Three individuals from Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and West Mifflin have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on March 26 for alleged involvement in robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, firearms violations, postal crimes, and narcotics offenses. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the indictments.
The case involves Armoni Burton of Greensburg (25), Ausaun Porter of Pittsburgh (22), and Lawrence Strothers Jr. of West Mifflin (21). Burton was arrested by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents in downtown Pittsburgh on March 25. Porter and Strothers are currently detained on state charges.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly committed a series of crimes between late December 2025 and January 2026. On or about January 7, Burton and Porter are accused of carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint in White Oak. The indictment alleges they kidnapped the occupant by striking him several times, binding his wrists and ankles, threatening him with harm if he did not comply with their demands for money or drugs. They also allegedly stole marijuana from the victim and used his cell phone to make at least one ransom demand before attempting to place him bound into a dumpster in Greenfield.
Burton faces additional charges for allegedly robbing a postal delivery person on December 31 as well as possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute it; possession of stolen mail; and conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute it on January 21. Porter is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as conspiracy to distribute marijuana on that date. Strothers is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted as charged: Burton could face up to life imprisonment plus fines up to $1 million; Porter could receive up to life imprisonment plus fines up to $250,000; Strothers could face up to fifteen years' imprisonment plus fines up to $250,000. Sentencing would depend upon federal guidelines considering offense seriousness and prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and V. Joseph Sonson are prosecuting the case for the government. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Postal Inspection Service; and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
The U.S. Attorney's Office reminds that an indictment is an accusation only—defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
