Former Department Of Energy Lab Director Charged With Obstructing Justice

PITTSBURGH – An Upper St. Clair man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of obstruction of justice, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 19, named Anthony V. Cugini, 54, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, in connection with a Department of Energy investigation regarding misuse of his position as Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Anthony V. Cugini attempted to conceal and destroy evidence by directing witnesses to delete and redesignate NETL computer files and records, to "protect him" during the investigation, and to provide false information in response to investigative inquiries.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. 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 Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector 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.