Clairton Man Charged with Drug and Health Care Fraud Offenses

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and health care laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 96-count Indictment named Joseph DiCrose, 64, as the sole defendant.

According to Indictment, from on or about May 29, 2018 and continuing to on or about December 5, 2018, Joseph DiCroce is charged with using or maintaining a drug-involved premises and health care fraud. During the same dates above, DiCroce is also charged with distribution of a controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $500,000.00 or both for the drug premise count; not more than twenty years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000.00 or both, for the distribution counts; and not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 or both, for the health care fraud charge. 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General 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.