  Last summer, I sent a dozen of our top federal prosecutors to focus solely on the problem of opioid-related health care fraud in places where the epidemic was at its worst-including Western Pennsylvania. These cases cut off the supply of drugs and stop fraudsters from exploiting vulnerable people. Our prosecutors began issuing indictments back in October, and today we bring even more charges against those who allegedly defrauded the taxpayer while diverting potentially addictive drugs. I want to thank our dedicated AUSAs Robert Cessar and Sarah Wagner, FBI, DEA, our U.S. Attorneys’ offices, FDA, the HHS and Veterans Affairs Inspectors General, IRS, our Postal Inspectors, and all of our state and local partners for their hard work on these cases."

“Expanding the legitimate use of medication to treat addiction is a critical part of this Administration’s multi-faceted approach to combat the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Yet another vital component is the prosecution of unscrupulous practitioners who abuse their privilege to practice medicine and dispense prescriptions unlawfully.  These indictments demonstrate that we remain vigilant in our pursuit of physicians who ignore their oath to do no harm.”

“We remain unwavering in our efforts to combat those who violate drug laws and thereby contribute to the crisis of addiction.  I have made clear that a medical degree provides you no protection from prosecution.  We will persevere,” added U.S. Attorney Powell.

“Alleged abuses of the health care system destroy the basic trust between providers and patients and between taxpayers and the government,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson. “I commend the work of our health care fraud task force and want this to be a message to the community and physicians that these investigations are a high priority for the FBI.”

“Buprenorphine is used to help people struggling with substance use disorder from heroin and other narcotic pain killers.  The allegations in this indictment against these five doctors are deeply troubling, as these doctors distributed this drug not to assist those struggling with addiction, but solely for profit,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “As part of our overall mission to address the opioid crisis, the DEA will continue to aggressively target the rogue practitioners that contribute to this epidemic.” 

For each of the defendants, the law provide a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the counts charging unlawfully dispensing Schedule III controlled substances;  a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $1 million for each of the counts charging conspiracy to unlawfully dispense a Schedule III controlled substance; and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for each of the counts charging 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 defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar 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 these indictments 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, Unites 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 resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

U-Majesty Williams, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Williams participated in a conspiracy to violate various federal identity theft laws. In summary, conspirators obtained the personal identification information a various individual victims, and members of the conspiracy, including Williams, used that information, along with counterfeit credit cards and counterfeit Ohio drivers’ licenses, to rent vehicles, to apply for credit, and to make purchases, all without the authorization of those victims. Specifically, Williams and a conspirator applied for credit in a victim’s name at a Kay’s Jewelers in Ross Park Mall, using that victim’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with a counterfeit Ohio driver license in the victim’s name but with Williams’ picture. With the credit, Williams and a conspirator obtained more than $7,000 in jewelry.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 11, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than two years and not more than 22 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on May 1, named Timothy Sowinski, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 12, 2018, Sowinski robbed Northwest Bank, located at 535 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; and on or about March 14, 2018, Sowinski attempted to rob PNC Bank located at 5601 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Both banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the 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 - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal narcotics and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on May 1, named James Robert Czachowski, age 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about April 11, 2018, Czachowski attempted to possess with intent to distribute quantities of alprazolam and a fentanyl analogue. The indictment further alleges that Czachowski, a convicted felon, was in possession of three firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 months’ imprisonment and eight years supervised release on his conviction of narcotics and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Ahmad Flannigan, 37, of Aliquippa, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on June 2, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home in Aliquippa. Among other things, the officers recovered a total of approximately nine ounces of crack cocaine; four ounces of powder cocaine; and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including digital scales. The officers also seized three firearms from the defendant’s home, which the defendant was prohibited from possessing because of his prior felony convictions.

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 S. Goodman and Caitlin A. Loughran prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States 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 Flannigan.

PITTSBURGH, PA – An individual found by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Homeland Security Investigations has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Illegal Re-Entry into the United States after Deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 1, named Luis Velasco-Ramirez, 33, formerly of Mexico, as sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Velasco-Ramirez, an alien, was removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 17, 2009, March 20, 2009, March 26, 2009, and June 2, 2012, and was again found in the United States, in Pittsburgh on April 4, 2018, by ICE Officers.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

Derek Price, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with 20 other individuals, between March and June 2017, to distribute narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Price purchased fentanyl and cocaine from his codefendants, Elliot Page and Skylar Carter, for further distribution in the Clairton area. Price acknowledged distributing approximately 15 grams of fentanyl and 300 grams of cocaine. He is the fifteenth of 21 defendants charged to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 5, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Price has a prior felony drug conviction, and as such, he 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 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Price remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Joshua Kinney, 29, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Court Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that it was a part of the conspiracy that Kinney and his co-conspirators obtained counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100 dollars in Ohio and transported the counterfeit Federal Reserve notes into the Western District of Pennsylvania. It was further a part of the conspiracy that on numerous occasions Kinney and his co-conspirators passed, and attempted to pass, counterfeit $100 bills at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania and received legitimate currency as change.

Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison on his conviction of violating supervised release conditions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kenneth K. Gaines.

According to information presented to the court, Gaines had previously been sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment by Judge Schwab and began his supervised release on January 25, 2018. Gaines was arrested by Pittsburgh Police on April 4, 2018, and those charges are pending against him. He admitted to the following supervised release violations: he frequented a place where controlled substances were illegal, sold, used and distributed; he failed to acquire a lawful occupation; he associated without permission with persons convicted of felonies; he possessed a controlled substance, namely marijuana and ecstasy, as demonstrated by positive urine tests; and he failed to participate in a mental health assessment or treatment program.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that it is imperative for Mr. Gaines to cooperate with authorities and to take full responsibility for his own actions.

Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Probation Office for the successful prosecution of Kenneth K. Gaines.

PITTSBURGH –A local felon pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Julian Patton, age 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 2, 2017, Patton, convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history 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 and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Patton.

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 – A Pennsylvania businessman pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Daniel Spatara waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Spatara filed a false 1040 income tax return for 2012. In his 2012 return, the defendant falsely stated that he had business income of $57,612, on line 12, whereas, as he then and there knew, he had substantial additional business income. In addition to the 2012 false tax return charged in the Information, the defendant also filed false tax returns for 2010 and 2011.

Daniel Spatara owned a painting business located in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He reported his business activities on Schedule C attached to his individual tax returns for years 2010, 2011 and 2012. During these years, the defendant under reported $144,350.00 of business receipts. Daniel Spatara’s failure to report these receipts resulted in a tax loss of $40,681 for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 11, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 3 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Douglas A. Hagy pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, according to information presented to the Court, Hagy received approximately $982,000 in income between 2012 and 2016, which he failed to disclose on federal income tax returns.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 11, 2018. 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Douglas A. Hagy.

PITTSBURGH – A former Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kaitlin Plascjak, age 30, of Imperial, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 5, 2016, Plascjak distributed images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Plascjak.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 5 years’ probation, the first year of which will require him to spend every weekend in jail, on his conviction of violating the federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jacob Palaski, age 28, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, on July 9, 2016, Palaski distributed 10 stamp bags containing fentanyl to his friend, Jesse Iwanonkiw. The use of that fentanyl resulted in the overdose death of Mr. Iwanonkiw the following day.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti acknowledged that the amount of drugs involved in Palaski’s crime was not large, but that when fentanyl is involved "one touch can kill." "Nothing can compensate [the Iwanonkiw family] for the loss of Jesse," Judge Conti stated, and "they will suffer the rest of their lives." As part of his sentence, Palaski was ordered to pay $16,965 in restitution to the Iwanonkiw family for funeral and burial expenses.

Judge Conti also rejected Palaski’s counsel’s request for no incarceration, stressing that a death resulted from Palaski’s actions, and that the crime required "serious consequences." Accordingly, Judge Conti lengthened the probationary sentence from 3 years to 5 years, and imposed intermittent confinement: for the first year of his probation, Palaski must report to jail every Friday evening, and stay in jail until Sunday evening. During the week, Palaski is required to maintain full-time employment, and must fulfill his restitution obligations.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Peters Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jacob Palaski.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brian Maurice Carr, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Court Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that it was a part of the conspiracy that Carr and his co-conspirators obtained counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100 dollars in Ohio and transported the counterfeit Federal Reserve notes into the Western District of Pennsylvania. It was further a part of the conspiracy that on numerous occasions Carr and his co-conspirators passed, and attempted to pass, counterfeit $100 bills at various retail store locations in the Western Pennsylvania and received legitimate currency as change.

Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced the DEA will hold the 15th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at hundreds of collection sites throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania.

"During National Drug Takeback Day, everyone is encouraged to turn in unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal, no questions asked and at no cost to them," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Having unused or old medicines in the house increases the risk of accidental poisoning or abuse. You help to safeguard your family’s health and safety when you properly dispose of these medications."

Western Pennsylvania residents can easily locate a nearby collection site by visiting https://takebackday.dea.gov/. The link allows for searches by zip code, county, and state.

Last October Americans turned in 456 tons (912,305 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 collection sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 14 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 9,015,668 pounds—more than 4,508 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The DEA can accept pills, patches, and tightly sealed liquids. The DEA cannot accept needles or sharps.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two southwestern Pennsylvania residents pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Richards pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, and Jennifer Morrison, 60, of Greensburg, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Richards and Morrison conspired to defraud the United States and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the period January 2006 to April 2010, by impeding the IRS in the collection of income taxes due from the operation of Richards’ used car dealerships in Greensburg, Jeannette, and McKeesport. Richards secreted his income from the IRS by placing his dealerships and more than 30 business bank accounts, through which he funneled proceeds of his business, in the names of nominee owners. One such nominee was Jennifer Morrison, who handled all of the business bookkeeping and who worked in tandem with Richards to funnel more than $1 million in gross business receipts through the nominee bank accounts. Richards and Morrison extracted funds from the business accounts to pay for personal expenditures. The tax loss to the IRS was calculated at more than $90,000.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. for Richards, and at 11 a.m. for Morrison. The law provides for a total sentence of three years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Richards; and a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Morrison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed are based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each of the defendants.

Richards and Morrison both remain on bond pending the sentencing hearings.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richards and Morrison.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of the City of Pittsburgh and Detroit, Michigan, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on April 25, named Jerome Wilburn, aka Jerome Hill, aka John Hill, aka Jerome Webb, aka Jerome Williams, aka Partello Road, age 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 22, 2018, Wilburn conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin. The Indictment also alleges that on March 22, 2018, Wilburn possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin. In addition, on that date, Wilburn possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Jiminez Arms pistol, a Hi Point Model C9 9 mm Serial No. P1790088, and ammunition, after having been convicted of a previous felony drug trafficking offense.

The defendant faces a maximum total penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case with valuable assistance from 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.

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

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

Ellis D. Passmore, Jr., 46, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection to the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Oct. 5, 2015, Passmore knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 21, 2018 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Passmore.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Pittsburgh-area woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on April 25, named Heather Summerfield, 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Summerfield obtained Tramadol, a controlled substance, through fraud by posing a representative of physicians’ offices to obtain prescriptions both in her own name and in the names of fictitious individuals without the authorization of the physicians. To the extent that she fraudulently obtained prescriptions in her own name, the indictment alleges that she committed health care fraud by causing her insurance carriers to pay for those fraudulently obtained prescriptions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than fourteen years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania returned two separate, but related, superseding indictments charging 39 defendants with committing numerous drug trafficking, money laundering, financial structuring and firearms crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

"This cocaine organization is one of the largest in the history of Western Pennsylvania: it spread across the country, from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, with sources to Mexican cartels, and brought hundreds of kilos of cocaine which were distributed through a network," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "The goal of investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to prosecute and dismantle entire drug trafficking organizations as was done here. By taking down an entire multi-state organization at once, the impact on our region is felt immediately."

"Drugs tear at the inner fabric of our community," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson. "They bring violence to our streets. They waste young lives and wreak havoc on families. That's why the FBI is committed to preventing criminal enterprises from continuing to damage our community."

"The Pennsylvania State Police, along with our local and federal partners, are committed to dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations throughout the Commonwealth and the country, such as the Lightfoot Drug Trafficking Organization," said Sergeant Jeffrey P. Dombrosky, Western Section Supervisor of the PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division. "We are fully committed to an aggressive drug enforcement campaign against those that choose to traffic illegal drugs and poison our communities."

"I would like to thank Scott Brady, the U.S. Attorney, for his and his staff’s diligence and hard work in the prosecution of drug offenses in Fayette County," added Fayette County District Attorney Richard Bowers. "He has made a major impact in protecting the residents of Fayette County by the arrests of drug dealers today."

THE INDICTMENTS

The 13-count superseding indictment named the defendants as:

• Don Juan Mendoza, age 38, formerly of Lawrenceville, GA,

• Edward Alford II, age 30, of Donora, PA,

• Devon Bell, age 25, of Brownsville, PA,

• Pedro Blanco, age 40, formerly of Miami, FL,

• Douglas Cochran, age 39, of Washington, PA,

• Anthony Crews, age 44, of Monessen, PA,

• John Duchi, Jr., age 29, of Donora, PA,

• Sean Dungee II, age 32, of Donora, PA,

• Brett Fincik, age 43, formerly of Belle Vernon, PA,

• Kevin Ford, age 32, of Clairton, PA,

• Monty Grinage, age 39, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA,

• Kaylin Homa-Lightfoot, age 24, of Verona, PA,

• Chace Johnson, age 19, of California, PA,

• Malik Lawson, age 22, of Donora, PA,

• Deaubre Lightfoot, age 27, formerly of Monessen, PA,

• Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., age 25, formerly of Verona, PA,

• Todd Moses, age 33, of Decatur, Georgia, and originally from Donora, PA,

• Thomas Ohler, age 36, of Greensburg, PA,

• Eric Pinno, age 53, of Pittsburgh, PA,

• Brian Powell, age 39, formerly of Jacksonville, FL,

• Eugene Reddick, age 35, of Clairton, PA,

• Troy Rowe, age 28, formerly of Columbia, SC,

• Richard Russ, age 57, of Sarasota, FL,

• William Shaw, Jr., age 33, of Brownsville, PA,

• Herbert Sheppard, age 44, of Monessen, PA,

• Roddell Smalls, age 44, of Pittsburgh, PA,

• Quentin Vaden, age 35, of Washington, PA, and

• Jamie Lightfoot, Sr., age 46, currently incarcerated at FCI Loretto.

According to the superseding indictment, from January 2016 through December 2017, Mendoza, Alford, Bell, Blanco, Cochran, Crews, Duchi, Jr., Dungee, Fincik, Ford, Grinage, Deaubre Lightfoot, Lightfoot, Jr., Lightfoot, Sr., Moses, Ohler, Pinno, Powell, Reddick, Rowe, Shaw, Sheppard, Smalls, and Vaden conspired to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

On November 5, 2017, Mendoza, Blanco, Powell, and Rowe are charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more cocaine, and 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lightfoot, Jr. is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime on November 5, 2017. On that same date, Mendoza and Blanco, both convicted felons, are charged with being in possession of a firearm. Grinage, also a convicted felon, is charged with being in possession of a firearm on December 12, 2017. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm. From May 2017 through November 2017, Homa-Lightfoot and Johnson are charged with maintaining a drug involved premises.

The superseding indictment also charges five defendants with conspiring to commit money laundering. Lightfoot, Jr. and Moses are charged from January 2016 through November 2017; Lightfoot, Jr., Pinno and Russ from January 2017 through June 2017; and Lightfoot, Jr. and Lightfoot, Sr. from January 2017 through June 2017. Lightfoot, Jr. and Russ are also charged with conspiring to commit structuring from January 2017 through June 2017. Moses is charged with structuring from September 1, 2017 to September 5, 2017.

For the drug charges, the law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000 or both, at each count. For the firearms charges, the law provides for a combined maximum sentence of not less than 5 years in prison, and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both, at each count. For maintaining a drug premises, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000, or both. For the money laundering charges, the law provides to a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000, or both, at each count. For the structuring charges, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both, at each count.

A separate, but related, one-count superseding indictment named the following defendants:

• Brandon Thomas, age 38, formerly of Donora, PA,

• Tyler Benefield, age 33, of Vanderbilt, PA,

• Regina Davis, age 48, of Donora, PA,

• Adam Farabaugh, age 28, of Canonsburg, PA,

• Josh Gillingham, age 35, of Fayette City, PA.

• Renee Kinder, age 45, of Donora, PA,

• Robert Margoni, age 28, of New Eagle, PA,

• Tyler Mucci, age 31, of Monongahela, PA,

• Jeff Newstrom, age 30, of Masontown, PA,

• Ricky Pietroboni, age 40, of Monongahela, PA, and

• Michael Tirpak, age 35, of Elizabeth, PA.

According to the superseding indictment, from March 2017 through December 2017, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000 or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 indictment in these cases. 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.

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

The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced a settlement today with MarkWest Liberty Midstream Resources, LLC and Ohio Gathering Company, LLC (MarkWest), which is expected to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by more than 700 tons per year from company facilities in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The settlement addresses alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act for failure to obtain permits and keep records associated with maintenance activities that resulted in VOC emissions. As part of the settlement, MarkWest will also perform three supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) and pay a $610,000 civil penalty.

Under the terms of the settlement, MarkWest is expected to spend approximately $2.6 million to install and operate technologies that minimize VOC emissions at its facilities throughout eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania in the Utica and Marcellus shale formations. MarkWest will also implement two SEPs involving the installation and operation of ambient air monitoring stations located upwind and downwind of MarkWest compressor stations in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania; one SEP requiring the dissemination and demonstration of a proprietary MarkWest technology for reducing VOC emissions; and one community environmental project for emissions monitoring equipment under an agreement between MarkWest and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The total value of the SEPs under this settlement is more than $2.4 million.

“This Clean Air Act settlement will reduce harmful emissions from facilities located across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s action also demonstrates our commitment to working with federal, state and local partners to ensure the health and safety of the American people.”

“Our legacy to future generations will be defined, in part, by our commitment to protecting the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This settlement agreement with MarkWest demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to improving the quality of the environment and ensuring cleaner air for the residents of western Pennsylvania.”

“I’m pleased to announce that through this agreement, MarkWest will make improvements to more than 300 facilities in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “We estimate that these improvements will reduce VOC emissions from these facilities by more than 90 percent, helping bring cleaner air to surrounding communities.” 

“Research, monitoring data, and compliance information help DEP refine and improve the effectiveness of our oversight, craft stronger regulations, and focus on minimizing air contaminants,” said Secretary Patrick McDonnell for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “The new methodology to measure emissions from pigging developed through this case will help us work with all operators in Pennsylvania to reduce emissions.”

MarkWest operates facilities in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania designed to gather and transport natural gas and natural gas condensates through pipelines. As part of regular maintenance activities, MarkWest uses devices called “pigs,” which are sent through the gathering pipeline to remove debris and push through accumulated liquids, in an operation known as “pigging.” Pigging a pipeline involves inserting and removing pigs from the pipeline, which requires the operator to depressurize and vent pipeline gas from equipment designed to launch and receive pigs. MarkWest is alleged to have failed to apply for, and comply with, the required permits and/or recordkeeping requirements under the Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act for venting activities that released VOC emissions.

VOCs include a variety of chemicals that may produce adverse health effects such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidney, and the central nervous system. VOCs also contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and anyone with lung diseases such as asthma. Ground level ozone can also have harmful effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.

This settlement is part of the EPA’s National Enforcement Initiative (NEI): Ensuring Energy Extraction Activities Comply with Environmental Laws. 

The consent decree has been lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and is subject to public comment for a period of at least 30 days. Notice of the lodging of the consent decree will appear in the Federal Register allowing for a 30-day public comment period before the consent decree can be entered by the court as final judgment. The consent decree will available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent-Decrees.

For more information on the settlement, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/markwest-clean-air-act-settlement-information-sheet 

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

McCullough, age 57 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. Judge Hornak also ordered McCullough to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison. As part of McCullough’s conviction and sentence, he accepted responsibility for causing the overdose death of one of his customers 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 McCullough two days later. McCullough and Eddie Skrine, 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.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on March 21 and unsealed today, named Joseph Albert Cummins, 24, of Elkins, West Virginia.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about November 17, 2017, Cummins, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition.

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

Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta 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 Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, and Ross Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jose Aponte, age 47, of pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 2013 to September 2017, Aponte conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $20 million, 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 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.