A Pittsburgh attorney has been charged with embezzling more than $1.3 million from the organization that operates the Duquesne Incline.
A federal grand jury has indicted Christopher Furman, 53, on wire fraud and money laundering allegations, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.
According to the 10-count indictment, Furman transferred funds from the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline’s bank account into his own.
According to the DOJ, Furman engaged in 25 transactions between October 2024 and September 2025. He allegedly transferred the funds to an online cryptocurrency exchange and digital asset management platform, where he traded cryptocurrency for himself.
According to the accusation, this occurred when Furman was president of the society’s board. Furman was chosen for the job because he had previously worked for the incline and was familiar with its mechanics, according to the DOJ.
According to reports, the Society has been operating the Duquesne Incline since 1964.
According to the DOJ, Furman was not permitted to access the Society’s bank account or use its funds for personal gain while serving as board president.
Each count of wire fraud carries a possible cumulative term of 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, or double the gain from the accused illegal action.
Each count of money laundering carries a potential sentence of 10 years in jail and/or the same monetary fine.
The Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline published the following statement on Thursday:
“The Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline (“The Society”), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has been advised of the filing of federal charges today against a former Board President.
“Upon the discovery of discrepancies within financial records, the organization reported the matter to authorities. Since the inception of the investigation, the individual has been completely removed from their position and barred from any matters involving The Society. The Society has fully cooperated with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office throughout their investigations.
“The Society is thankful for the dedicated and thorough handling of these matters by these entities. 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.”
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