PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh and a resident of Detroit, Michigan, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Fraud Conspiracy and Bank Fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The ten-count Indictment named Matthew Lloyd Parker, Jr., age 36, of Detroit, MI, and
Virginia R. Humphries, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to Indictment, between March 2020 and August 2021, Parker and Humphries defrauded the Small Business Administration and lenders of over $14,000,000 million dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Parker, a licensed CPA from Detroit, Michigan, and Humphries, a credit repair specialist in Pittsburgh, recruited hundreds of small businesses in Pittsburgh and Detroit and falsified PPP loan applications of which the SBA approved 226
applications, resulting in loans totaling approximately $14.5 million to businesses, the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

(Sandy Giordano/Beaver County Radio)

Two girls who were bitten by a pit bull in Hopewell Township earlier this week have returned home from the hospital.

Hopewell Township Police Chief Don Sedlacek reported that the dog owner had the dog put down at the Humane Society on Tuesday. 

A decision will be made by police concerning what charges, if any, will be filed against the dog’s owner, according to Chief Sedlacek.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17), joined with U.S. Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R, PA-14), Mike Kelly (R, PA-16), and Brendan Boyle (D, PA-02), to introduce the Marc Fogel Act. This legislation would amend the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act to require more transparency from the State Department to Congress on the process of designating wrongful detainment upon American imprisoned overseas.

Marc Fogel is an Oakmont resident who was raised in Western Pennsylvania. An international teacher for much of his adult life, he was detained in Russia in August of 2021 for possession of a small amount of marijuana, prescribed by a doctor for his chronic back pain. He then was sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in a Russian penal colony. This bill introduction follows votes in the House of Representatives this month calling for the immediate release of several Americans who are wrongfully detained in Russia. However, as of now, the United States State Department has not yet designated Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained. Congressman Deluzio has called for this designation.

The Marc Fogel Act would build upon this action and require the State Department to provide Congress with copies of documents and communications on why a wrongful determination has or has not been made in cases of U.S. nationals detained abroad within six months of arrest.

“It is far past time for the U.S. State Department to designate Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained in Russia, and this bill will help bring daylight into the process that the Department uses for cases like his and other Americans imprisoned overseas,” said Rep. Deluzio. “Mr. Fogel and his loved ones in Pennsylvania’s 17th District deserve to know that their government hears them and is using every tool available to bring him home safely. We can strengthen that trust by designating detainment status accurately and by bringing more transparency into the process.”

“Marc Fogel meets six of the eleven criteria established by the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act to be designated as wrongfully detained,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “Since last year, I have urged the State Department to classify him as wrongfully detained and prioritize securing his release. The Department has failed to do either and refused to explain its inaction – effectively stonewalling my efforts to bring him home. The Marc Fogel Act will provide transparency into the State Department’s wrongful detainment determination process and help ensure that Americans imprisoned overseas are not forgotten.”

“By introducing this legislation, we reaffirm our collective commitment to bring Marc Fogel home,” said Rep. Kelly. “For too long, we have pressed the Biden administration to declare Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained by the Russian government. This legislation would allow Congress to receive critical information not only about Mr. Fogel and why he has not received this declaration, but also for other Americans who may be imprisoned or held hostage abroad in the future.  No American should be left behind and I pray Mr. Fogel will be reunited with his wonderful family as soon as possible.”

“This is not a time for partisanship. This is a time to come together, as Pennsylvanians and as Americans, to do everything we can to bring home Marc Fogel,” said Rep. Boyle. “I’m hopeful this legislation will lead to Marc being designated as ‘wrongfully detained’ so we can finally get Marc home. Families of detained Americans deserve to have as much information about their loved one’s case as possible. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues from Pennsylvania in Marc Fogel’s name. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Marc and his suffering family.”

Under federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, but he has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained. At this time, Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence close to two years after his detention by Russian authorities.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Beaver Falls’ police department will be operating on a new schedule.

The city’s council approved an MOU addendum to the police department’s collective bargaining agreement, now making the regular amount of work hours per shift from eight to twelve. The decision was majorly favored by the police officers, who expect the decision to allot for more days off and for potential employment opportunities.

“I also hope that this opens up some other opportunities for recruitment,” spoke Police Chief David Johnson. He spoke about how officers feel that certain shifts are becoming “tight”, and that new officers may see the new hours as beneficial to joining the department.

Council also gave the green light to the demolition of three additional properties on Bridge Street in the city, in conjunction with the Redevelopment Authority. The council also approved the subsequent advertisement of nine properties on Bridge Street.

Also approved was an agreement with the COSTARS program for the purchase of rock salt for the season of August 2023 through July 2024, along with the approval of three block closures per the safety committee. However, Mayor Kenya Johns announced that council will temporarily bar any block/road closures outside of business hours. Johns stated that the reason for the decision was a lack of resources for night or weekend closures.

The board will next meet on Tuesday, July 11 at 7:00 PM.

Event goers on the Veternans Memorial Bridge (Keith Walsh – Beaver County Radio)
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published June 27, 2023 2:52 P.M.   
(Bridgewater, PA) Beaver County experienced what easily may have been the biggest Summer event to take place in the county this past weekend. Chair of the Beaver County Tourism and Recreation Board, Tony Caltury, spoke with Mike Romigh Tuesday morning during “Live Mic” reflecting on “Boom on the Bridge”. Caltury said that the data of Saturday’s event is still being compiled, but the early estimates show that at least 10,000 people attended the festivities.

Caltury said the stars of the show “Big & Rich”, were possible to book because of the support of East Rochester Shop n’ Save and True Value. Cowboy Troy also performed at the show.

“It was a great, friendly, safe crowd” Beaver County really showed out.” says Caltury. Public and private entities cooperated to make it fun and safe without being a hinderance to those who weren’t attending.  Sheriff Tony Guy was the head of safety operations for the event. No incidents were reported.

Local businesses were prepared for the increase of patrons. Food trucks, vendors, and breweries set up shop on the bridge. 45 port-o-johns helped keep things clean. “Boats and kayaks were positioned under the bridge” said Caltury. DJ Frye of Frye Transportation made shuttle service go off without a hitch. “Our goal was a family friendly event, where everyone could be safe”.

He says they had the idea for the festival a year ago, but East Rochester Shop n’ Save and True Value were able to make it really happen. Caltury also thanks Push Beaver County of the Beaver County Boom, who helped grow the event and made some connections that made “Boom on the Bridge” possible.

When asked “how are you going to top it?”, Caltury says ideas are big and they’re looking to expand the event, possibly considering a multi day event. “Wheels are already turning for next year, we put this together in two months from beginning to end”.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published June 27, 2023 3:55 P.M.

(Beaver County, PA) Attorney John Salopek of the Beaver County Bar Association joined Mike Romigh Tuesday morning during “Live Mic” to discuss appealing your assessment. The new numbers and millage will go into effect January 1st, 2024 and school millage on July 1st, 2024.

Salopek says the notices that Tyler Technologies sent in the spring were looking for large mistakes. He says we are now in the true appeal period, with the notices that went out Friday, June the 23rd. A 40 day time period where a property owner can file an appeal to the Beaver County Board of Assessment Appeals and Revisions is now in effect.

Attorney Salopek notes that the assessors didn’t enter the properties, and assumes they input property descriptions to an algorithm and the algorithm creates the values. He is sure much of the process is computer generated.

He says real estate values have gone up since the last assessment in the 80s. The 80s assessment was 50% of market value, and this assessment is set at 100% of market value.

The county has indicated the old millage was 26 mills, and is now reduced to 3.66 mills. The county has the calculations for taxes listed on their website.

Salopek adds that school districts cannot raise their tax revenue based on the new assessment. They are not allowed to take advantage of the assessment for their own gain.

“Everybody needs to be realistic and credible when they go to their hearings.”

The assessment office will schedule appeals for those who file their request for one. They are expecting 12-15,000 appeals out of the 90,000 assessments.

Pepsi brings back #BetterWithPepsi campaign to declare that hot dogs go Better With Pepsi.

PepsiCo released the following statement:
(Purchase, New York) Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday filled with flags, fireworks, baseball, and hot dogs. According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, Americans will consume over 150 million hot dogs on July 4 alone, enough to stretch from Washington D.C. to L.A. more than five times! (NHDSC, 2022) And with Pepsi sales heating up ahead of July 4, the brand is bringing even more red, white and blue to the party by showing the entire country that hot dogs go #BetterWithPepsi.

Pepsi, with help from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Consulting (a business unit of The Culinary Institute of America), has completely reimagined what condiments can be for America’s favorite summer food, unveiling Pepsi Colachup, the world’s first Pepsi-infused condiment. Pepsi is so confident that hot dogs are #BetterWithPepsi, the brand is taking hot dog enjoyment to the next level with Pepsi Colachup, giving fans the chance to add even more of the iconic sweet, citrusy taste of a crisp, refreshing Pepsi-Cola directly onto their hot dog.

“The concept is both simple and creative. The distinctive flavors and vibrant citrus blend of Pepsi enhances the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup, offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog,” said David Kamen, director of client experience for CIA Consulting. “It’s a whole new way to enjoy two American classics!”

On July 4, Pepsi is teaming up with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees for exclusive in-stadium sampling during the team’s home games. Hot dog enthusiasts who want to be the first to try Pepsi Colachup can look for the sampling carts at these stadium locations:

• Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ; Section 130/131
• Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY; Pepsi Lounge (Pepsi Lounge Ticket Required)
• Target Field, Minneapolis, MN; Section 113
• Comerica Park, Detroit, MI; Section 139

“Pepsi has long been part of American culture and its cool crisp taste has been a favorite beverage choice for generations of Americans. We have always known that hot dogs taste better with Pepsi, and now the experts think so too,” said Jenny Danzi, Senior Director, Pepsi TM. “We’re thrilled to elevate this unparalleled pairing and build off our #BetterWithPepsi campaigns of past summers, when we proved that pizza and burgers go #BetterWithPepsi. We invented Pepsi Colachup to reinforce just how well hot dogs and Pepsi go together – an unapologetically mouthwatering creation that seamlessly merges a condiment with the ultimate hot dog pairing beverage, delivering a unified taste experience.”

Fans who can’t make it to the ballpark can still experience the joy of Pepsi with a hot dog. All weekend long through July 4, consumers who purchase a hot dog (or dogs) with a Pepsi at any food service or retail location can get the Pepsi comped by texting “FREEPEPSI” to 81234 and uploading the receipt that clearly shows a hot dog and a Pepsi purchase to get reimbursed the cost of a 20oz Pepsi product, via PayPal, Venmo or Digital Retailer Gift Card.

Harrisburg, PA – As millions of Pennsylvanians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn are urging residents to leave fireworks displays to the professionals due to ongoing drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks.

“While we remind residents every year that fireworks are not toys, this year has the added risk of inadvertently setting off a wildfire due to lack of rain and dry conditions throughout the state,” said Commissioner Cook. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks during Independence Day is to enjoy fireworks displays managed by professionals.”

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show fireworks start more than 18,500 fires per year and cause an average of $43 million in direct property damage.

DCNR reminds Pennsylvanians that 99 percent of wildfires are caused by people. With especially dry conditions across the Commonwealth in 2023, DCNR is encouraging Pennsylvanians to follow guidance from experts on fireworks and be mindful of local, county and statewide guidance on burning.

“We have seen consistent elevated risks for wildfires this year, forcing our volunteer and wildland firefighters to suppress an unprecedented number of blazes this year,” Secretary Dunn said. “With that in mind, we ask that the public take all necessary precautions to protect the Commonwealth’s lands for the upcoming holiday as we continue to see dry conditions that make fireworks and other fire risks more likely to create wildfires.”

Low precipitation has dramatically increased the number of wildfires in Pennsylvania this year. There have already been 1,400 wildfires reported statewide so far in 2023, compared to 1,036 in all of 2022. This year’s wildfires have burned more than 8,500 acres, compared to 2,700 acres in 2022. Visit DCNR’s website for more information on wildfire danger, maps, forecasts, and tips on reducing wildfire risks.

Despite the risks associated with private use of fireworks, many continue to choose to use them during the holiday. Cook recommended the following safety precautions.

• Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of at least 1200 degrees.
• Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.
• Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• After the fireworks have burned, fully douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.
• Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, or other medications or substances that can impair judgment or the ability to react quickly to an emergency.
• Whether attending a professional display, or using consumer fireworks, always remain at a safe distance from the ignition location.
• Be sensitive of neighbors and their pets, particularly if military veterans live nearby.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2018, there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Approximately half of the injuries reported were burns; with the head, eyes, face, or ears being the most frequently impacted part of the body. Thirty-six percent of those injuries involved children under the age of 15.

Under state law, Pennsylvanians who are at least 18 years old may purchase and use Class C, otherwise known as consumer-grade fireworks. Certain restrictions apply, including:

• They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner.
• They cannot be discharged from within a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
• They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

Local ordinances may include additional restrictions, so always check with your municipality before purchasing or using Class C fireworks. Additional tips, and seasonal fire safety tips can be found online.  Additionally, residents can subscribe to the ReadyPA monthly preparedness newsletter which features timely preparedness tips. Sign up to receive this helpful information here.

DCNR is encouraging residents to understand the factors that increase the risk of wildfires, including an available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves; dry conditions, including low relative humidity; and an ignition source to start the fire, such as fireworks, sparks from an automobile, machine exhaust, or burning trash.

(New Castle, PA) Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Phil Cornelious, Western District of Pennsylvania, announces the arrest of fugitive Tracy Steel Scott, on June 27, 2023, in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Tracy Scott is charged by the Racine Police Department with Criminal Homicide and Possession of a Firearm. These charges stem from a shooting incident which took place on June 6, 2023 in Racine Wisconsin that resulted in the death of a 38-year-old man.

The U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force Milwaulkee Division provided information that Scott may be in New Castle, PA. Operating with that information the U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force conducted an investigation to determine Scott’s exact location. Early on the morning of June 27, 2023, with the assistance of the New Castle Police Department and Union Township Police Department Task Force members found Scott in a residence in the 1100 block of Booker Drive, New Castle, PA. Scott was arrested and transported to the New Castle Police Department where he was booked on outstanding felony homicide and firearm warrants from Wisconsin. Scott is currently awaiting extradition back to Wisconsin.

The arrest of this fugitive represents a culmination of extensive cooperative investigative efforts between, U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Union Township Police Department, and the New Castle Police Department.

The Task Force objectives are to seek out and arrest fugitives charged with violent crimes, drug offenses, sex offenders and other serious felonies. Nationally the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 8 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published June 27, 2023 12:06 P.M.

(Beaver County, PA) Upon the launch of the 2023-24 hunting license sales by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunters found themselves waiting longer than usual. The new process, which included being able to buy licenses online and at retailers, ran into some issues and the system experienced problems which led to long delays and long lines. Beaver County Treasurer, Sandie Egley, joined Eddy Crow on Teleforum Tuesday morning to discuss the effects felt by hunters here in the county.

Egley stated that 517 doe tags were processed at her office on opening day last year, that number was 120 yesterday. She says the system was down for at least 3 hours, and when it came back it took around a half hour to process one.

“Everybody was very cordial”, she says about the 30 people who stood in line for over 3 hours. She noted that they were frustrated with the system, not her office. Some hunters tried to buy their tag online while in her office, and were the 67,000th waiting in cue. She goes on to say that by the afternoon things started to improve, taking around 20 minutes to process a license.

The State Game Commission said hunters wanted the change.  Egley went to sportsmans clubs to ask hunters themselves and most hunters agreed they did. They liked the idea of the process being more accessible online and being able to use credit cards rather than the usual processing and mailing method from the office.

The Beaver County Treasurers Office collects one dollar for every tag they process. She says the new process will lead to a loss of up to $17,000 coming into the local office. The office also had reduce the amount of printers they had. The Game Commission only allowed them to keep 2 out of 5, with the option of a third if the office purchased it, which they opted not to. The other 3 printers were sent out to retailers.

“It wasn’t a bad day, the hunters weren’t mad at us”, Egley says talking about the frustrations felt by hunters Monday.  Everybody who stayed in line at the office left with what they came for.

Egley says “I liked it the old way because we knew we could issue the tags from our office, now “I can’t assure these hunters they’ll be able to feed their family”

The treasurers office works with approximately 55 million in taxes per year, and through there efforts, generate around 1.7 million dollars a year in interest for the county.

The full interview can be viewed or heard below: