USAO Home Page

FORMER CORONER’S OFFICE EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES

(January 3, 2007) - A former Chief Histologist at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges of theft from an entity receiving federal funds, willful failure to file federal income taxes, and making a false statement to law enforcement, United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today.

George T. Hollis, 60, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Stephen S. Stallings advised the court that while employed as Chief Histologist at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office, Hollis prepared histology slides for a private, for-profit corporate entity during regular work hours; Hollis failed to file income tax returns for the calendar year 2004; and Hollis made a false statement on April 12, 2005, to the FBI conducting an investigation into criminal conduct at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for 10:30 a.m. on March 23, 2007. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Public Corruption Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hollis.

# # #