Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa – An Ohio man has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation with four months home detention on his conviction of interfering with the duties of a flight crew, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Dwight D. Allen, age 56, of University Heights, Ohio.

According to the information presented to the court, on December 17, 2016, a Delta flight out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was heading to Columbus, Ohio, when the defendant, Dwight D. Allen, interfered with the performance of duties of a flight crew member or flight attendant of the aircraft, and lessened the ability of the member or attendant to perform those duties, by intimidating the flight attendant or flight crew member. Allen disregarded instructions to remain in his seat, and had to be physically restrained by attendants and passengers as the plane was returned to the gate due to the defendant’s aggressive behavior.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An inmate who is now serving a prison sentence at FCI McKean has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of robbing a Pittsburgh-area Jared Jewelry store in 2015, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 28, named Lonnie James Moton, age 27, formerly of Detroit, Michigan.

According to the indictment, on October 23, 2015, Moton robbed Jared-The Galleria of Jewelry located at The Pointe in North Fayette Township. Moton is currently serving a sentence at FCI McKean for two other robberies he committed in 2015.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Fayette 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 - One resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment named Michael Schmidt, 21, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about October 12, 2017, Schmidt possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Schmidt also possessed a firearm in furtherance of said drug trafficking crime. Additionally, on or about October 12, 2017, Schmidt, a convicted felon, did knowingly and unlawfully possess a Taurus, Model PT738, .380 caliber pistol 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle 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, PA – A McKeesport, Pennsylvania resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment named Kristin Lucas, aka Kristin Hope Iarrusso, age 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, between November 2012 and October 2014, Lucas received and converted approximately $19,289.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, on or about April 10, 2013, Lucas knowingly and willfully made a false statement material to her right to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, by falsely stating that she had used $8,400 in Supplemental Security Income benefits paid to her from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013 for the care and support of a minor child.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

Terrance Wade, 35, 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 thatWade was a "runner" for his codefendant, Skyler Carter, and at Carter’s instruction regularly delivered narcotics, including heroin and crack cocaine, as well as collected payment from Carter’s customers. Wade acknowledged that was responsible for the distribution of at least 28 grams of cocaine base and at least 20 grams of heroin in the Clairton, Pennsylvania area. He is the ninth of 21 defendants charged to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 5, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. Wade 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. Wade’s bond was revoked upon pleading guilty, and he will remain incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Anthony Taylor, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about August 30, 2017, Taylor possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the New Brighton 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- After a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 12 people were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The indictments were returned under seal on March 20 and unsealed this week following the arrests of the defendants.

"Our intense focus on fighting the opioid epidemic in no way deters our efforts to prosecute individuals and organizations trafficking other illegal substances, including cocaine," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Just as this 14-month investigation resulted in charges against the members of two separate, but related, drug trafficking organizations, we will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute drug dealers at all levels in order to keep our communities safe."

THE INDICTMENTS

The first indictment, containing two counts, named:

Thomas Poole aka Thomas Dupree, 52, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Cameron Mele, 42, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Jayson Markulin, 46, of McKees Rocks, PA;

Brian Horvath, 46, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Albert Mastrippolito, Jr., 59, of Claridge, PA;

Craig George, 50, of Greensburg, PA;

Anthony Monteleone, 58, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Scott Spangler, 38, of North Versailles, PA; and

Richard Kosmar, 56, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the indictment, from in and around January 2016, and continuing thereafter to on or about November 30, 2017, the defendants conspired with one another, and others known and unknown, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. While all defendants are charged in the conspiracy to distribute the narcotics, Albert Mastrippolito, Jr. is specifically charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and Thomas Poole, Cameron Mele, Jayson Markulin and Brian Horvath are specifically charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Jayson Markulin is charged at Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The law provides for maximum total sentences ranging from 10 years in prison up to life in prison, as well as mandatory minimum sentences starting at five years in prison. Fines range from $1,000,000 to up to $10,000,000. 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 second indictment, containing two counts, named:

Diop Fitzgerald, 40, formerly of West Mifflin, PA, currently incarcerated;

Landriff Macklin, 39, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, currently incarcerated; and

James White, 45, of Duquesne, PA.

According to the indictment, from in and around September 2016, and continuing thereafter to on or about November 30, 2017, the defendants conspired with one another, and others known and unknown, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. While all defendants are charged in the conspiracy to distribute the narcotics, Landriff Macklin is specifically charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and Diop Fitzgerald is specifically charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Landriff Macklin is charged at Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen S. Gilson is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

Jammie Fridley, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with 20 other individuals, between March and August of 2017, to distribute narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Fridley regularly purchased fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base from her co-defendant, Skyler Carter, for both personal use and further distribution, and was responsible for the distribution of between 32 and 40 grams of fentanyl. Fridley is the seventh of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2018 at 11 a.m. 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. Fridley 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, PA - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of attempted production, production, distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The eight-count indictment, returned on March 21, named John O’Donnell, age 50, of Verona, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant. O’Donnell was arrested on Friday and today was ordered to be detained pending trial.

According to the indictment, on or about February 28, 2015, March 4, 2015, March 9, 2015, March 24, 2015, April 3, 2015 and April 14, 2015, O’Donnell employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing or attempting to produce a visual depiction of the sexual exploitation of the minor. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 25, 2017, O’Donnell knowingly distributed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age. The indictment further alleges that on or about December 20, 2017, O’Donnell knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum total sentence of 210 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney’s General Office, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, PA – The manager of an opioid addiction treatment practice has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh 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. This indictment is the third in Western Pennsylvania 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 four-count indictment, returned on March 21, named Christopher Handa, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, Handa was an employee in charge of operations at Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, an addiction treatment facility with multiple locations in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia. The indictment alleges that Handa and others conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, known as Subutex and Suboxone, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to other persons. Handa is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to 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. We will file many more charges in the months to come—because the Department of Justice will be relentless in hunting down drug dealers and turning the tide of this epidemic."

"Because high quality, medication-assisted treatment is so essential to our opioid response, we must act rapidly and decisively to charge the unlawful diversion of buprenorphine," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "This indictment is the result of a well-coordinated investigation by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which is working to attack the opioid problem at its root: the diversion and overprescription of opioid painkillers."

"We are unified with our sister districts to combat those who believe they can hide behind professional services and violate the law," added U.S. Attorney Powell. We will continue our joint effort to prosecute the opioid crisis at its very source."

"The DEA recognizes that the use of buprenorphine as part of a comprehensive drug treatment program is an effective tool in helping those that struggle with substance use disorder," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "We are also aware that when buprenorphine is illegally diverted, it can affect the lives of countless people as well as their families and friends. The DEA will aggressively pursue those that seek to illegally distribute controlled substances as is alleged in this indictment."

"The FBI will continue to investigate those accused of exploiting our health care system at the expense of those suffering from addiction and the taxpayers who help fund rehabilitation centers," said Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson of the FBI Pittsburgh Division. "I applaud the Health Care Fraud Task Force and its partners as they work to make our community safer."

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

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wagner of the Northern District of West Virginia are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The investigation leading to the indictment in 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, 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 – A local man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment charges Dorian Dawson, age 29, of Pittsburgh, with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on October 17, 2016.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Brentwood 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 11 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal bankruptcy laws, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in two separate cases, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The sentence imposed will be consecutive to the two-year sentence the defendant is presently serving.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Douglas Alan Grooms, 47.

According to information presented to the court, Grooms concealed property from the United States Bankruptcy Trustee in connection with his bankruptcy case.  In addition, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Grooms and two co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The vehicles would then actually remain in a co-defendant's possession. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grooms.

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

The three-count indictment named Nathaniel Smiley, Jr., 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on December 19, 2016, Smiley, Jr. distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. The indictment further alleges that on April 2, 2017, Smiley, Jr. possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

The government has filed a written notice with the Court indicating that Smiley, Jr. has two previous convictions for drug dealing. As a result, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, of the Violent Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The three-count indictment, returned on March 21 and unsealed today, named Marquis Brown, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about October 3, 2017, Marquis Brown possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of heroin, para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, and methoxyacetyl fentanyl. On the same date, Brown is also charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm.

For the drug charges, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Brown also faces a maximum total sentence on the firearms charges of not less than five years and up to life 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, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

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

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

Jean Hull, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring, with 20 other individuals, to distribute narcotics between March and August of 2017. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hull regularly purchased heroin from her co-defendant, Skylar Carter, for both personal use and further distribution and was responsible for the distribution of between 20 and 40 grams of heroin. Hull is the eighth of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. 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. Hull 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, PA. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Katie Spratt, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with 20 other individuals, between March and August 2017, to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base, more commonly known as crack. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Spratt regularly purchased fentanyl and cocaine from her co-defendant, Skylar Carter, for both personal use and further distribution, and was responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and cocaine resulting in the overdose death of a victim identified as A.B. on June 5, 2017. Spratt further acknowledged her responsibility for participating with other members of the conspiracy in the distribution of more than 160 grams of fentanyl, 280 grams of cocaine base, and 3.5 kilograms of cocaine. She is the fifth of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2018, at 10 a.m. Spratt has a prior felony drug conviction, and as such, she 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. Spratt remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Hazelet, New Jersey, was sentenced in federal court for engaging in health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Dr. Vincent J. Gamuzza, 31, to serve 33 months’ incarceration and pay a $25,000 fine.

Gamuzza previously pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud on September 18, 2017. In connection with his guilty plea, Gamuzza, a doctor of optometry, admitted that he operated multiple vision centers in Pennsylvania, including Western Pennsylvania, and in New Jersey. Gamuzza was responsible for handling all billing to insurance companies, including Highmark Inc. and Davis Vision. As part of his guilty plea, Gamuzza admitted that between in or around December 2015 and July 2016, he submitted fraudulent claims to Highmark Inc. for services that were never provided to patients. He also admitted that he impermissibly submitted claims for the same services to both Highmark Inc. and Davis Vision. In total, Gamuzza admitted this his crime involved losses of between $250,000 and $550,000 to insurance providers. At his sentencing hearing, Gamuzza further acknowledged that he attempted to obstruct justice when he submitted fabricated treatment records to the government in an effort to justify his continued fraudulent billing.

Judge Bissoon also ordered Gamuzza to make restitution of $95,667 to Highmark Inc. and $3,333 to Davis Vision.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of Gamuzza.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Coshocton, Ohio, pleaded guilty in Erie federal court to a charge of violating money laundering laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Guadalupe Cortez Beserra, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Beserra conspired to commit money laundering by transferring and delivering approximately $939,610.00 in U.S. currency representing the proceeds of the buying, selling and otherwise dealing in cocaine from an Erie, Pennsylvania drug dealing operation. According to the information provided to the court, Beserra received the money from the organization’s drug dealing operation in Erie, and was instructed to count the money and repackage it in vacuum-sealed bags for further transport.  Investigators seized the money after conducting a search of a residence in Coshocton, Ohio. The money seized by the investigators is subject to forfeiture.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Coshocton County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Beserra.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by seven years’ supervised release, on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Robert Paladino, Jr., age 61, of Millvale, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about August 13, 2015, Paladino knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age. Paladino had previously been convicted of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in 2006 and served 121 months imprisonment on that offense.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Paladino.

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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tiesha Lasha Henderson, 31.

According to information presented to the court, on March 15, 2017, Henderson possessed with intent to distribute 67.27 grams of fentanyl. The fentanyl was discovered when members of the Erie County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Henderson’s residence in Erie, Pennsylvania. According to information provided to the court, Henderson attempted to flush the fentanyl down the toilet before officers executed the warrant. The fentanyl was packaged in three baggies, one of which had been diluted or "cut" for redistribution to other individuals in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone commented on the seriousness of the offense and the dangerousness associated with the distribution of fentanyl.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Erie County Detective Bureau, the Erie Police Department, the Millcreek Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Henderson.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Delmar R. Tate, 40. 

According to information presented to the court, Tate conspired with a co-defendant to possess with intent to distribute and distribute approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tate.

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.

Kevin Jackson, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with 20 other individuals, between March and August 2017, to distribute narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jackson was responsible for the distribution of between 100 and 400 grams of heroin, which he purchased from his codefendant, Skyler Carter, in the Clairton, Pennsylvania area. He is the sixth of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. Jackson 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. Jackson remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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

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

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

Michael King, 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2016, King conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. During his plea colloquy, the defendant admitted that on or about September 30, 2016, he possessed approximately four ounces of cocaine and that he sold cocaine for $1,200 per ounce.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2018 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 21, named Hashim Rashad, age 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on October 18, 2017, Rashad possessed two firearms. Rashad is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms.

The law provides for a 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 criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 - A local man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 21, named Daniel Curtis Simon, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Simon distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about December 1, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Terence Starr, age 45, of Verona, PA, 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 or about July 12, 2017, Starr possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The FBI, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Starr.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Christian Schunn, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Pittsburgh since 2001, has agreed to pay the United States $132,027 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting false documents to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in order to obtain federal grants to fund his research, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Under the terms of the settlement, Schunn will also be excluded from applying for or participating in any federal grants, through October 15, 2019. Schunn will also withdraw from any pending applications for federal funding, provide certifications and assurances of truthfulness to NSF for up to five years, and agree not to serve as a reviewer, advisor, or consultant to NSF for a period of three years.

Since 1998, Schunn has served as Principal Investigator on more than 24 awards from NSF, valued at over $50 million. Schunn’s research in the areas of education and psychology frequently involves human subjects. When research involves human subjects, NSF requires institutional review board (IRB) approvals to be obtained in order to ensure that the rights and welfare of human subjects are protected.

The settlement resolves allegations that from 2006 through 2016, Schunn created false IRB approvals and submitted them to NSF in connection with multiple proposals for NSF funding totaling more than $2.3 million. Following Schunn’s submission of each false IRB approval, NSF awarded funding to the University of Pittsburgh with Schunn as Principal Investigator, and award funds were drawn down. Schunn then allegedly made, or caused others to make, false claims for payment by certifying that the drawdowns were being made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the awards, when in fact, no proper IRB approval had been in place. The United States contends that Schunn also made false certifications in connection with annual and project reports associated with these awards.

"Federal awards for research are highly competitive and a privilege to receive, and it is imperative that applicants for federal award funding follow the rules, particularly those ensuring the welfare of human research subjects," said United States Attorney Scott W. Brady. "This case demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting federal grant money and ensuring that applicants for funding are truthful and responsible stewards of taxpayer funds."

"Federally-funded research involving human subjects requires IRB approval to ensure that the research is conducted safely, appropriately, and consensually," said National Science Foundation Inspector General Allison Lerner. "Circumventing the IRB process by submitting false IRB approvals, as Dr. Schunn did, not only has the potential to place human subjects at risk, but is also an affront to the integrity one expects from a scientific researcher. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its work on this case."

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the National Science Foundation. Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand handled the investigation that led to this settlement on behalf of the United States.

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

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

Sharima Zyhier, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2016, Zyhier conspired with others to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Katherine A. King are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Western Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to eight months incarceration on his conviction of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Pedro Omar Martinez-Alba, age 30, of Mexico.

According to the information presented to the court, Pedro Omar Martinez-Alba, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 23, 2014 and November 24, 2015. Pedro Omar Martinez-Alba was found to be illegally present in Westmoreland County on April 12, 2017.

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

The United States Attorney commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for the investigation that lead to the successful prosecution of Pedro Omar Martinez-Alba.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 338 years, one month and 11 days imprisonment, followed by a lifetime supervised release, on charges of production, distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Eric James Stull, age 50, of Clarksville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court, from May 8, 2006 to December 26, 2015, Stull produced 39 videos and 106 image files of his sexual exploitation of a female minor. The conduct began when the minor was less than two years old and continued for ten years until she was 11 years old. Also, on July 21, 2015, Stull knowingly distributed a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to an undercover Pennsylvania State Police Corporal. Further, on April 29, 2016, Stull possessed images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

In sentencing the defendant, Judge Ambrose stated that this was an "entirely heinous crime. The worst of its kind…" that she had seen. She stated to the defendant, "It’s hard to know what to say to you. You committed indefensible conduct."

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greene County District Attorney’s Office for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stull.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 171 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of conspiracy to commit pharmacy robbery, pharmacy robbery, brandishment of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Stephan Edward Corrick, 67, formerly of Harmarville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on March 11, 2016, Palmer's Pharmacy located in Russellton, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals armed with firearms and wearing masks. The suspects stole approximately 10,000 dosage units of prescription drugs, including Oxycodone and Fentanyl, with an estimated street value of approximately $235,000. As a result of their comprehensive and extensive investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and West Deer Police Department developed a general description of at least one suspect.

Then on April 28, 2016, Keystone Pharmacy located in New Alexandria Boro, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals wearing masks. One suspect had a gun and the other had pepper spray. The assailants placed employees on the ground and handcuffed them. Investigators determined that between 15,000 and 20,000 dosage units were stolen. Noting the similarities between both robberies, DEA then coordinated its investigation with that of the Pennsylvania State Police to identify and arrest the individuals in question. Through the investigation, agents identified Corrick as one of the suspects. After locating and interviewing him, agents secured a full confession. Immediately thereafter, the other suspect, was also identified and arrested. Corrick had recently been released from prison after serving time for armed robbery.

Corrick’s co-defendant, Dana Lee Shipley, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced in January to 216 months imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for his role in the robberies.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police and the West Deer Township Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of Corrick.

PITTSBURGH - A Greene County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Waylon Hanlan, 30, of Dilliner, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 25, 2015, Waylon Hanlan illegally transported a firearm from out of state into his state of residency. Additionally, Waylon Hanlan, being a convicted felon, did knowingly and unlawfully possess the 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 Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service and the Monongalia County – West Virginia Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Waylon Hanlan. 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 a 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 resident of Costa Rica has been sentenced in federal court to 33 months with three years of supervised release on his conviction of mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed the sentence on Ramiro Navarro Quesada, 40, of San Jose, Costa Rica.

According to information presented to the court, Quesada used a Costa Rican website to advertise the Internet sale of Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, which were exported from India and received in the United States.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Quesada.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Pittsburgh radiologist has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. This indictment is the second in Western Pennsylvania 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 88-count indictment, returned on March 14, 2018 and unsealed today following his arrest, charge Omar A. Almusa, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to indictment, Almusa conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Vicodin and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to other persons without a legitimate medical purpose. Almusa is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to UPMC Health Plan, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Vicodin.

"One of the main causes of our nation’s drug crisis is the diversion of prescription painkillers," said Attorney General Sessions. "That’s why, last summer, I sent a dozen of our top federal prosecutors to focus solely on the problem of opioid-related health care fraud where the drug epidemic was at its worst--including Western Pennsylvania. Within three months, they were already issuing indictments. Now we take the next step of indicting a defendant who allegedly spent three years distributing massive quantities of Vicodin on an illegal and fraudulent basis with no medical justification whatsoever. By shutting off the flow of these potentially addictive pills to our streets, this case, and the dozens more we will prosecute across the country, can save lives."

"If you are abusing the great privilege you have to serve your neighbors in the medical profession or if you are exploiting the weakness and addiction of others, we are coming after you with the full weight and resources of the federal government," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "We will take away your livelihood and then we will take away your liberty."

"One of the goals of the Health Care Fraud Task Force is to identify and target doctors who are illegally prescribing dangerous drugs and putting people at risk in our community," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson. "The FBI views this crime as a severe problem and today's arrest sends a clear message that we, along with our law enforcement and industry partners, are dedicated to stopping this type of activity."

Almusa faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million for each of the 86 counts charging him with unlawfully dispensing Schedule II controlled substances, a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $1 million for the one count charging him with conspiracy to unlawfully dispense a Schedule II controlled substance, and a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the one count charging him with health care fraud. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The investigation leading to the indictment in 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, 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 Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mumbai, India, has been sentenced in federal court to a 33-month term of imprisonment on his conviction of mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence yesterday on Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela, a/k/a Ramesh Bhai, 44, of Mumbai, India.

According to information presented to the court, Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela shipped misbranded prescription drugs from India to reshippers in the United States for distribution – without prescription – to U.S. consumers. Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela was extradited from Panama to the United States to account for these crimes.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Akkela.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. –A former resident of Ozone Park, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Abiodun Bakre, who was in the United States illegally during the period in which he committed the offenses. In imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted that the wire fraud conspiracy in which Bakre participated was the largest financial fraud case the Court had presided over in more than 30 years on the bench. All told, the fraud involved over $69 million in attempted losses, with more than $20 million in fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds actually being sent out by the Internal Revenue Service. The Court also noted that over 11,000 people "were the victims of this nefarious activity."

According to information presented to the court, Bakre opened numerous bank accounts using stolen identities for the purpose of using those bank accounts as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. In the course of the investigation, a search of Bakre’s residence uncovered multiple ledgers containing hundreds of stolen identities and numerous false identification documents which were used in furtherance of the conspiracy.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bakre.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States, false bankruptcy declaration, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 13-count indictment, returned on March 14, 2018, named George Retos, Jr., age 69, of Washington, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Retos defrauded a Small Business Administration preferred lender, Preferred Capital BIDCO, Inc., in connection with $2,000,000 in loans to Prime Plastics, Inc. and Branikas Investments LLC, two entities operated and controlled by Retos. In violation of the loan agreements, Retos allegedly misappropriated tens of thousands of dollars of loan proceeds and pledged collateral through, among other expenditures, the financing of a $41,000 BMW for a family member and tens of thousands of dollars in charges at casinos in Western Pennsylvania and Las Vegas, Nevada.

The indictment also alleges that Retos willfully attempted to evade and defeat the payment of income taxes due and owing by him to the United States of America by concealing from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the nature and extent of his income and assets as well as the location thereof; placing business interests in the names of nominees; paying personal expenses with funds and bank accounts of Prime Plastics, Inc., Branikas Investments, Inc., and a third entity, Plastic Power, Inc., all companies controlled by Retos; issuing checks drawn on Prime Plastics, Branikas Investments and Plastic Power bank accounts payable to Retos; and making ATM withdrawals and purchases at casinos in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, Nevada, and elsewhere using Prime Plastics, Branikas Investments and Plastic Power funds and bank accounts.

The indictment further alleges that Retos conspired to defraud the IRS when he agreed with another individual not to pay over to the IRS payroll and employer taxes of Prime Plastics, Inc. and Plastic Power, Inc. Specifically, to avoid ongoing collection efforts by the IRS related to unpaid taxes of Prime Plastics, Inc., Retos and his co-conspirator allegedly arranged for employees of Prime Plastics, Inc. to be transferred to Plastic Power, Inc., which, in turn, also failed to pay employer and payroll taxes to the IRS. According to the indictment, the unpaid employer and payroll taxes totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In addition, the indictment charges Retos with wire fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment compensation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Prime Plastics, Inc. and, later, Plastic Power, Inc. employees. According to the indictment, Retos reduced the salaries of numerous employees and instructed them to seek unemployment from the state to make up the difference, knowing full well that the employees were ineligible for such unemployment compensation. During the execution of the scheme, Retos allegedly continued to siphon company funds for his personal benefit.

The indictment also alleges that at Retos’ direction, Prime Plastics, Inc. filed for bankruptcy and, among other things, falsely stated that there had been no withdrawals from the entity outside the normal course of business during the preceding two years. In fact, as alleged, Retos was responsible for numerous such expenditures, including thousands of dollars belonging to Prime Plastics, Inc. spent by Retos at casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada and elsewhere.

Finally, the indictment also alleges that Retos, after having been convicted in or around December 1992 of income tax evasion, false statements in connection with a credit application, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property, possessed on June 26, 2013, a Kel Tec handgun, .380 caliber, and ammunition, .380 hollow point.

U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "George Retos, Jr. is alleged to have used multiple businesses he controlled as his personal slush fund, siphoning money for his use at casinos and for the purchase of a BMW for a relative, among other things. In doing so, the indictment alleges that he committed myriad serious crimes, including engaging in two fraud schemes separately targeting a government-backed lender and the Pennsylvania unemployment compensation system, as well as participating in a conspiracy to defraud the IRS out of significant unpaid business taxes. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to investigate and prosecute serious financial crimes, and when a convicted felon is found in possession of a firearm, as is alleged here, we will see that they are held accountable to the full extent of the law."

"Today’s multiple count indictment is the result of the cooperative efforts of IRS-Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ed Wirth. "The Special Agents of IRS-CI remain diligent in their pursuit of those who attempt to undermine the system by committing tax fraud and bankruptcy fraud."

"An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to the Department of Labor's unemployment insurance program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard benefits intended for unemployed American workers," stated Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

"The FBI is committed to rooting out these types of fraudulent activities and today’s indictment highlights the continued need for that," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson.

Retos faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for each of the seven counts charging him with wire fraud, a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for each of the five counts charging him with income tax evasion, conspiracy and false bankruptcy declaration, and a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment

and a fine of $250,000 for the felon in possession charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mary McKeen Houghton and Eric G. Olshan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of social security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Kelly Rene Johnson, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, between on or about February 28, 2014 and August 1, 2017, Johnson fraudulently received approximately $30,682.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefit payments by concealing the fact that she did not live alone in order in order to continue to receive these payments.

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 Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to a 48-month term of imprisonment on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and a 60-month term of imprisonment on a charge of distribution of oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, to run concurrently, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Carl T. Wilson, age 50, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court, from late 2015 to March 2017, Wilson knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully obtained oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentations, fraud and deception. Also, on March 27, 2017, Wilson knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute and distributed oxycodone.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carl T. Wilson.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about September 22, 2017 to on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000.00, 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A New York man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Andrew Michael Dubois, age 32, of Jamestown, New York, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on December 7, 2017, Dubois knowingly travelled in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The indictment further alleges that on December 7, 2017, Dubois possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

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

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

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the North Strabane 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.

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 two years in prison and two years supervised release on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone imposed the sentence on Cameron Howat, 58, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, Howat solicited investment funds from friends and acquaintances for the purpose of investing those funds in the foreign exchange market. Howat represented to the investors that his compensation for making the investments on their behalf would be to take fifty percent of the profits from the investments. Instead of investing all of the funds, as promised to the investors, Howat took portions of each investor’s money and used it to pay for personal expenses. As part of his sentence, Howat was ordered to pay $420,000 to his victims.

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

The United States Attorney commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Cameron Howat.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 33 months' imprisonment, a $100,000.00 fine, and restitution in the amount of $505,131.95, as well as forfeiture in the amount of $235,515.93, on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Keith A. Bassi, age 61, of Fayette City, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, between 2012 and 2016, Keith A. Bassi, then a licensed Pennsylvania attorney, misappropriated for personal use approximately $505,000 in funds belonging to the estate of an elderly person diagnosed with dementia. Bassi held a power of attorney for the victim, and then engaged in a series of financial transactions in which he diverted the victim’s assets into bank accounts he created and controlled at Charleroi Federal Savings and PNC Banks. In one instance, Bassi made insurance premium payments using the victim’s funds on a whole life policy purchased at Pacific Life in the name of someone other than the victim, and then later cancelled the policy and kept the surrendered cash proceeds for himself. He also used the victim’s estate funds to operate Mid Mon Valley Publishing Co.

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

The United States Attorney commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Keith A. Bassi.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Timothy Anderson, 26, formerly of Sacramento, California, and Dayton, Ohio, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about January 24, 2018, Anderson, a convicted felon, possessed a silver and black Ruger P93CD 9mm semi-automatic handgun, bearing serial number 306-08627. Federal law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm.

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 of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department, the Shenango Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotics, and the New Castle 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 – Two New York residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William O. Candelaria, 29, and Christopher T. Candelaria, 25, both of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that in June 2016, William and Christopher Candelaria and others conspired to use counterfeit credit cards at Giant Eagle stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise, which totaled approximately $91,000. 

Judge Fischer scheduled Christopher T. Candelaria’s sentence for July 18, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. and William O. Candelaria’s sentence for July 18, 2018 at 11 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 these defendants. 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/Homeland Security Investigations, 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 - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution, receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on March 6 and unsealed today, named Shawn O’Brien, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from May 17, 2016 to May 18, 2016, O’Brien knowingly distributed images in computer graphic files containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment also alleges that on May 17, 2016, O’Brien received images in computer graphic files containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that on June 8, 2016, O’Brien possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $750,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney Investigations Unit, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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 - Brent E. Clark, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a 60-month term of imprisonment at each count of conviction, to run concurrently, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, at each count to run concurrently, on charges of distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and Amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice, and health care fraud. Clark was also ordered to pay a mandatory $1,000.00 special assessment, a fine of $50,000.00, and total restitution in the amount of $225,874.33, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The Judge also ordered that Clark forfeit $131,000, the building owned by Clark wherein he conducted his medical practice and he committed the offense conduct, Clark’s Drug Enforcement Administration prescribing number, Clark’s Pennsylvania state license to practice medicine, and a vehicle.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Clark, 55, a family care physician who practices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court, from February 26, 2015 through March 27, 2017, Clark distributed Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, on thirteen occasions, and Amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on three occasions, outside the usual course of professional practice. Also, from February 2015 to February 2017, Clark knowingly and willfully executed a scheme to defraud United Health Care, Medicare, and Medicaid in connection with the payment for health care benefits, items, and services.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brent E. Clark.

PITTSBURGH - A Pennsylvania resident and a Florida resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Shane McFall, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Michael McDavid, 33, of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that McFall and McDavid owned and operated 412Flip, a pawn/resale shop in downtown Pittsburgh. McFall and McDavid knowingly and willfully purchased health and beauty aids (HBAs) stolen by opioid dependent individuals from various commercial retailers, such as Rite-Aid, Walmart and Giant Eagle, for pennies on the dollar. The stolen HBAs were then resold through Amazon.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. for McFall and 11 a.m. for McDavid. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Shaler Township Police Department and Ross Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McFall and McDavid.

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

The three-count indictment, returned on March 6 and unsealed today, named Michael Champion, age 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on April 14, 2017, Champion possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. Additionally, on that date, Champion was in possession of numerous firearms, including a sawed off shotgun, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Champion is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division 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 Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer sentenced Donald R. Taylor, 78, to three years’ probation, a $30,000 fine, and 300 hours of community service.

Taylor previously pleaded guilty on October 30, 2017. In connection with his guilty plea, Taylor, the owner of Century Steel Erectors Co. (CSE), admitted that he conspired with Watson L. Maloy, Jr. to use Maloy’s company, W.M.C.C. Inc. (WMCC), as a "front" company to illegally obtain federally funded subcontracts on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) bridge projects. As part of his guilty plea, Taylor further admitted that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Federal Highway Administration, required PennDOT and the PTC to implement USDOT’s disadvantage business enterprise (DBE) program, which was designed, among other things, to promote participation of minority-owned small businesses in federally funded projects. Because CSE was not a certified DBE subcontractor, Taylor and Maloy agreed that they would use WMCC as a means to obtain DBE-eligible bridge subcontracts. Contrary to DBE requirements, however, Taylor admitted that CSE employees, acting at his direction, actually identified, bid, negotiated, and performed the work on DBE-eligible subcontracts. As a means to conceal CSE’s role in handling contracts awarded to WMCC, Taylor admitted that CSE employees used a WMCC email account and phone line, used magnetic WMCC signs to cover the CSE logo on CSE vehicles at job sites, possessed WMCC business cards, and held themselves out as WMCC employees in dealings with general contractors and PennDOT and PTC officials. As a result, Taylor admitted that WMCC and CSE fraudulently obtained nine PennDOT subcontracts between approximately January 2012 and February 2014, resulting in payments to WMCC totaling approximately $1,065,000. In return, Taylor admitted that Maloy was paid a periodic "fee," ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 during the conspiracy.

At the time of his guilty plea, Taylor made full restitution in the amount of $85,221.21 to PennDOT.

Maloy previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti sentenced him to two years’ probation and a $1,000 fine on February 20, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Eric G. Olshan, and Christy Criswell Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of Taylor and Maloy, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission – Office of Inspector General.