PITTSBURGH—A resident of Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of interference with commerce by extortion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on March 11, named Pamela A. Vivirito, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment Vivirito extorted property from a person known to the grand jury.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar 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.