⏱ 3 min read
Pittsburgh lawyer Christopher Furman, 53, is facing serious federal charges after allegedly hijacking over $1.3 million from the non-profit that keeps the historic Duquesne Incline chugging. Between October 2024 and September 2025, prosecutors say Furman, as President of the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline, systematically siphoned funds into his own pocket, then tried to bury the tracks with cryptocurrency.
The indictment paints a clear picture: Furman wasn’t authorized to touch the organization’s money, but he did anyway – to the tune of $1,379,300. This wasn’t just a simple cash grab. The feds allege he then funneled the stolen funds through an online exchange, buying and selling crypto to obscure the source and bulk up his personal stash.
The Duquesne Incline, a Pittsburgh landmark dating back to 1964, relies on donations and fares to stay operational. This betrayal of trust is a blow to the community, threatening the future of a beloved local institution. The Society’s mission is preservation – Furman’s actions were pure exploitation.
If convicted on the wire fraud and money laundering counts, Furman could spend up to 20 years behind bars for each fraud charge, and another 10 for each money laundering count. Any actual sentence, however, will be determined by federal guidelines and his record, if he has one. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Incline Lawyer Bleeds Landmark Dry · Pennsylvania
- Incline Attorney’s $1.3M Crypto Scam · Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh Man Jailed For Counterfeiting Cash · Pennsylvania
- NY Men Hit with Counterfeit Cash Charges · Pennsylvania
- Holliday Faces 25 Years in Counterfeit Cash Scheme · Pennsylvania
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: financial crimes
- Location: US
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News