Incline Lawyer Bleeds Landmark Dry

⏱ 2 min read

Pittsburgh lost a piece of its history – and over $1.3 million – to a lawyer allegedly more interested in crypto gains than preservation. Christopher Furman, 53, once the president of the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline, is facing federal charges after authorities say he systematically pilfered funds from the iconic funicular between October 2024 and September 2025.

The indictment paints a clear picture: Furman, entrusted with safeguarding the Incline’s finances, wired approximately $1,379,300 from the non-profit’s accounts into his personal account across at least 25 separate transactions. No permission was granted for these transfers, prosecutors claim. He then allegedly used the stolen cash to buy and sell cryptocurrency, lining his own pockets while a Pittsburgh landmark suffered.

Furman’s position as president of the Society gave him access to the funds and, authorities allege, the opportunity to cover his tracks. The scheme wasn’t about keeping the Incline running; it was about personal enrichment, pure and simple. The U.S. Attorney’s office hasn’t detailed how the theft was discovered, but the trail of money quickly led to Furman.

If convicted on the wire fraud and money laundering charges, Furman faces a potential 20-year sentence for each fraud count, and up to 10 years for each money laundering charge. He’ll also be looking at hefty fines. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is leading the federal prosecution.