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PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pittsburgh lawyer is facing federal charges after allegedly draining over $1.3 million from the non-profit that keeps the iconic Duquesne Incline chugging. Christopher Furman, 53, a former incline employee, was indicted Wednesday on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
Furman, appointed President of the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline in 2020, wasn’t supposed to touch the organization’s money. The Incline, a Pittsburgh landmark since 1964, relies on donations and ridership to stay operational. But between October 2024 and September 2025, prosecutors say Furman funneled roughly $1,379,300 into his personal account through at least 25 electronic transfers.
Instead of using the stolen funds for the Incline, Furman allegedly dumped the money into a cryptocurrency exchange, buying and selling digital assets for his own profit. The scheme came to light during a routine audit, sources say.
If convicted on all counts, Furman could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, and up to 10 years for each money laundering count. He also faces hefty fines potentially exceeding $500,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is leading the prosecution.
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