PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Lashara Martia Holmes, 28, of Monessen, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.
In connection with the guilty plea, Holmes conspired with other persons to use an unauthorized credit card at a retail store in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2014, at 12 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Holmes. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
