A Pittsburgh attorney, Christopher Furman, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 19 on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Furman, age 53, is accused of transferring approximately $1.3 million from the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline into his personal account between October 2024 and September 2025. The indictment alleges that Furman then moved these funds to an online cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset management platform for personal profit.
Furman became President of the Board of Trustees for the Society in 2020. According to the indictment, he was selected due to his previous employment with the incline and his legal background. In this role, he was not authorized to access or use the Society’s bank accounts for personal purposes.
The indictment includes ten counts against Furman. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine that could reach $250,000 or twice the gross gain. Each count of money laundering carries up to 10 years in prison and similar financial penalties. Sentencing would be determined based on federal guidelines considering offense severity and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to Furman’s indictment.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and that Furman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
