(Pittsburgh, Pa.) A resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named James Gilmore, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about June 9, 2021, Gilmore possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten (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.
The defendant is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two former residents of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on federal hate crime charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

The twelve-count Indictment unsealed yesterday names Zachary Dinell, 28, formerly of Freedom, Pennsylvania, and Tyler Smith, 31, most recently of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, Dinell and Smith were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. The Indictment alleges that residents of the facility suffered from a range of severe physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, and required assistance with all activities of daily life, including bathing, using the bathroom, oral hygiene, feeding, and dressing. As members of the facility’s Direct Care Staff, Dinell and Smith were responsible for providing this daily assistance to residents.

The Indictment further alleges that from approximately June 2016 to September 2017, Dinell and Smith engaged in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes, and did commit hate crimes, against residents of the facility because of the residents’ actual or perceived disabilities. As part of the conspiracy, the Indictment alleges that Dinell and Smith exchanged text messages in which they expressed their animus toward the disabled residents, shared pictures and videos of residents and attacks, described their attacks, and encouraged each other’s continued abuse of residents. Dinell and Smith allegedly carried out their attacks in a variety of ways, including by punching and kicking residents, jumping on residents, rubbing liquid irritants in their eyes, and by spraying liquid irritants in their eyes and mouths.

Dinell and Smith allegedly were able to avoid detection by, among other things, exploiting their one-on-one access to residents of the facility and the fact that the victims were non-verbal and could not report the defendants’ alleged abuse. Dinell and Smith are also charged with engaging in a scheme to conceal their assaults against residents at the facility.

“The defendants are charged with targeting the most vulnerable members of our community because of their disabilities,” said United States Attorney Chung. “The defendants’ alleged hate crimes involved victims who were unable to defend themselves or report what happened to them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue our work to ensure that these victims—and all victims of federal crime—have a voice and that those who would perpetrate violence against them are brought to justice.”

“The actions associated with the charges announced today are disturbing to say the least,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Our office is committed to combating hate crime, seeking justice and, most importantly, providing assistance to victims.”

The maximum penalty for the conspiracy and concealment charges is a term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for each of the ten hate crime charges is a term of imprisonment of ten years and a $250,000 fine. 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, among other statutory sentencing factors.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

McGuire home said a statement that was e-mailed to Beaver County Radio by their attorney that said:

Today the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Western District of  Pennsylvania and the FBI held a press conference involving the actions of two former  employees in 2016 and 2017. McGuire Memorial’s President and CEO Christopher Shay issued  the following statement: 

McGuire Memorial thanks the U.S. Attorney‘s office and the FBI for bringing further justice to  the McGuire Memorial community. The advocacy, safety, health, and well-being of the children  and adults served at McGuire Memorial is, and always will be, our number one priority.  

The prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s office and FBI is precedent setting towards future  advocacy in combating abuse and neglect against persons with disabilities and holding all  perpetrators accountable for their actions. Therefore, as we move forward with continued  healing, we hope that this announcement finally brings some closure for the victims and their families.

(Photo Courtesy of Pa Media Services)
Bethlehem, PA –  Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Representative Steve Samuelson on Thursday to call on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to immediately use $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act dollars to help older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities through property tax rebates to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know that a lot of Pennsylvania households are still recovering financially from the pandemic, and that is especially true for low-income households,” said Gov. Wolf. “Today, I am again asking the General Assembly to spend the federal funding that is still sitting, unused, to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. By investing more money into the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities can stay in their homes.
That money is sitting around, not helping anyone right now and at a time when the people of this commonwealth are hurting, that’s just wrong.”
In February, Gov. Wolf proposed his $1.7 billion action plan. Today, he continues to call on the legislature to take immediate action on the proposal to put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and put the commonwealth on the path to prosperity. Rep. Samuelson plans to introduce the governor’s plan as legislation in the House, alongside Senator Maria Collett in the Senate.
The governor’s plan directs $204 million to provide direct property tax relief to Pennsylvanians by investing in the existing Property Tax Rent Rebate program for a one-time bonus rebate to current program users. This investment would double existing rebates with an estimated 466,000 Pennsylvanians receiving an additional average rebate of $475.
“The Property Tax / Rent Rebate program benefits seniors and people with disabilities with more than 400,000 people receiving rebates each year. My office alone helps about 800 people each year complete their rebate applications,” said Rep. Samuelson. “I commend Governor Wolf for proposing to use American Rescue Plan funds to bring additional relief to homeowners and renters in 2022. My legislation, if enacted, will double Property Tax / Rent Rebate payments this year.”
“As the cost of living continues to rise, lower-income residents, seniors, and disabled
Pennsylvanians must not be left behind,” Sen. Collett. “As the Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee, I am pleased to work with Governor Wolf to introduce legislation to bolster the already-popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate program and get more federal relief funds to the Pennsylvanians who need it most. “
In addition to support for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with disabilities the governor’s plan calls for:
The PA Opportunity Program, $500 million
Pennsylvanians are resilient, yet many workers and families are still covering pandemic-related costs, stabilizing their budgets, and rebuilding their savings.
The PA Opportunity Program would provide much needed relief to workers and families from the high cost of childcare and household expenses and opportunities to complete a degree, credential, or license that will strengthen their skills and increase income—all leading to a better quality of life.
Statewide Small Business Assistance Program, $255 million
The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program would provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the pandemic. Among other things, businesses can use these grants to cover operating expenses and access technical assistance, including training and guidance to stabilize and relaunch their businesses. The program would prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses and rural communities.
In 2020, more than $192 million dollars in grants were distributed through this program to more than 10,000 small businesses all across Pennsylvania, more than half of which were historically disadvantaged small businesses. Recapitalizing the program now could help more than 11,000 small businesses and their communities.
Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million. This investment would recognize healthcare workers for their heroic dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and give healthcare providers resources to recruit and retain a skilled
workforce:
$250 million for long-term care recruitment and retention incentives and workforce development initiatives to grow the critical healthcare workforce.
$40 million for the behavioral health workforce to expand county mental health programs.
$35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program at PHEAA to include additional critical healthcare workers.
Investing in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million Pennsylvania must continue to invest in vital conservation, recreation, preservation, and community revitalization projects and address the threat of climate change. Gov. Wolf’s plan
proposes new funding for the Growing Greener conservation and recreation program as well as for agriculture conservation programs, such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and the existing Agriculture Conservation Excellence Grant Program.
After experiencing record-breaking rainfall and flooding events this past year, this program would make Pennsylvania more resilient in the face of more extreme and frequent weather events caused by climate change. It would support our economy, enhance our communities, and improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
In additional to Rep. Samuelson, Gov. Wolf was joined by AARP State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh, and the Fred B. Rooney Building Property Manager Susan Phillips to call for immediate action by the General Assembly to get money out to the Pennsylvanians who are hurting right now.
“Everyone is paying more for nearly everything today – from prescription drugs to gas to housing but, the problem of inflation is hardest for those on fixed incomes,” said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. “The very purpose of the American Rescue Plan Act is to provide flexible, emergency funding for state and local governments to effectively respond to the negative economic impacts created by pandemic. AARP Pennsylvania is pleased to support this critical investment of American Rescue Plan Act dollars to support “Property Tax Rent Rebate Program beneficiaries.”
“Older Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly want to age in in their homes and communities for as long as they are able. While the Department of Aging provides services and supports to help them achieve that, programs like the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate offers seniors an additional benefit,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “Many older adults live on fixed incomes and when it comes to their finances, paying their rent or mortgage is a top priority.

Governor Wolf’s proposed one time increase in the rebate amount will help seniors to meet some of their needs during these difficult times.”
“The governor’s proposal is a simple plan to execute. Claimants won’t have to take any additional action to receive their one-time bonus rebates,” said Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell, who heads the agency that administers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. “Claimants should fill out their rebate applications as they normally do, and we will automatically calculate and distribute the additional rebates to them. If anyone needs help with their rebate application, filing assistance is available at the Department of Revenue’s district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.”

(File Photo Courtesy  of Pa Media Services)

(HARRISBURG, Pa.) Attorney General Josh Shapiro is warning Pennsylvanians to be on the lookout for bogus fundraising calls that purport to benefit the families of Martin F. Mack and Branden T. Sisca, the two fallen Pennsylvania State Police troopers tragically killed in the line of duty on I-95 South in Philadelphia.

“As Pennsylvanians look to support the families of the fallen Pennsylvania State Troopers who were tragically killed on Monday morning, scammers may be taking advantage of your generosity,” said AG Shapiro. “This kind of scam is not only despicable – it’s against the law. These scams are not only to get your hard earned dollars meant to go to a good cause, but a way to steal your personal information. Report these scams to my office by calling (717) 783-2853 or on our website.”

The Pennsylvania State Trooper Association is the only official organization that represents and serves Pennsylvania state troopers, and this organization does not use telephone solicitation for fundraising.

Regrettably, there is no limit to the unscrupulous depths that fraudsters will go to profit on the misfortune of others. If you receive a call purporting to benefit the families of the fallen troopers:

• Do not give on impulse simply because you have been solicited.
• Do not provide any of your personal information.
• Get as much information as you can from the caller, ask who they are; where they are calling from; if they are being paid to make the call; and whether they have been authorized by the families and the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association to ask for donations.
• Ask if they are registered with the Department of State to solicit donations.
• End the call by explaining you will be confirming the information before deciding on whether to  make a donation.
• Report the call and whatever information you were given to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General by calling (717) 783-2853 or submitting a complaint on our website: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/charitable-trusts-and-organizations-complaint-form/ or via email: charities@attorneygeneral.gov.

Those wanting to make donations should consider giving directly to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association at https://www.troopershelpingtroopers.org/ to be sure their gifts are used appropriately.

(File Photo)

(North Beaver Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting that they were called to the scene of a one vehicle accident on the Pa turnpike Westbound at mile marker 1.3 in North Beaver Twp. at 5:54 PM Wednesday Evening.
Troopers via release said that upon arriving and investigating that the crash occurred as 35-year-old Timothy McCormick of Beaver Falls was operating a 2020 Nissan Ultima and he lost control of the vehicle while traveling in the right lane. His vehicle traveled off of the north side of the roadway and struck a light pole and fence before coming to a final rest in the grass off of the northbound shoulder facing west.
Neither McCormick or his passenger, 42-year-old Larry Sano of Ellwood City were injured but McCormick’s sufferred disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene.

(Washington, D.C.) Jordan Bonenberger from Cranberry and Melanie Archer a mother of three from Sharpsburg have both been charged in connection with the January 6 insurrection. They both appeared in court yesterday and waived their cases to trial in their preliminary hearing
Photos from the FBI affidavit showed the two together in the rotunda, the west corridor of the Capitol, and on the Capitol steps, next to police in riot gear.
Bonenberger is facing charges of illegally entering the Capitol and engaging in disorderly and disruptive behavior. If convicted he could be facing five years in prison.
Archer is charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and other related charges.