Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud, Witness Tampering, and Making False Statements
| U.S. Attorney’s Office April 19, 2013 |
PITTSBURGH, PA—A resident of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of mail fraud, one count of witness tampering, and one count of false statements to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Danny A. Patel, 45, of 11682 Dartmoor Drive, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Patel managed a BP gas station in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Patel submitted false insurance claims to Harleysville Insurance Company arising from a December 25, 2011 accident at the BP. Patel also admitted that he lied to FBI agents and obstructed justice by asking witnesses to lie to FBI agents.
Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for Friday, July 26, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. 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.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Patel.