Police light, traffic safety officer - Stock Photo by Daniel Tadevosyan
PITTSBURGH, PA—U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today that twelve individuals from the Pittsburgh area have been charged with various narcotics and firearms offenses. A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a three-count indictment naming Cody Duncan, 33, of Verona; Ronell Cathie, 30, of Pittsburgh; Melvin Gaines, 29, of Oakmont; Curtis Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh; Malik Martinez, 27, of Pittsburgh; Cayce Williams, 22, of Pittsburgh; Devaughn Faulk, 27, of Pittsburgh; and Antonio Arrington, 22, of Pittsburgh. The indictment was unsealed today following their arrests.
The defendants are alleged to be members and associates of the Zhoove street gang, which operated in the Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, and Mount Washington neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Between March 2024 and July 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Additionally, Arrington and Curtis Williams are charged with possessing a 9mm handgun and ammunition despite being convicted felons, in violation of federal law.
In related cases, indictments against Morisee Williams, 41; Syere Franklin, 24; and Charles Stephens, 60, all of Pittsburgh, were unsealed today. Each is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Oneal Olive, 31, of Pittsburgh, was also arrested this morning during the execution of search warrants and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Among the firearms allegedly possessed were an AR-style semiautomatic rifle and a Polymer-80 “ghost gun.”
“Street gangs like the so-called Zhoove gang terrorize our law-abiding neighbors who simply want to live in communities free of deadly drugs and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s arrests demonstrate our ceaseless commitment to protecting the people of western Pennsylvania, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our partners at the FBI who stand shoulder to shoulder with us every day.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek added, “Armed traffickers who funnel this poison into our neighborhoods act with utter disregard for human life, and today’s arrests should send a clear message there are serious consequences for this illegal activity. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who are a danger to our communities.”
The drug-trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. The felon-in-possession charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of each defendant.
Attorney Among Four Charged in Scheme to Smuggle Contraband into Federal Prison
Providence, RI – A Massachusetts attorney, two detainees from the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility, and a Connecticut woman have been charged with involvement in a contraband smuggling operation, as disclosed in court documents unsealed today in federal court.
Theresa M. DiJoseph, 50, of Woburn, MA, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, providing a prohibited object to an inmate, and making a false statement. Hanasa Stedford, 21, of Hamden, CT, along with detainees Shawn D. Hart, 46, and Samuel Douglas, 26, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and providing a prohibited object to an inmate.
DiJoseph and Stedford were arrested earlier today and are scheduled for an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence. Hart and Douglas, both currently detained at Wyatt, will appear in court at a later date. Hart is awaiting trial for drug and firearm offenses in Massachusetts, while Douglas awaits sentencing in Connecticut for racketeering conspiracy charges.
The scheme allegedly involved DiJoseph using her attorney credentials to meet Hart in a contact visiting room at Wyatt on July 9, 2023. Suspicious behavior during the visit prompted correctional officers to file an incident report. Further investigation revealed that DiJoseph had sent Hart personal photos and financial transaction screenshots via a Wyatt-issued tablet. She was temporarily banned from contact visits with Hart but was later allowed to resume.
On December 1, 2023, DiJoseph attempted to visit Hart again, during which officers seized 10 discolored sheets of paper suspected to be soaked in synthetic marijuana. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Schedule 1 controlled substances. It is alleged that Douglas coordinated with his girlfriend, Stedford, to provide DiJoseph with the contaminated papers.
United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced the charges, underscoring the efforts to uphold security and integrity within the detention facility. The case continues to unfold as the accused await further legal proceedings.
Two Toms River North Pitchers Now Playing Together on the New York YankeesTOMS RIVER, NJ – This week, two Toms River High School North baseball players, Ron Marinaccio and Mark Leiter Jr., are making waves with the New York Yankees.
Ron Marinaccio, a right-handed pitcher, was recently recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Born in Toms River, NJ, Marinaccio was drafted by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
He played college baseball at the University of Delaware before making his major league debut on April 9, 2022.
During his debut season, he posted a 2.05 ERA in 40 games, striking out 56 batters over 44 innings. Marinaccio had a notable start, being the first Yankees reliever to record a strikeout in his first 12 career appearances.
Despite some setbacks in 2023, he remains a reliable arm in the bullpen.
Mark Leiter Jr., also a right-handed pitcher, was recently traded to the Yankees. He immediately impacted by pitching against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night. Leiter Jr., hailing from a notable baseball family, has had a journeyman career with stints in various MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs.
His father, Mark Leiter Sr., and uncle, Al Leiter, both had successful MLB careers, which adds to the family's rich baseball heritage. Leiter Jr. brings experience and depth to the Yankees' pitching staff, contributing both as a starter and reliever over his career.
The Yankees' decision to bolster their roster with these two Ocean County talents underscores their commitment to strengthening their bullpen as they aim for postseason success.
Marinaccio's recall and Leiter Jr.'s acquisition are strategic moves to ensure the team remains competitive in the crucial second half of the season.
Massachusetts to Erase “Mother” and “Father” from Official Birth RecordsSpringfield, MA - If a bill moving quickly through the Massachusetts legislator gets signed into law, you can say goodbye to terms like mother, father, man, and woman from official birth records in the state.
In a significant legislative development, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has moved House Bill No. 4750, titled "An Act to Ensure Legal Parentage Equality." This act, part of the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court session, aims to modernize and ensure equality in the state's parentage laws.
The act makes significant amendments to Chapter 209C of the General Laws. One of the notable changes includes replacing the term “father” with “other parent” in multiple sections to promote gender-neutral language.
Specifically, in Section 5 of Chapter 209C, the word “father” is replaced with “other parent,” and the word “himself” is replaced with “themselves” to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, the term “mother if the mother” is updated to “person who gave birth if that person,” and “mother of the child” is revised to “person who gave birth”
The act repeals Section 4B of Chapter 46 of the General Laws and makes numerous amendments to Chapter 209C. Notably, it replaces references to "paternity" with "parentage," reflecting a more inclusive approach to legal parentage. The bill ensures that every child, regardless of the marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation of their parents, has the same rights and protections under the law. It also includes provisions for children born via assisted reproduction or surrogacy.
"SECTION 6. Said section 1 of said chapter 209C, as so appearing, is hereby further 26 amended by striking out, in lines 11 and 12, the words “a man and woman” and inserting in place 27 thereof the following word:- persons," the bill reads.
One key change is the replacement of the term "child born out of wedlock" with "nonmarital child," and the term "paternity" with "parentage" across various sections of the law. This shift underscores the state's commitment to gender-neutral and inclusive language in its legal statutes.
The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding various forms of parentage, including acknowledged parents, adjudicated parents, and intended parents in cases of assisted reproduction and surrogacy. It establishes clear procedures and protections for all parties involved in surrogacy agreements and assisted reproduction, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of intended parents, surrogates, and children are clearly defined and legally protected.
This act, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, represents a comprehensive effort to update Massachusetts’ parentage laws to reflect the diverse family structures present in contemporary society. It emphasizes the state's dedication to ensuring that all children and families receive equal protection and recognition under the law.
