PITTSBURGH, Pa. - On Sept. 7, 2011, a resident of Astoria, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Costel Leon Ivancenco, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ivancenco conspired with Mihail Ispir and others to steal bank customer account information from PNC Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in Harmar and Waterworks Plaza in April and May, 2010, through the use of an electronic device known as "skimmer." The skimmer is designed to secretly capture customer bank account and PIN information when a debit or credit card is inserted in the ATM.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Jan. 3, 2012. The law provides for a total sentence of five 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ivancenco. Ivancenco will remain in federal custody pending sentencing.

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