Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of false writing or document to the government, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Lana Talisha Thillet, 36, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about August 26, 2016, Thillet knowingly used a false document that contained a fraudulent statement to represent that a minor child receiving Social Security Income (SSI) and auxiliary insurance benefits was residing with the defendant and that all of the $8,976.00 in SSI and auxiliary insurance benefits were used for the care and support of the minor child. Ms. Thillet well knew that the minor child did not reside with her and the $8,796.00 was not used for the care and support of the minor child.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – On November 8, 2017, a resident of DuBois, Pa. was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment named Darren J. Salgado, 32, of DuBois, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on October 17, 2016, Salgado knowingly distributed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on June 28, 2017, Salgado possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 15 months in prison, and upon his release, to be placed in the custody of Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for deportation, on his conviction of reentry of an illegal alien, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jorge Ceballos-Ponce, 55, of Blair County, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 16, 2016 Ceballos-Ponce, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Apr. 24, 2007, was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

Ms. Song commended the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Ceballos-Ponce.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 96 months in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Clyde Simmons, 33, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on May 7, 2014, Simmons possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

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

Ms. Song commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Simmons.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, use of a false name and address to conduct an unlawful business by means of the Postal Service, and two charges of introduction into interstate commerce, with the intent to defraud, misbranded drugs, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The four-count indictment named Rashid Mohammad Khan, 57, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, the defendant participated in a conspiracy that involved the illegal importation of prescription drugs and the illegal sale of those drugs to consumers in the United States. The importation and sale of prescription medication is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Federal law and regulation require that certain drugs, particularly dangerous drugs, contain certain warnings and only be administered under a doctor's care pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A drug is considered "misbranded" if, for example, the drug is sold without a prescription, if it fails to include the approved warnings, if the drug was not approved by the FDA, or if the drug ismanufactured in a facility not approved by the FDA.

Through various websites, members of the conspiracy advertised for sale to consumers in the United States various dangerous drugs that were sold without a prescription, were not administrated under the care of a doctor, did not provide the appropriate warnings, and were not manufactured in facilities approved by the FDA. Some of these misbranded drugs were sent through the Postal Service to the defendant, who then arranged to send themisbranded drugs through the Postal Service to consumers, including consumers in the Western District of Pennsylvania. To conceal his illegal conduct, the defendant used fictitious names and addresses.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 16 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, HomelandSecurity Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

guilty.

PITTSBURGH - A former Arizona resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on November 8, named Alastair Lee Stewart, age 25, of Van Buren, Arkansas, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about November 15, 2016 to March 26, 2017, Stewart used facilities and means of interstate and foreign commerce, specifically the internet and a cellular phone, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce minor, Minor A, to engage in sexual activity. Also, from March 15, 2017 to March 26, 2017, Stewart knowingly travelled in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with another person, Minor A. Further, on March 5, 2017 and March 22, 2017, Stewart knowingly received images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that on March 24, 2017, Stewart possessed images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $1,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Dale R. McIntyre, 52, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about July 14, 2017, McIntyre, a contract driver for the U.S. Postal Service, opened mail he was to deliver and stole a $50 Kmart gift card.

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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment named William Jay Clark, 30, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on February 23, 2017, he knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

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

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Pray, MT, formerly of Clearfield, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, and immediately thereafter was sentenced to five years’ probation and 50 hours of community service for each year of her probation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Heather L. Welker, 41, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on various dates from January 28, 2015, to March 26, 2015, Welker purchased a number of firearms from Grice Gun Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer, stating she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when, in truth and fact, she was not the actual buyer and was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Ms. Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Welker.

According to Ms. Song, Heather L. Welker was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Feliciano Ramirez, age 33, of Honduras, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Feliciano Ramirez, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 5, 2002 and December 23, 2016. Feliciano Ramirez was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 3, 2017.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An individual found by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of illegal reentry after deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Bartolo Fabian-Mendez, 47, a citizen of Mexico.

According to the indictment, Fabian-Mendez, an alien, who was removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 5, 2010, February 15, 2016, March 16, 2016, November 26, 2016, and June 17, 2017, was encountered in Verona, Pennsylvania, and taken into custody on October 5, 2017, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

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

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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 Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Gino Cordisco, 47, of Mars, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that according to Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists are not permitted to restock medications that have left the pharmacy’s control. These must be destroyed. According to the FDCA, if a prescription or a container of stock drugs falsely describes the lot numbers, expiration dates or manufacturers, then the drugs are rendered/deemed misbranded. For example, when pills that left the pharmacy are returned and comingled with stock drugs instead of being destroyed, and the required labeling on stock containers does not accurately state the actual manufacturer, date of expiration and lot number, then the drugs in the stock container or prescription package are misbranded.

The evidence would show that at all times relevant to the charges, Cordisco, a pharmacist, was the supervisor over a chain of about nine pharmacies known as MedFast Pharmacies. He reported directly to its owner, Kaleugher. Most of the conduct that supports the charges occurred at MedFast Institutional Pharmacy, 2003 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa, PA.

MedFast Institutional Pharmacy supplied nursing home chains with individualized medication packages for the patients/residents. If the nursing home had unused pills from prescriptions filled by MedFast or other pharmacies from, for example, a resident passing or a change in medications, MedFast delivery drivers were instructed to collect the unused medications and return them to MedFast. Once these drugs were returned to MedFast, the drugs would be removed from their packaging and returned to stock. As a result, pills with different lot numbers, different expiration dates and different manufacturers were comingled. These comingled pills were thereafter used to fill new prescriptions. This conduct was initially directed by the defendant. The immediate supervisor of the MedFast Institutional Pharmacy, Correna Pfeiffer, who reported directly to the defendant, was responsible for carrying out this policy on a day-to-day basis. The evidence would establish that the defendant was a leader and organizer of the criminal conduct under 3B1.1 (a) of the USSG.

In addition to the crime charged, the parties have agreed to a two-point enhancement under the guidelines for obstruction of justice, pursuant to Section 3C1.1. The government would prove that the defendant became aware that narcotic drugs were being stolen from the MedFast, and that Jade Gagianas was suspected of stealing the drugs and providing them to her boyfriend, a drug dealer named David Best. In October 2011 the defendant arranged for a surveillance technician to focus a camera in her area in an attempt to catch Gagianas stealing. A day after the camera was moved, the defendant reviewed the recording and did not see anything suspicious, but noted that Gagianas was the one who unpacked a shipment of drugs. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. that day, the defendant conducted an inventory and realized there was a shortage of Opana ER 40 mg. The defendant took Gagianas to a back room and questioned her about the theft. She eventually admitted to this theft as well as additional thefts that had taken place in the past. She told the defendant that she gave the Opana prescription to her boyfriend, David Best. The defendant told Gagianas that he wanted the drugs back and told her to call Best to ask him to return them. Gagianas made the call, but Best would not bring them back for fear of getting arrested. The defendant told Best he would contact the police if Best did not agree to return the stolen Opana. After about two hours, Best showed up at the pharmacy but did not have the drugs in his possession. Best told Gagianas where he had hidden the drugs down the street. The defendant took Gagianas and drove to the location where Best said he had hidden the drugs. The drugs were recovered by Gagianas from a bush in front of a convent. The defendant took the Opana pill vial from Gagianas and observed that the seal had been broken on the prescription vial and opened the vial to see that the cotton was still in the vial. He returned to the pharmacy with it. The drugs had been out of the possession of the pharmacy from between two and six hours. Knowing that the drugs had been stolen, had been in the hands of a drug dealer, that they were recovered from a bush after being gone from the pharmacy from between two and six hours, the defendant thereafter ordered another pharmacist to restock the Opana. The Schedule II log of the pharmacy relflects that 79 Opana pills were restocked. Jade Gagianas was fired that day by the defendant for stealing Opana.

The defendant was interviewed by DEA S.A. Vijay Nemani on May 29, 2013. S/A Nemani asked the defendant if there had ever been any diversion of pharmaceutical or disciplinary problems of any current or former employees. The defendant stated there were "none that he knew of." This statement was not true.

S/A Nemani then asked the defendant about any former employees and he stated Jade Gagianas worked there as a Pharmacy Technician for a while and that her boyfriend had drug issues. The defendant stated Gagianas quit awhile back claiming she was "stressed out." The defendant stated Gagianas quit her job but was not fired or let go. This statement was not true.

S/A Nemani asked the defendant pointedly if there were any instances of any current or former employees, at the Baden pharmacy, where the employee had stolen controlled substances and then was asked to return the controlled substances to the pharmacy. The defendant stated that he was not aware of any instances. This statement was not true.

S/A Nemani also asked if there were any current or former employees that had been fired or asked to resign as a result of the diversion of controlled substances and the defendant stated, "no." This statement was not true.

We have no evidence that any patient was harmed in any way as a result of any of the conduct described herein.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-OCI, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Diversion Investigators, the Health and Human Service-OIG and the Office of Personnel Management-OIG conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kent Ramsey, age 44.

According to information presented to the court, Ramsey conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led the multi-agency investigation of this case. The investigation also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fayette County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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 – Kevin Scott was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Scott, age 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Scott serve four years of supervised release after he is released from prison.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Dizard and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – Five men have been arrested and charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The criminal complaint charges Don Juan Mendoza, age 38, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., age 25, of, Verona, Pennsylvania; Pedro Alejandro Blanco, age 39, of Jacksonville, Florida; Brian Powell, age 39, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Troy Rowe, age 28, of Columbia, South Carolina, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Song said, “This seizure of 52 kilograms of cocaine is among the largest in Western Pennsylvania history and is a testament to proactive investigative work by federal, state and local partners. While fentanyl and heroin remain the most lethal threats, we are witnessing an alarming rebound in cocaine production and availability.”

According to the criminal complaint, the defendants were part of a large-scale drug trafficking scheme. Brian Powell, Troy Rowe and Pedro Blanco were involved in the transport of an RV, registered to Mendoza’s mother, containing drugs from the Los Angeles area to the Penn Hills residence of Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. Don Juan Mendoza also arrived at the Lightfoot residence about the same time as the RV containing the drugs.

According to the complaint, a search of the RV revealed approximately 52 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 85 pounds of marijuana, and two firearms. The cocaine and marijuana were secreted in a compartment underneath the bunk beds in the RV. The two firearms were found in the same compartment as some of the cocaine and marijuana. The complaint also alleges that hundreds of thousands of dollars were recovered during a search of Lightfoot, Jr.’s residence.

The defendants appeared today in federal court in Pittsburgh before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. The government is seeking detention of the defendants pending trial.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case. The Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane
Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the complaint against these individuals.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that he is guilty of an offense.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, six months home detention, a $15,000 fine and forfeiture of $100,000 on his conviction of conspiracy to smuggle misbranded drugs and conspiracy to money launder, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Kenneth F. Evancic, 68, of Clairton, PA.

According to the information presented to the court Evancic ordered, had delivered and paid for pharmaceutical drugs made outside of the U.S.A. Evancic wire transferred to Canada a total of $29,449.08 from July 2009 to June 2011 in payment for the smuggled drugs.

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

The Acting U.S. Attorney commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations for the successful investigation that led to the prosecution of Kenneth F. Evancic.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Opening of Mail by Postal Employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Ronald Wojcik, 38, of Tarentum, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on March 3, 2017, Wojcik unlawfully opened two articles of mail that had been entrusted to him as an employee of the United States Postal Service.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Service-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 – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ronnie McGill, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, McGill was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 to 400 grams of heroin.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McGill. 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, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served on home detention, on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Eric Wesley Triplett, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, City of Pittsburgh Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. Triplett ran from the vehicle and discarded a loaded firearm, which officers recovered. Based on a prior conviction, the defendant is not permitted to possess a firearm.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that the defendant’s possession of a loaded firearm was a very serious and dangerous offense.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Triplett.

PITTSBURGH - A Butler County resident was sentenced today to five months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution on her conviction of mail fraud and filing a false tax return related to a non-profit organization, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Pamela A. Vivirito, 47, of Mars, Pa. Vivirito pleaded guilty in April to one count of mail fraud charged in a second superseding indictment and one count of filing a false tax return charged in an information.

According to information provided to the Court, Vivirito operated a not-for-profit charity called Equine Angels Rescue, Inc. (EAR) which solicited contributions to rescue and rehabilitate horses. Vivirito fraudulently solicited donations and used them for personal expenses. Additionally, Vivirito caused the filing of a fraudulent and false Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax wherein it was reported her compensation was $46,877, when in actuality, Vivirito received compensation in the amount of $93,606.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vivirito.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on November 1, named David Francis, age 65, of McKees Rocks, PA. A previously filed criminal complaint described Francis as operator of Next Step Recovery Housing in McKees Rocks, Pa.

According to the indictment, on or about October 6, 2017, Francis possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

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

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

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 resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of Distribution of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, Schedule II and III controlled substances, outside the usual course of professional practice; Using or Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Health Care Fraud; and Omitting Material Information From Required Reports, Records, and Other Documents, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The 200-count superseding indictment named Daniel Garner, 45, a dentist who practiced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from on or about November 13, 2012, through on or about June 11, 2015, Garner distributed Hydrocodone and/or Oxycodone, Schedule II and III controlled substances, on 196 occasions, outside the usual course of professional practice. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that from in and around July 2011 through in and around March 2015 and from in and around March 2015 through in and around August 2015, Garner knowingly and intentionally used and maintained his dental office for the purpose of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. Further, the Superseding Indictment alleges that from in and around February 2010 through in and around August 2015, Garner committed health care fraud. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on January 14, 2016, Garner omitted material information from an application for a Drug Enforcement Agency registration number.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence on all counts of incarceration of up to 3,974 years, a fine of $197,500,000, a term of supervised release of 598 years, or all. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniel Garner.

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named Jose Bedoya-Pelaez, age 35, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Jose Bedoya-Pelaez, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 13, 2011. Jose Bedoya-Pelaez was found to be illegally present on October 10, 2017.

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

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named James Taric Byrd, age 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, on or about February 23, 2015, Byrd, an individual with prior felony convictions for Aggravated Robbery, with Firearm Specification; Robbery, with Firearm Specification; Kidnapping, with Firearm Specification; and Aggravated Burglary, with Firearm Specification; Aggravated Assault; Firearms not to be Carried without a License; and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (two counts), did knowingly and unlawfully possess a .40 caliber Sig Sauer handgun 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.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz, aka Cesar Yohan Alvarez-Paz, Cesar Alvarez, Cesar Alvarez-Paz, age 29, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.

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

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

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Fairview, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Adam James Weaver, 41, of Fairview, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Weaver and two-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 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Weaver on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Weaver.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to defraud the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Donald R. Taylor, 78, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the 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 magneticWMCC 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.

As part of his guilty plea, Taylor agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $85,221.21 to PennDOT.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Maloy previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States on November 12, 2014, and his sentencing is currently scheduled for January 23, 2018 before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Eric G. Olshan, and Christy Criswell Wiegand are prosecuting 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.

PITTSBURGH – Garriton Jones was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Jones, 38, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Jones serve three years of supervised release after he is released from prison.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Dizard and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Ramon Martinez-Silva, 38, pleaded guilty to one count at Criminal No. 14-26 Erie and one count at Criminal No. 15-20 Erie before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the case at Criminal No. 14-26 Erie, from on or about May 16, 2013, to on or about August 26, 2013, Martinez-Silva and a co-defendant conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Martinez-Silva sold cocaine on four occasions in Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition, at Criminal No. 15-20 Erie, Martinez-Silva possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon. According to information provided to the court, Martinez-Silva obtained a Marlin 9mm semi-automatic rifle from an individual at a residence in Erie and was then caught by law enforcement officers after selling that gun. Martinez-Silva was prohibited from firearm possession because of two prior felony convictions.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for the drug charge and 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for the gun charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martinez-Silva.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Dhia Almaleki, 47, of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Dhia Almaleki and three co-defendants were engaged in exchanging food stamps for cash on a regular basis at The Lotto World, also known as Samir’s and Lotto World Convenience, a convenience store located at 832 State Street in Erie. The four defendants also allowed customers to pay off store credit with food stamps. Alquraishi was also using customers’ food stamp cards to buy items at various stores in the area.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Almaleki on bond.

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

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Almaleki.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in jail, 10 years supervised release, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $1,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John P. Hoffman, 49, of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Hoffman possessed and distributed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hoffman.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Santa Clara, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months’ probation on his conviction of accessing a protected computer without authorization and initiating spam messages, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Sean Tiernan, age 29, of Santa Clara California.

According to information presented to the court, Tiernan, from his computer located in California, was involved in the development of malware, or a malicious computer program, which was programmed to infect computers at a rapid rate by spreading through the computer users’ use of social networking websites. Once a computer was infected with the malware, the malware was programmed by Tiernan to automatically communicate and receive direction from servers over the Internet which were controlled by Tiernan, without knowledge of the infected computers’ owners. The servers which the infected computers called back to were, in and of themselves, previously ‘hacked’, and were also being used without the knowledge of their legitimate owners. The combination of these hacked servers and malware-infected computers formed what is known as a "botnet”. This botnet was controlled by Tiernan and was used to transform the infected victims’ computers into proxy computers from which a high volume of spam (commercial electronic mail) messages could be sent over the Internet to other computers. Since on or about at least August 1, 2011, Tiernan would sell access to his botnet to those who sought to send out these commercial electronic email messages for their own personal commercial gain. At the time of the search of Tiernan's residence and computer via a search warrant on or about October 1, 2012, over 77,000 bots, or infected computers, were active in Tiernan's botnet. Each of these computers, along with the hacked servers used to control them, necessarily were “protected” computers because they were accessed over the Internet in order to be compromised without the owners’ consent. Several of these infected computers in Tiernan's botnet were located in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tiernan.

PITTSBURGH – Two residents of Arizona have been sentenced in federal court on their conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Sylvia Navarro Cruz, 44 and Miguel Cruz, 45, of Queen Creek, Arizona. Sylvia Cruz received a sentence of six months incarceration and three years supervised release, of which the first six months she will be on home detention with electronic monitoring. Manuel Cruz received a sentence of time served.

According to information presented to the court, on June 23, 2014, Sylvia Cruz and Miguel Cruz received and reshipped Schedule II and IV controlled substances and erectile dysfunction drugs, which were exported from India, to U.S. consumers who had ordered them through a Costa Rican website.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. 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 Sylvia and Manuel Cruz.

PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and unlawfully distributing controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.  The indictment of Andrzej Kazimierz Zielke, 62, is the first since Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the formation of the Opioid and Abuse Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis. 

“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.  “An unprecedented crisis like this one demands an unprecedented response—and that’s why President Trump has made this a top priority for this administration," Sessions said. "This summer, I designated 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 take on the supply of drugs and stop fraudsters from exploiting people suffering from addiction. Today, as President Trump unveils his plan to fight the opioid epidemic, we have filed the first charges by these prosecutors. 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.”

“Western Pennsylvania is experiencing some of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the nation,” added Acting U.S. Attorney Song.  “In response, we in law enforcement aggressively target drug traffickers – both those who distribute on the street, and those who traffic under the guise of physicians writing excessive prescriptions.”               

“Opioid-related health care fraud is a serious problem facing the Western Pennsylvania area today,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson.  “Doctors who betray their trust and authority for their own financial gain by prescribing Schedule II narcotics for purposes other than medical reasons are contributing to our nation’s opioid crisis.  This indictment is indicative of the FBI’s intent to employ substantial resources to combat this national epidemic.  The FBI Pittsburgh Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in a unified effort to address the local effects of this national trend.”

According to the 14-count indictment that was returned on October 24, Zielke is a medical doctor who owned and operated Medical Frontiers, which advertised as a holistic pain management practice, located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.  The indictment alleges that on 13 occasions Zielke prescribed Schedule II narcotics - Oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine sulfate and methadone – outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose.  The indictment also alleges that Zielke conspired with others to distribute Schedule II narcotics.  On October 5, Zielke was arrested on a criminal complaint.  The complaint alleges that Dr. Zielke engaged in a pattern of illegally prescribing opioid painkillers to patients with no legitimate medical purpose and without examination, evaluation or testing.

According to the criminal complaint: Agents began investigating his practice based on information they received that Dr. Zielke was writing a large number of oxycodone prescriptions for people residing in the McKeesport, Pennsylvania area, and that some of these pills were being obtained by a narcotics dealer.  

According to accounts of former employees and patients, Dr. Zielke charged approximately $250 cash for office visits and many of his patients traveled long distances to see him. 

On October 11, 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine issued a Temporary Suspension of Dr. Zielke’s license to practice medicine and surgery. 

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, or both, for each count of the indictment.  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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of El Salvador has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 24, named Mario Nelson Reyes-Romero, age 27, of El Salvador, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about October 3, 2017, Reyes-Romero was found to be illegally present in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, having previously been removed from the United States on or about August 29, 2011.

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

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - One resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of armed bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 24, named Gary William White, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about September 20, 2017, White robbed PNC Bank, located at 3701 Saw Mill Run Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15227, with a deadly weapon, namely a knife. PNC Bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - One resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of bank robbery, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on October 24, named Christian Elijah Moore, age 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about September 5, 2017, Moore robbed First National Bank, located at 116 West 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120. The indictment also alleges that in furtherance of the bank robbery, Moore was in possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a felony conviction in 2011. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a crime punishable by in excess of one year imprisonment from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stehley.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Ignacio Montes Leon, 36, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from June 2013 through February 2015, Leon engaged in a conspiracy with eighteen co-defendants to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 50 and 150 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 100 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine. According to information provided to the court, Montel Leon was the local leader of a drug trafficking organization involved in importing cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico into Texas, which was then transported to Erie, Pennsylvania and elsewhere in hidden compartments in vehicles. Montes Leon was responsible for coordinating the drug shipments with higher-level conspirators in Texas, was directly selling pure methamphetamine to individuals in Erie, Pennsylvania on multiple occasions, and was responsible for distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine at a time to his co-conspirators. In December 2013, law enforcement officers seized four kilograms of cocaine in Erie, Pennsylvania connected to Montes Leon. According to information provided to the Court, on November 1, 2014, after Montes Leon traveled to Texas to coordinate another drug shipment, two of his drug couriers were transporting the cocaine when they were stopped by the Arkansas State Police while traveling east near milepost 253 on Interstate 40. Montes Leon arranged for those couriers to travel to the Houston, Texas area to pick up a load of cocaine destined for delivery to Erie, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The Court was further advised that a search warrant was executed on the vehicle and that individually wrapped packages of cocaine were located in a hidden compartment in the vehicle. The packages were discovered to contain more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Montes Leon then fled into Mexico. Law enforcement officers located Montes Leon in Mexico, and he was arrested and extradited back into the United States to face prosecution in Erie.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Arkansas State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Leon.

PITTSBURGH -A former Fayette County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day of imprisonment on her conviction of escaping from federal custody following a prior federal felony conviction, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tiffany Lilley, age 28. The sentence is to run consecutively to the unexpired portion of the sentence previously imposed for Lilley’s prior conviction.

According to information presented to the court, Lilley committed the crime on March 28, 2017, by escaping from federal custody at Renewal Incorporated Community Correction Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was located, apprehended, and returned to custody by the United States Marshal Service roughly two weeks afterward.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tiffany Lilley.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John Dominic Joseph Juliano, 33.

According to information presented to the court, Juliano unlawfully possessed a Smith & Wesson rifle, a Century Arms AK47 style rifle, a Norinco SKS semi-automatic rifle, a Glock pistol, a Springfield pistol, a DPMS rifle and a Maverick Arms shotgun, and more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition, while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon. Juliano’s sentence was enhanced because the Century Arms AK47 style rifle was loaded with a large capacity magazine and because he possessed a homemade improvised explosive device.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Juliano.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ezra Eugene Davis, 33.

According to information presented to the court, on October 21, 2016, Davis possessed seven firearms while released on bond awaiting trial on local gun and drug charges. Davis was also convicted of the knowing possession of stolen firearms and with possession of firearms while a current user of controlled substances. The court was advised that Davis possessed multiple firearms that had been stolen during the burglary of a Millcreek Township residence in September 2016. The firearms were seized from Davis on October 21, 2016, when law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant in Erie, Pennsylvania.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Millcreek Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Davis.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Kevin Jabbar Thomas, age 42, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Clairton Police Department were conducting an investigation into the illegal drug activities of the defendant. On April 26, 2016, agents and police officers executed a search warrant on the defendant’s Clairton residence. They recovered crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Clairton Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal bankruptcy laws, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in two separate cases, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Douglas Alan Grooms, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal No. 16-15 Erie and thirteen counts at Criminal No. 16-30 Erie before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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 Coover’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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for Criminal No. 16-15 Erie and a total sentence of 340 years in prison, a fine of $8.5 million, or both for Criminal No. 16-30 Erie. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Grooms.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in two separate cases, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Adam Brayton Coover, 35, pleaded guilty to eleven counts at Criminal No. 16-28 Erie and thirteen counts at Criminal No. 16-30 Erie before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover and a co-defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from the co-defendant knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Coover and a co-defendant also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.

In addition, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover 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 Coover’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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for Criminal No. 16-28 Erie and a total sentence of 340 years in prison, a fine of $8.5 million or both for Criminal No. 16-30 Erie. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Coover.

PITTSBURGH - Two Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The 39-count indictment, returned on October 18 and unsealed today, named Mark R. Foster, 70, of Wexford, Pennsylvania and Terri C. Brown, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Foster and Brown were arrested this morning at their respective residences.

According to indictment, Brown owned and operated Cherry Way, a Suboxone clinic, located in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, and Foster was a medical director at Cherry Way. The indictment alleges that Brown and Foster conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to Brown and to other persons not specifically named in the Indictment. Brown is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark and Medicaid, through Cherry Way, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Brown faces an additional maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and fines of $500,000 for the health care fraud charges. 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 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 resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release on his convictions of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Dwayne Corrigan, 33, of Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016 and continuing thereafter to in and around July 2016, Corrigan conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Corrigan also distributed fentanyl on July 27, 2016, and, pursuant to his plea agreement with the United States, Corrigan accepted responsibility for the fact that the fentanyl he distributed on July 27, 2016, resulted in the serious bodily injury of two individuals.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Baldwin Borough Police Department, the Duquesne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Scott Township Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department, along with assistance from the Borough of McKees Rocks Police Department, the Borough of Ambridge Police Department, the Borough of Sewickley Police Department, the Crescent Township Police Department, the City of Aliquippa Police Department, the Borough of New Brighton Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Corrigan. 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, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in prison on his conviction of wire fraud, to be followed by a consecutive term of imprisonment of four months for a supervised release violation for a previous conviction, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Daniel J. Isabella, Jr., 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about April 5, 2014, while on pretrial release, Isabella falsely represented to have tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslist. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but Isabella did not provide any tickets. Additionally, on August 11, September 16, and September 28, Isabella was found to have violated his conditions of supervised release for a previous conviction for similar conduct.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Isabella.

PITTSBURGH-A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded in federal court to charges of Obtaining Controlled Substance by Fraud, and Distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Carl T. Wilson, age 50, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, from late 2015 to March 2017, Wilson knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully obtained a controlled substance, namely 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, a Schedule II controlled substance.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2018 at 9a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 24 years, a fine of $1,250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carl T. Wilson.

PITTSBURGH - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months of incarceration for violating his Supervised Release by committing new crimes, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Santana Wygant, age 40, formerly from McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Wygant had previously been convicted of federal drug charges for selling crack cocaine near a playground in West Virginia, and served 87 months in federal prison. While he was on federal supervision after being released from incarceration, Wygant committed multiple violations that included raping his former girlfriend, assaulting that woman, assaulting his infant child, and entering the victim’s home without permission. Wygant also was also found to have absconded from a halfway house, tested positive for marijuana use, failed to report to his probation officer and failed to attend drug treatment.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer reviewed and considered that Wygant began his criminal career with an armed robbery offense as a juvenile and amassed numerous subsequent adult convictions.

Judge Fischer imposed the maximum sentence allowable by law, 36 months of incarceration, after considering factors that included the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect the public from future acts of Wygant. The Judge also ordered that, following his release, Wygant spend the first six months in a halfway house, and that the United States Probation Office supervise him for five more years. Wygant faces the possibility of additional periods of incarceration if he violates the Court’s order by having any contact with the rape victim or the infant daughter he assaulted.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Probation Office for their efforts in this matter.