PITTSBURGH, PA — Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced Andrew Black, a 37-year-old resident of Conestoga, Pennsylvania, to nine months in federal prison on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Following the prison term, Black will serve three years of supervised release for his conviction of violating federal drug and identity theft laws.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan made the announcement concerning the sentencing of Black, formerly of Pittsburgh.
Court documents revealed that on March 31, 2020, Black attempted to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine when he ordered two ounces of the drug from a dark web site. The package was intercepted by United States Postal Inspectors, thwarting Black’s attempt to secure the illegal substance.
Further investigations uncovered Black’s involvement in a scheme spanning from January 2018 through March 2020, where he used fraudulently obtained personal identifying information to open bank accounts and credit cards. Black carried out this operation under the names of unknowing victims, with the intention to illicitly obtain money for the purchase of illegal drugs.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman and William B. Guappone prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the efforts of the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their diligent investigation, which led to the successful prosecution of Black.
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