A Pittsburgh attorney has been accused of embezzling more than $1.3 million from Duquesne Incline Operations.
Christopher Furman, 53, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on wire fraud and money laundering charges, the Justice Department said Thursday.
The 10-county indictment alleges that Furman transferred funds from the Duquesne Highlands Slope Conservancy into his bank account.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Furman conducted 25 different transactions between October 2024 and September 2025. He allegedly placed funds into online cryptocurrency trading and digital asset management platforms, where he traded cryptocurrencies for himself.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred while Furman was chairman of the association’s board of directors. The Justice Department said Furman was selected for the position because he had worked on slopes and understood their mechanics.
The association has reportedly operated the Duquesne Slope since 1964.
The Justice Department said that as board president, Furman was prohibited from accessing the association’s bank accounts or using its funds for personal reasons.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 or twice the proceeds of the alleged illegal activity.
Each money laundering count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or an equivalent fine.
The Duquesne Highlands Slope Conservancy released this statement on Thursday:
“The Duquesne Highlands Slope Conservancy (the “Association”), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been notified of federal charges filed today against its former Board Chair.
“After discovering discrepancies in financial records, the organization reported the matter to authorities. Since the beginning of the investigation, the individual has been fully relieved of his duties and prohibited from participating in any matters involving the association. The association has fully cooperated with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.”
“The Association appreciates these entities’ dedicated and thorough handling of these matters. Historic Duquesne Slope remains fully operational and the Association continues to fulfill its preservation mission. At the advice of Esquire attorney Sarah Krolikowski, the Association will make no further comment to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and prosecution.”
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