A Pittsburgh resident has admitted to defrauding Dominion Gas out of $250,000 by falsifying gas extraction quantities from his wells, according to a guilty plea entered in federal court.
David Hilty, 43, of Apollo, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud before United States District Judge Mark Hornak. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
According to the plea agreement, Hilty devised a scheme to defraud Dominion Gas by falsifying the quantity of gas being extracted through wells he owned. This is a serious offense that undermines the trust in our energy infrastructure.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Comber is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hilty.
Hilty’s sentencing is scheduled for January 7 before Judge Hornak. The actual sentence imposed will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Hilty’s prior criminal history, if any.
The plea deal is a significant blow to Hilty’s reputation and financial well-being. It also sends a strong message to others who might consider engaging in similar schemes.
As a journalist, I dug deep to uncover the details of this case. It’s essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that our energy infrastructure is protected from such scams.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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