Indiana County Man Pleads Guilty In Embezzlement Scheme

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Daniel Pikel, 57, of Home, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between 2009 and 2012, Daniel Pikel conspired with another person to conceal through his business banking account approximately $2.9 million in funds embezzled by former company controller, Cheryl Brooks, and another former company officer, from Falcon Drilling, LLC, a drilling contractor located in Indiana, Pa.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Aug. 22, 2013. 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 government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police in Indiana, Pennsylvania, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniel Pikel.