Apollo Man Admits Defrauding Dominion Gas

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Apollo, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Hilty pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

According to information presented to the Court, Hilty devised a scheme to defraud Dominion Gas in which he falsified the quantity of gas being extracted through wells he owned.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 7. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Comber is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of David Hilty.