Jury Finds State Prison Guard Lied To Federal Agents Trying To Locate A Fugitive

PITTSBURGH – Ralph Currington, a 43-year-old former state prison guard in Pittsburgh, was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial for making false statements and representations to United States Marshals Service deputies who were trying to locate a fugitive who was wanted for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

On Sept. 23, 2013, Currington was interviewed by Deputy United States Marshals who were attempting to locate a fugitive for whom there was an outstanding federal arrest warrant for heroin trafficking. During the interview, Currington made false statements and representations regarding the last contact he had with the fugitive, the last time he saw the fugitive, and his knowledge of the location of the fugitive. It is unlawful to make such false statements to a federal law enforcement officer. As was explained by testimony during the trial, Currington’s false statements could have significantly misdirected the investigation into the location of the fugitive. Currington was a state prison guard at the time the false statements were made.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.