Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on September 19, named James Roosevelt Leach, 45, of Washington, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about December 14, 2016, Leach, a felon previously convicted of rape, robbery and aggravated assault in Washington County, Pennsylvania, unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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.

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

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led 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 the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on August 24, 2017, and unsealed today following his arrest, named Romone Barnes, 31, of Washington, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Barnes distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl on or about June 26, 2017. Barnes is detained pending trial.

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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on September 19, 2017, named Jamal M. Brooks, 25, of Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Brooks, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed three firearms and ammunition on or about August 22, 2017. Federal law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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.

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

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mumbai, India, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh this afternoon to face charges of mail fraud, conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The 14-count indictment, returned on July 28, 2015, named Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela, aka Ramesh Bhai, 44, of Mumbai, India as the sole defendant.  Akkela was arrested in Panama earlier this year.  He was extradited to the United States yesterday. 

According to the indictment, Akkela, an Indian Internet-based supplier of prescription drugs, supplied those drugs - without prescriptions - to U.S. consumers.  He was indicted on 10 counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, one count of conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and two counts of money laundering. 

Except for the conspiracy counts, each of which is punishable by five years imprisonment, all the other counts have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  Each money laundering count carries a maximum $500,000 fine, while $250,000 is the maximum fine for the remaining counts.  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 Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police 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.

PITTSBURGH - Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song and Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown announced the names of the five persons appointed to the Independent Oversight Board for Youth Protection for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. The Diocese created the Independent Oversight Board earlier this year pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Diocese and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Diocese established the Independent Oversight Board to supervise the implementation and provide ongoing review of the expanded child protection efforts of the Diocese. The five members chosen by Bishop Bartchak are:

• James W. Brown is a former Chief of Staff to both U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. and Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey. Mr. Brown will serve as Chair of the Board.
• Walter “Pete” Carlson is a former criminal investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police.
• Eileen Dombo, PhD, LICSW is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America.
• Mary Herwig experienced abuse as a young child and is an advocate for child protection in all its forms.
• J. Alan Johnson served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania for eight years.

PITTSBURGH - A Mercer County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Jeffrey T. Lewis, 48, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a two-count Information before United States District Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lewis fraudulently solicited funds for investments but used those funds to pay off business losses, gambling and personal expenses.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2018, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lewis.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to twelve months, plus one day, to be served concurrently with sentence he is presently serving in Clearfield County, and three years’ supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Eric P. Williams, 36, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on December 8, 2015, Williams, who had been convicted in 2001 in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, of the felony offense of robbery, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did possess in and affecting interstate commerce a Stevens, Model 350, 12 gauge shotgun, and a Mossberg, Model 715T, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic rifle. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms.

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

Ms. Song commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Williams.

According to Ms. Song, Williams 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Patton, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Jennifer R. Miller, 28, of Patton, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, in Dec. 2011 Miller stole various pieces of mail from mailboxes.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marquette Williams, 39, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2015 through May 2015 in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Williams conspired with others, both known and unknown, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. In addition, from April 2014 through February 2015, Williams conspired with others, both known and unknown, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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 the City of New Kensington Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marquette Williams. 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 Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of dealing heroin and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Matthew David Adams, aka “Z”, age 28, 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 Washington County resident Jesse James King died of an overdose on April 19, 2016 and that the Washington County Coroner’s Office determined that he had a deadly amount of the synthetic opiate fentanyl in his system. Stamp bags marked “OMG” were located near the victim’s body. The victim’s phone ultimately led police to the seller of the “OMG” stamp bags, the defendant Matthew Adams. Police apprehended Adams with 47 stamp bags in his possession just two days after the death of Mr. King. The 17 bags stamped “OMG” were determined to contain fentanyl, while the other 30 bags marked “Gator” were found to contain heroin.

Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and up to a lifetime of supervision by federal Probation Officers. Adams, who was on probation as a result of a prior sentence from Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joseph K. Williams, III for a previous heroin dealing conviction, is expected to receive a sentence of 8 years in federal prison, at least 4 years of supervision and restitution to the family of the victim. He will also face an additional potential sentence from Judge Williams for committing the offense while on county probation.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant back to the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Katie A. King of the Violent Crimes Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local police departments including the Canonsburg Police Department, Houston Borough Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Kennedy Township Police Department, as well as the Washington County Coroner’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Matthew Adams.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Hazelet, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Dr. Vincent J. Gamuzza, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Gamuzza, a doctor of optometry, admitted that he operated multiple vision centers in Pennsylvania, including Western Pennsylvania, and in New Jersey. Gamuzza further admitted that he was responsible for handling all billing to insurance companies, including Highmark Inc. and Davis Vision. As part of his 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.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Eric G. Olshan are prosecuting 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.

PITTSBURGH - A Georgia resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate transportation of stolen vehicles, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Tom E. Smith, 55, of Fayetteville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 1, 2015, Smith transported a stolen Range Rover Sport, valued at $74,000, from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania across state lines into the State of West Virginia.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH –A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Carlos M. White, Jr., 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around December 2013, and continuing to in and around March 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, White conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Also, on May 22, 2014, White possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 11, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Tonya Sulia Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of White.

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 Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Marianne Rodacy, 64, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

Rodacy was the Financial/Recording Secretary of United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, Local 10-53-G. According to the indictment, from October 1, 2012 to June 24, 2015, Rodacy embezzled approximately $21,539 of union funds for her personal use.

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

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

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Marianne Rodacy.

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

The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Warren Robb, age 57, of Trafford, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, between November 2015 and July 2017, Warren Robb received and converted approximately $57,821.68 in U.S. Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.

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

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

The Railroad Retirement Board, 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 Houston, Texas, was sentenced in federal court to 27 months in prison on his convictions of intentional damage to a protected computer and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Chief United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Brandon A. Coughlin, age 29, of Houston TX.

According to the information presented to the court, the Court was advised that Coughlin intentionally hacked and damaged 13 servers operated by a health care facility known as Centerville Clinic, Inc. (CCI) and engaged in a scheme to defraud that healthcare facility by using its purchase card to order merchandise from Staples. On January 16, 2013, Coughlin was hired by CCI as an in-house computer systems administrator.

On February 4, 2013, he resigned from that position at the request of the management of CCI. Using the administrative passwords he knew from his employment, Coughlin on September 18, 2013 hacked the computer network of CCI. He disabled all administrative accounts needed to control any and all of the computer servers of CCI, and deleted users’ network shares, business data, and patient health information and data, including patient medical records. He caused a financial loss of approximately $60,000. He caused CCI facility to cease its medical treatment of patients until its system was restored.

Coughlin also admitted committing wire fraud when he attempted fraudulently to purchase online iPad Air tablets on the Staples account of CCI. As part of the fraud, Coughlin breached the email server of CCI. He directed that email server to delete email from Staples before it was routed to the purchasing supervisor who handled the Staples account for CCI.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug trafficking and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned yesterday, named James Weldon Johnson, age 32, of the Hazelwood neighborhood in Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on January 2, 2017, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, as well as possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Also according to the indictment, he possessed with intent to distribute, and distributed, fentanyl on December 30, 2016.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Dizard is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, along with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production, distribution, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Eric James Stull, age 49, of Clarksville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, from May 8, 2006 to December 26, 2015, Stull produced 41 video and image files of the sexual exploitation of a minor. 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.

United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the production of child pornography counts, a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for possession of child pornography, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $10,250,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Greene County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the 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 – One resident of Alaska and three residents of Florida have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today. Two of the defendants were also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The two-count indictment, returned on August 22 and unsealed today, named William Kulakevich, a/k/a Vilyam Kulakevich, 31, of Delta Junction, Alaska; and Julia Fees, 25, Jacob Bassett, 20, and Ryan Bassett, 34, all of Odessa, Florida.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Kulakevich owned the website Etizy.com and sold the drug Etizolam to customers in the United States, including in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Etizolam for use as a drug, and thus it cannot be sold or prescribed in the United States. Fees was responsible for managing Etizy.com, and the indictment alleges that Kulakevich and Fees conspired to launder the proceeds of Etizolam sales. Jacob and Ryan Bassett both played a role in the operation of Etizy.com and the illegal sale of Etizolam to customers throughout the United States.

According to the indictment, Etizolam is a drug known as a thienodiazepine, a class of drugs chemically related to benzodiazepines, which produce central nervous system depression. Physicians may prescribe FDA-approved benzodiazepines to treat insomnia and anxiety, but benzodiazepines and thienodiazepines also carry risks of dependency, toxicity, and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants.

While prescription drugs containing Etizolam have been approved in some countries outside of the United States, such as India, Ireland, and Japan, the FDA has not approved any drugs containing Etizolam in the United States. Accordingly, Etizolam cannot be legally imported, distributed, or prescribed in the United States for use as a drug.

For Kulakevich and Fees, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of twenty years in prison, as well as a fine of not more than $500,000.00, or twice the value of the laundered funds, whichever is greater. For Jacob and Ryan Bassett, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,00.00, 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 defendants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Conor Lamb is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

The one-count indictment named Racoco Williams, age 35, of Lauderhill, Florida.

According to the indictment, on August 29, 2017, Williams possessed with intent to deliver 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. The earlier filed criminal complaint alleged that Williams was staying at a room at the Extended Stay Hotel in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. A federal search warrant of his room revealed 17 kilograms of cocaine and more than $192,000 in cash.

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 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.

Williams is currently detained and has been ordered to be held without bond pending trial.

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

The United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service and 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 - A former New Jersey resident has been convicted in federal court for one count of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Aldwin Vega, age 42, formerly of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Jury selection began on September 5, 2017, and Senior Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia presided over the trial.

For the crime of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10 million, 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 Attorneys Conor Lamb and Shanicka Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, McKeesport Police Department, Munhall Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of Aldwin Vega.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Bedford, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of conspiracy to distribute possess with intent to distribute and distribution of quantities of Tramadol, Zolpidem, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, and Carisoprodol, all of which are Schedule IV controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment named Damaris Rispoli, age 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from in and around Aug. 2014, to on or about May 20, 2015, Rispoli conspired with another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of Tramadol, Zolpidem, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, and Carisoprodol, and on or about May 20, 2015, Rispoli possessed with intent to distribute Carisoprodol, and distributed quantities of Tramadol, Zolpidem, Clonazepam, and Lorazepam.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2018, at 10 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 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rispoli.

ERIE, Pa. - A federal prisoner at McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of assaulting a federal officer, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Rogelio Muniz-Valdez, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 15, 2017, Muniz-Valdez assaulted a federal officer who was engaged in his official duties.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 8 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Office of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Muniz-Valdez.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 13 years in jail and 10 years of supervised release on his conviction for sex trafficking of a child and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Devonte Lamonte Lucas, 22.

According to the information presented to the court, from March 2015 to October 2015, Lucas and a co-defendant knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, advertised and maintained two minor victims who engaged in commercial sex acts at the behest of Lucas and his co-defendant. Lucas’ illegal activity was ultimately stopped when members of the Millcreek Police Department observed Lucas transport a minor female to a Millcreek motel. The Millcreek officers, acting in an undercover capacity, had set up a meeting at the motel with one of the victims via an Internet advertisement that had been placed by Lucas’ co-defendant.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lucas.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of Distribution, and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on August 29, named James Clay Russell, 59, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on February 20, 2017 and March 23, 2017, Russell knowingly distributed an image containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that on June 9, 2017, Russell 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.

Russell was detained pending trial.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each count of distribution of child pornography, a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for possession of child pornography, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $750,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and 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 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 Newark, New Jersey and three residents of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, each have been sentenced in federal court to nine months of incarceration and three years of supervised release on their convictions for Contempt of Court, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence on Khayri Battle, 36, of Newark, New Jersey, Shane Brooks, 30, Victoria Morgan, 32, and Bobby Rodgers, 48, all of Duquesne, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Battle, Brooks, Morgan and Rodgers refused to testify at the trial of Anthony Pryor and Lance Yarbough, for charges that included conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, despite a written order compelling them to testify pursuant to a grant of immunity from United States District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton. .

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway 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 Battle, Brooks, Morgan and Rodgers.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Portage, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 18 months in prison, and three years’ supervised release, on her conviction of conspiring to commit money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Tonia Vaughn, 41, of Portage, Pa.

Tonia Vaughn, along with her husband, Gary Vaughn, were the owners and operators of Gary’s Steals and Deals, a business located in Portage, that dealt in new and used merchandise. The way the business operated was for “customers” to come to the store with new stolen items of merchandise (the great majority of which were still in the package from local stores) and present it for purchase by Gary’s. Tonia Vaughn and the store clerks, knowing the merchandise was stolen, would then give a percentage of the value for the new stolen items to the “customer.” The great majority of this business involved the same “customers” bringing in dozens of identical, “new in package” stolen items (i.e., razor blades, pet products, teeth whitening strips, ink cartridges, jackets, Lego sets, etc.) on the same day or subsequent days, which were purchased by Gary’s Steals and Deals. The stolen new merchandise was then listed for sale on Ebay or Amazon. Once purchased, the stolen merchandise was then shipped to the purchaser via use of the mail. The money received from the sale of the stolen merchandise over the internet was used to either purchase new stolen items from “customers” coming into the store, or was received by the employees as proceeds of this conduct.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vaughn.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail, to be followed by three years of supervised release on his convictions for burglary of a pharmacy and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule IV controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Travis Russell Maynard, 38.

According to information presented to the court, on December 7, 2015, Maynard used a crowbar to break into Nickman’s Pharmacy in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and proceeded to steal over 3,000 Schedule IV pills from the Pharmacy.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Maynard.

PITTSBURGH –A former resident of Wappingers Falls, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and access device fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Nicolas Frank Sucich, aka Francisco Javier Alavarez-Johnson, 48, of Cuidad de Tuxpan, Veracruz, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between November 2007 and February 2011, Sucich conspired with others to defraud Liberty Travel and Scotiabank through the purchase of millions of dollars in airline travel packages and point of sale transactions throughout the U.S. using an unauthorized Scotiabank Mastercard. According to the information presented to the court, Sucich and others accumulated nearly $10 million in debit card charges, principally in the purchase of discount travel packages he purchased for himself and others using a business name of FCO Travels, located in Veracruz, Mexico, where Sucich had been living as a fugitive since approximately 1996.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, and fine of $1,500,000. 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. Sucich is being held in custody pending his sentencing.

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

The U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nicolas Frank Sucich.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of McKees Rocks, Pa. and the Hill District area of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Escaping From Federal Custody, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Anthony Lee, aka Jamar Mitchell, age 37, pleaded guilty to the escape before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on October 23, 2016, Lee was serving the last portion of his sentence at a halfway house in Pittsburgh called the Renewal Center after being convicted in federal court of felony charges involving drugs and guns. Court records show that Lee had ultimately been sentenced to 120 months at that prior federal case after the term was reduced from a higher sentence. When Lee’s girlfriend came to visit him at the Renewal Center, she found him with another woman. An argument ensued and Lee punched the girlfriend in the face, knocking her to the ground. The defendant fled the scene with the other woman and was in escape status until arrested by the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force on November 22, 2016, at the residence of the other woman. During the hearing, Lee’s attorney stated that he admitted the escape, but did not admit that he assaulted his former girlfriend.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the charge and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The court ordered that the defendant remain in federal custody pending his sentencing date.

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

The United States Marshal Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the apprehension and prosecution of Lee.

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

Anthony P. Mason, Jr., 24, of Northern Cambria, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on April 19, 2016, Mason knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government money, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Kevin Roehlig, 56, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, between November 2003 and August 2016, Roehlig converted to his own use the Social Security Title II, Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits of his mother, Carolyn Roehlig, who died in and around October 2003, knowing he was not entitled to said benefits. The stolen funds totaled $124,514.00.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle 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 former Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal robbery laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Joseph Abbinanti, age 49 as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on June 29, 2017, Abbinanti robbed the PNC Bank, located at 236 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA, of $2,420.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, Acting States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Alex Grajea-Navarro, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, the Grajea-Navarro, who was previously removed from the United States on August 13, 2010, September 23, 2011, and February 10, 2016, was found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2017, without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

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

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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 Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

James Brown, 59, of Cincinnati, OH, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 2014 through February 2017, Brown and others negotiated counterfeit checks at gaming casinos along the east coast from Florida to New York, using false identification documents produced with the names of real persons to negotiate the counterfeit checks. Some of those checks were negotiated at the River’s Casino in Pittsburgh. Fraud losses total several hundred thousand dollars.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for December 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence for the bank fraud conspiracy is 30 years in prison, and a minimum sentence of 24 months incarceration for aggravated identity theft, and fines for both crimes totaling $1,250,000. 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.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of James Brown.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank and wire fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

James Nassida, 49, of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Nassida owned operated a mortgage brokerage business called Century III Home Equity (Century III), which assisted borrowers in obtaining loans collateralized by real estate. At the time of the events at issue, which was between 2002 and 2008, Century III was one of the largest mortgage broker businesses in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and during the course of that timeframe brokered hundreds of millions of dollars worth of loans using more than a dozen different lenders. Many of those loans, however, involved one or more aspects.

Some of the aspects of the fraud included the following:

• Appraisals that fraudulently inflated the true value of the properties;
• Settlement statements that falsely reflected that the borrowers made substantial payments associated with the purchases of real estate;
• Settlement statements that failed to disclose secondary financing;
• Settlement statements that failed to include cash payments charged by Century III and paid by the borrowers;
• Settlement statements and closing documents that were backdated to reflect that the settlements had occurred on a date prior to the actual settlement date; and
• Various loan documents, including loan approval forms, good faith estimates, and underwriting transmittal forms, that failed to disclose secondary financing and falsely represented the combined loan-to-value ratio.
   

The fraud also involved misrepresentations to some of the borrowers to induce them to enter into the transactions, including concealing the fees Century III received from lenders for the borrowers’ transactions and the impact of those fees on the borrowers’ interest rates; and concealing the nature of the mortgage products, including that some of the mortgage products could negatively amortize. Lastly, the fraud also involved James Nassida’s receipt of kickbacks from the settlement company that he failed to disclose to the borrowers and lenders, as required.

James Nassida submitted multiple fraudulent documents associated with loans in which he served as a loan officer. In addition, loan officers working under his direction regularly submitted false information to lenders and borrowers. Nassida also caused the submission of fake documents to the lender in connection with his purchase of a $300,000 vacation home near Seven Springs, including the following: (1) a settlement statement that overstated the sales price; (2) a loan application that falsely stated his income and assets; and (3) fake statements from an investment company that falsely verified that he had more than $600,000 in investment when he really had about $15,000. In the loan application, James Nassida reported that he earned approximately $980,000 in 2006, but he did not even file his tax returns in 2006, and his reported taxable income in 2004 and 2005 was not even close to that figure.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2018. 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 and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Cindy Chung are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Mortgage Fraud Task Force, in conjunction with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nassida. The Mortgage Fraud Task Force is comprised of investigators from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and others involved in the mortgage industry. Federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Mortgage Task Force include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the United States Secret Service. Other Mortgage Fraud Task Force members include the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office; the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Bureau of Consumer Protection; the Pennsylvania Department of Banking; the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation; and the United States Trustee's Office. The primary investigators from this case were from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Alpharetta, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to serve one day in the custody of the United States Marshal, six months in a Community Confinement Center and six months in home detention while serving three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Willie Hugh Joy, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2009, to in and around January 2013, Joy and his co-defendants engaged in a fraudulent loan program in which a hierarchy of brokers, managers, processors and straw borrowers falsified bank loan documents and supporting documentation in order to obtain various auto and consumer loans and lines of credit from banks and credit unions. Mr. Joy was also ordered to pay restitution jointly with his co-defendants.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Joy.

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

Tiesha Lasha Henderson, 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 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 11, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years to a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Erie County Detective Bureau, the Erie Police Department, the Millcreek Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henderson.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of 20 months in prison 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 Adam John Carlson, 34.

According to information presented to the court, Carlson possessed a firearm and numerous rounds of ammunition which he was precluded from possessing because of an active protection from abuse order.

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

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.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 32 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 Kevin Dimitri Tate, 24.

According to information presented to the court, Tate unlawfully possessed a .380 ACP firearm while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon.

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

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.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tate.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Costa Rica made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh this afternoon to face multiple charges involving conspiracy to import prescription drugs from India for distribution, without prescriptions, to consumers throughout the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on October 13, 2015, charged Costa Rican Ramiro Navarro Quesada, 42, with three counts of mail fraud and one count each of conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle Schedule II and Schedule IV and erectile dysfunction drugs and money laundering. Quesada was arrested in Madrid, Spain, earlier this year. He was extradited to the United States yesterday.

According to the indictment, Quesada used a Costa Rican website to advertise the Internet sale of Schedule II and IV controlled substances and erectile dysfunction drugs, which were exported from India and received in the United States by co-defendants Sylvia and Miguel Cruz. The latter two then mailed the drugs to U.S. consumers who had ordered them through the Costa Rican website. The consumers were falsely led to believe that the drugs were “FDA approved,” that the counterfeit drugs were genuine Adderall and Viagra, and that it was legitimate to distribute such drugs without prescriptions.

"Ordering prescription drugs online from illegal websites can lead to dangerous consequences for U.S. consumers. Such websites, while they may look professional and legitimate, often sell drugs that have not been checked for safety or effectiveness," said Mark S. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations' Metro Washington Field Office. "We will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who operate outside of FDA's oversight and place the public's health at risk."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the mail fraud and money laundering counts, and 5 years on the conspiracy count; as well as a $250,000 fine on each count except money laundering, which carries a potential 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 Shardul Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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 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– Cody Duncan was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Duncan, age 26, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Duncan serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Duncan’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased as a result of his possession of a dangerous weapon.

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, PA – Twenty-seven southwestern Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of narcotics trafficking and other controlled substances offenses, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today. The indictments were returned on Tuesday, August 22, and unsealed today.

These 27 defendants are charged in two separate, but related, indictments, one of which (“the Skyler Carter Indictment”) contains four counts and names:

• Skyler Carter, 36, of Clairton, PA;
• Dawndre Bivins, 30, of North Versailles, PA;
• Jojuan Bray, 21, of Clairton, PA;
• Courtney Carter, 39, of Clairton, PA;
• Jalea Carter, 25, of Clairton, PA;
• Bernard Dawkins, 60, of Clairton, PA;
• Jammie Fridley, 48, of West Mifflin, PA;
• Malcolm Howard, 25, of Clairton, PA;
• Jean Hull, 52, of Clairton, PA;
• Kevin Jackson, 34, of Clairton, PA;
• Samuel Lopresti, 55, of Clairton, PA;
• Cameron Ranson, 42, of Clairton, PA;
• Eugene Reddick, 35, of Dunlevy, PA;
• Paul Sedor, 36, of Elizabeth, PA;
• Katie Spratt, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Erika Turner, 30, of Clairton, PA;
• Terrence Wade, 47, of Clairton, PA.

The second indictment (“the Corey Jackson Indictment”) contains three counts and names:

• Corey Jackson, 31, of Clairton, PA;
• Alex Brown, 39, of Clairton, PA;
• John H. Jenkins, Jr., 48, of Finleyville, PA;
• Quintin Napper, 30, of Clairton, PA;
• Tywan Napper, 33, of Clairton, PA;
• Colleen Paff, 47, of Finleyville, PA;
• William Paff, 52, of Finleyville, PA;
• Herbert Ranson, 30, of Clairton, PA;
• David Stevenson, Jr., 32, of Clairton, PA;
• Samuel Terrant, 49, of Finleyville, PA.

According to the indictments presented to the court, the above-named defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin and various other controlled substances. The Skyler Carter Indictment alleges that he and the other defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine between March and August of 2017. The Corey Jackson Indictment alleges that he and the other defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine between January and August of 2017. The quantity of crack cocaine attributed to Skyler Carter, Corey Jackson, and David Stevenson, Jr. is 28 grams or more. In addition, in the Skyler Carter Indictment, Courtney and Jalea Carter are each charged with using or maintaining a drug involved premises between March and June 2017. In the Corey Jackson Indictment, Alex Brown, Jr. is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of butyryl fentanyl (a fentanyl analog that is temporarily controlled under Schedule I) and fentanyl (a Schedule II controlled substance) on February 23, 2017. Tywan Napper is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin on February 28, 2017.

For Skyler Carter, Corey Jackson, and David Stevenson, Jr., the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5 million, or both. For the remaining defendants in both indictments, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The 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 Conor Lamb is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH - Two former residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on August 22, named David Anthony Somerville, aka Charles Payne, aka Midnite, age 29, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Natel Deque Walker, aka Natel Harper, aka Davone Scott, age 30, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, from September 11, 2015 to January 9, 2016, Somerville and Walker conspired with each other and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on January 9, 2016, Somerville and Walker possessed with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of producing and distributing images of the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Mary B. Jacobs, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Jacobs, from February 27, 2017, through February 28, 2017, produced and distributed still images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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 – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on August 22, named Michael Henry, 35, of McKeesport, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from in and around September 2016, and continuing thereafter until in and around July 2017, Henry conspired with others to distribute quantities of fentanyl and 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 Caitlin A. Loughran is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This prosecution is part of a 12-month investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United Sates Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United Sates Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department.

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

PITTSBURGH – On Monday, August 21, 2017, a resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) incarceration and four years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotic laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Edward Hicks, age 31.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around October 2012, and continuing thereafter to in and around November 2012, Hicks and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of crack cocaine. In addition, on November 6, 2012, and again on November 15, 2012, Hicks sold multiple ounces of crack cocaine to a confidential informant who was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Hicks has a prior state court felony drug-trafficking conviction, as well as a prior state court robbery conviction. As a result, he was classified as a “career offender” and subject to a much higher sentencing guidelines range.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Ambrose rejected Hicks’ request for a downward departure and/or a variance from the career offender sentencing guidelines range, specifically noting that Hicks had served 8 years in jail for his prior convictions, and yet quickly returned to criminal conduct following his release from incarceration. Hicks was on state parole when he committed this federal offense.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Homestead Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hicks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Northern Cambria, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, 225 hours of community service and a fine of $3,000, on his conviction of conversion of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Bernard M. Dospoy, 67, of Northern Cambria, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from in or around June 2005, to in or around October 2015, Dospoy did receive and convert falsely to his own use, a total of $207,592, which represents 176 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to him to which he was not entitled. He also agreed to pay restitution of $207,592 pursuant to a related Civil Settlement Agreement entered into by him and the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin J. Callahan litigated the case on behalf of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Ms. Song commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dospoy.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Jamaica, NY, has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment with credit for time served on any federal detainer, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed by the Albany County Criminal Court at Case No. 16-21078; three years Supervised Release, and restitution in the amount of $28,106.27 on his conviction of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Ronald Heggs, 27, of Jamaica, NY.

According to the information presented to the court, in April, 2015, Heggs and his co-conspirator used counterfeit credit cards which they used to purchase gift cards at K-Mart stores in Western Pennsylvania in April, 2015.

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

The Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the U.S. Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ronald Heggs.

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

The two-count indictment named Daniel Thomas Sutton, 29, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Sutton received and possessed computer images and movies 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.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.