Duquesne Incline embezzlement indictment targets ex-board president

The Duquesne Incline embezzlement indictment targets Pittsburgh attorney Christopher Furman. It alleges he embezzled over $1.3 million from the nonprofit group operating the incline.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania issued the press release. It said Furman was 53. Also, a grand jury indicted him on 10 counts. The counts involve wire fraud and money laundering. In addition, the indictment says the transfers took place between October 2024 and September 2025. It says he moved approximately $1.38 million to his own accounts. Meanwhile, those accounts belonged to the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Height Incline. He then used the money to trade in cryptocurrency.

Duquesne Incline embezzlement indictment and the allegations

Furman had been named president of the preservation society’s board of trustees in 2020. Still, the attorney’s office said he was not authorized. It said he could not view or use the group’s bank accounts. The society was founded in 1964. It helped restore the Duquesne Incline. The funicular dates to 1877. At the same time, the line climbs 400 vertical feet. It does so on a 30.5% grade. The track is 794 feet long and 5-foot-gauge. The organization continues to operate and maintain the Pittsburgh tourist attraction.

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Wire fraud and money laundering charges

Each wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. It also carries a $250,000 fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain, or both. Separately, each money laundering count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. It also carries a similar fine.

Preservation society says the incline remains operational

WTAE-TV reported a statement from the society. It said it had discovered “discrepancies within financial records.” Also, it said it notified authorities. For example, it said it fully cooperated with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

“The Society is thankful for the dedicated and thorough handling of these matters by these entities,” the statement reads. “The historic Duquesne Incline remains fully operational and The Society continues the mission of preservation. On advice of counsel, Sarah Krolikowski, Esquire, The Society will make no further comments to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation and prosecution.”

Separately, more information on the Duquesne Incline is available at the society’s website.

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