District of Alaska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indictment Charges Alaska Man for Threatening a California SynagogueRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Alaska, returned an indictment charging William Alexander, 49, for threatening to kill the congregants of a California synagogue, the Justice Department announced today.
Count One charges Alexander with making threatening interstate communications, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 875. Count Two charges Alexander with intentionally obstructing and attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs through the threatened use of force, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 247.
The indictment alleges that, on Nov. 1, 2019, Alexander called the California synagogue and left a voice message threatening to “kill” its Jewish congregants.
If convicted, Alexander faces a maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker of the District of Alaska and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel.
Former High School Classmates Charged in 34 Count Indictment for Defrauding Corporation of $7.2 MillionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a pair of former high school classmates have been indicted for allegedly defrauding a multinational energy development corporation of approximately $7.2 million.
Forrest Wright, 40, and Nathan Keays, 40, both of Anchorage, have been named in a 34 count indictment charging them with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
From January 2012 to December 2019, Wright was employed by a multinational energy development corporation as a Senior Drilling and Wells Planner, responsible for ordering materials and labor for the drilling and wells program. Wright had authority to approve orders up to $1 million and was trusted to endorse and recommend vendor suppliers for approval. Keays is employed as a police officer with Anchorage Police Department and owns a personal business, Eco Edge Armoring, LLC (Eco Edge).
The indictment alleges beginning in February 2019, Wright devised a scheme to defraud his employer, a multinational energy development corporation, of monies. In furtherance of the scheme and using his trusted position within the company, Wright authored emails containing technical data and industry specific content in order to present Eco Edge as a legitimate oil and gas business with the purpose of obtaining an approved vendor status with his employer. Wright sent the emails from his personal email account to Keays with instructions to send the emails to Wright’s business email account. Wright then used the correspondence as a basis to obtain approved vendor status for Eco Edge. Once Eco Edge received an approved vendor status, Keays submitted fraudulent invoices in the amount of $3,251,383 for materials that did not exist and labor that was not performed. Wright used his trusted position within the company to instruct other employees to approve payment of the invoices, falsely representing the materials were accounted for and that work had been performed. Electronic payments in the amount of $3,087,720 were made from the victim business to Eco Edge’s business banking account. Keays then paid a kickback to Spectrum Consulting Business, a business wholly owned by Wright. Wright and Keays used the proceeds of the scheme on personal expenses, real estate and supporting their ongoing purported business operations.
The indictment further alleges that also beginning in February 2019 and continuing through December 2019, Wright, independent of Keays, devised another similar scheme by manufacturing and representing a business, “DB Oilfied Support Services” (DB Oilfield) as a legitimate oil and gas company, with the purpose of obtaining an approved vendor status with his employer. Wright furthered the perception of a legitimate oil and gas industry business by hiring a contractor to create a website for the business and creating a business email account for DB Oilfield. Wright then recommended DB Oilfield be approved as a vendor by his employer. Once DB Oilfield was approved as a vendor, Wright then authored and sent emails from the DB Oilfield email account to his official business email account, and used the correspondences to justify contract awards to DB Oilfield. Wright then caused fraudulent invoices in excess of $4.1 million for materials that did not exist to be submitted to Victim Business. Wright used his trusted position within the company to instruct other employees to approve payment of the invoices, falsely representing the materials were accounted for when the materials did not exist. Electronic payments in the amount of $4,148,000 were made from the victim business to the DB Oilfield business banking account. Wright then caused monies from the DB Oilfield business banking account to be deposited into the Spectrum Consulting Services business banking account. Wright purportedly used the proceeds on personal expenses and real estate property.
If convicted, Wright and Keays each face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charisse Arce.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Gun Violence on School GroundsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage man has been sentenced to federal prison for charges relating to gun violence within an Anchorage school zone.
John-Rexie Lagman, 23, of Anchorage was sentenced on Thursday, September 17, 2020 by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 30 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for possessing a firearm within a designated school zone.
On July 2, 2019, two teenagers involved in a social medial dispute planned to fight at Williwaw Elementary School, recruiting friends to join them. The dispute turned violent when one teen began stabbing others, including Lagman, with a screwdriver. In response, Lagman pulled out a Springfield XD .40-caliber handgun and shot the teen twice as he was running away. The teen survived the shooting but suffered life-threatening injuries.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess remarked that Lagman’s conduct “defied any sort of reasonable reaction or behavior” and noted the sentence should “send a message to the community about gun violence.”
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder stated, “The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to enforcing the laws that protect children from gun violence at and around schools.”
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Anchorage Municipality. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers initiated the case when she was a municipal prosecutor assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat violent crime and promote public safety within the Municipality of Anchorage.
U.S. Attorney Schroder Announces $323,702 Award to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
September 10, 2020 – U.S. Attorney Schroder of Alaska announced that Ketchikan Police Department received $248,702 and Nenana City School District received $75,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“As our children return to school in the next few weeks or months, the Department of Justice and the Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) want to help communities keep their students safe.” Said U.S. Attorney Schroder.
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The two awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Alaska Pilot Sentenced in Connection with August 2014 Atigun Pass CrashRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Forest M. Kirst, 63, of Fairbanks, Alaska, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to serve one year and one day in federal prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release. Kirst was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and a $200 Court Assessment Fee. In addition, as a condition of his supervised release, Kirst is not permitted to pilot a commercial aircraft during the term of his supervised release. Furthermore, he is not permitted to accept employment or be self-employed in any capacity as an aircraft mechanic without prior United States Probation approval.
After a ten day trial in November 2019, a federal jury deliberated just under 4 hours before convicting Kirst of two counts of obstruction of proceedings before a federal agency.
According to evidence presented at trial, a Ryan Navion airplane piloted by Kirst, d/b/a Kirst Aviation, was involved in an accident near Atigun Pass, Alaska, on Aug. 24, 2014. Three Canadian tourists were passengers aboard the airplane on a one-day sightseeing excursion before beginning an Alaska cruise. Kirst left Bettles, Alaska, and began flying too low over rising terrain. After circling over a moose in a pond, the airplane lacked the power and altitude to clear Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range. The airplane crashed on the side of the mountain below the Dalton Highway and above a pipeline maintenance road.
Fortunately, numerous people were in the vicinity maintaining the Dalton Highway and servicing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and were able to respond to the crash. All passengers sustained serious injuries and one of the passengers died 35-days later as a result of his injuries. The accident was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Kirst’s airman certificate was revoked by the FAA following the accident and Kirst appealed the revocation.
Kirst was convicted of lying to the NTSB and the FAA during their investigations when he stated during an interview with NTSB officials that he was at a higher altitude than GPS evidence showed, and lying during the NTSBhearings when he testified that his airplane dropped in altitude approximately 1,500 feet just prior to the crash.
The Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conductedinvestigations leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Retta Randall and Charisse Arce.
Kodiak Fisherman to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Falsifying Fishing RecordsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that James Aaron Stevens, 46, of Kodiak, will plead guilty to one count of false labeling, a Lacey Act violation, for knowingly submitting false records concerning the locations and regulatory areas where fish were harvested.
According to admissions made in connection with the plea, Stevens, the owner and operator of F/V Alaskan Star and F/V Southern Seas out of Kodiak, falsely reported individual fishing quota (IFQ) halibut and IFQ sablefish between 2014 and 2017. Specifically, Stevens knowingly falsified International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) logbooks, Daily Fishing Logbooks, Alaska Department of Fish and Game fish tickets, and landing reports to show that fishing gear had been deployed in areas where the vessels did not fish, and omitted areas in which the fish were actually harvested. In addition to his falsified logbooks, the investigation further revealed that Stevens maintained the accurate fishing information in a separate, personal log.
Over the course of 26 fishing trips, Stevens falsified records related to approximately 903,208 pounds of falsely reported halibut and sablefish, with an approximate dock value of $4,522,210 and a market value of $13,566,630. Stevens sold the falsely labeled fish caught during these trips, which were, or were intended to be, transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
As part of the plea, and in addition to a term of imprisonment, Stevens agreed to pay a substantial fine before sentencing; to comply with vessel monitoring as part of his conditions of supervised release; and to make a public service announcement acknowledging his wrongdoing, to be submitted to the National Fisherman Magazine.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
U.S. Attorney Announces $1 Million Award to Provide Housing to Victims of Human Trafficking in AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder today announced that the state of Alaska received $1 million from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.
“Combatting human trafficking is a top priority, and so is restoring the lives of survivors who endured such cruelty,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “While no amount of money will erase the trauma, the funds announced today will help survivors of human trafficking transition to a new life of independence with safe housing, a crucial step in the recovery process.”
The grants, awarded to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and Covenant House Alaska, will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grants will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling. AHFC and Covenant House Alaska are among 73 organizations receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.
Awardee State
Awardee
Amount Awarded
Alaska
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
$500,000
Alaska
Covenant House Alaska
$500,000
Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the National Institute of Justice, another component of OJP, found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.
OVC, for example, hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field in 2018 and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.
For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
U.S. Attorney Announces Update on Efforts Made to Promote Public Safety in Rural AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced an update on efforts made to promote public safety in rural Alaska. Following his May 2019 visit, Attorney General William P. Barr declared a law enforcement emergency in rural Alaska under the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance (EFLEA) program, resulting in significant funding and the authorization of several long-term measures to support village public safety and victim services. To date, $62.1 million in grants have been awarded, with 39 funded law enforcement positions, to support improving public safety in rural Alaska. A summary of the grant awards and ongoing agency efforts are below.
Prosecution
Part of the resources authorized by Attorney General Barr included three new federal prosecutor positions focused on rural Alaska. As of March 2020, all three Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) positions have been filled within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska. In addition, two state prosecutors have been hired and will be appointed as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) to assist with criminal cases in rural Alaska. Several federal cases have already been charged, including, but not limited to:
- Jayson Knox, 21, a former teacher in Kivalina, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and transfer of obscene material to a minor;
- Christopher Carmichael, 56, a former principal in Bethel, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor;
- Brady Grimes, 38, of Utqiagvik, is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and possession of an unregistered firearm;
- Stephen Sherman, 35, of Nome, is charged with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sherman has also been charged by the State of Alaska for misconduct involving weapons. Sherman has three prior felony convictions for crimes including criminal negligent homicide and assault;
- Dick Itumulria, 54, of Manokotak, is charged with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Itumulria, who has a prior felony conviction for sexual assault, has also been charged by the State of Alaska with second degree murder.
Appointment of MMIP Coordinator
This month the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the appointment of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Coordinator for the District of Alaska. The MMIP Coordinator will gather reliable data to identify MMIP cases connected to Alaska; conduct outreach with tribal communities to assist in the creation and implementation of community action plans; coordinate with tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP cases; and promote improved data collection and analyses. On Nov. 22, 2019, Attorney General Barr launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. As part of this MMIP Initiative, DOJ made an initial investment of $1.5 million to hire MMIP Coordinators to serve with U.S. Attorney’s Offices in 11 states, including Alaska.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)
In December 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the successful results of “Operation RAAVEN,” where federal, state, and local law enforcement officers joined together to account for registered sex offenders, and to locate and arrest individuals with warrants who were living in Western Alaska. The operation focused its efforts in Bethel and 13 surrounding villages, to include Napakiak, Napaskiak, Kwethluk, Akiachak, Akiak, Nunapitchuk, Kasigluk, Tuluksak, Eek, Tuntutuliak, Kwigillinok, Stoney River, and Kipnuk.
Following its initial success, “Operation RAAVEN” continued in March 2020, this time focusing its efforts in Hooper Bay, Chevak, Scammon Bay, St. Mary’s, Mountain Village, Russian Mission, Pilot Station, Pitkas Point and Marshall. During this operation, law enforcement teams arrested 17 individuals with outstanding warrants; conducted 90 sex offender compliance checks; re-registered 12 non-compliant sex offenders; requested one State Failure to Register as a Sex Offender warrant; conducted 30 probation, parole, and pre-trial visits; conducted investigations; assisted with general calls for law enforcement service; and updated photographs and documentation for the Alaska SOR.
Participating in these joint operations were the U.S. Marshals Service, Anchorage Police Department (as a member of the Alaska USMS-Sex Offender Task Force), Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Department of Corrections-Adult Probation, Bethel Police Department, Alaska Public Safety-Sex Offender Registry, VPOs and TPOs. USMS efforts will continue in rural Alaska communities to address violent crime issues and to enhance the public safety of the area.
EFLEA Award to the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS): $6 Million
Based on the Attorney General’s declaration of a law enforcement emergency in rural Alaska, the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) applied for, and was awarded, $6 million from DOJ’s EFLEA Program. DPS subgranted these funds to the State of Alaska Department of commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). On May 8, 2020, DCCED announced that it awarded 15 EFLEA grants, totaling the $6 million, to Alaska Native organizations, Alaska Native Villages, federally recognized Indian tribes, and municipal governments to assist rural communities with infrastructure needs. This funding allocation is dedicated to renovating current public safety buildings or purchasing prefabricated public safety buildings, serving 31 rural Alaska communities. Currently, project managers with an environmental consulting firm are in the process of contacting awardees to complete environmental assessments.
FY19 OVC’s Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program Award: $7 Million
DOJ’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) awarded $7 million to The Denali Commission, which is implementing a Micro-Grant Program to help support the ability of Alaska’s Native Tribal Communities and/or organizations to develop victim services including behavioral health, telemedicine, and building renovations. Pre-application training and technical assistance will be available to interested communities. Communities may apply for up to $350,000 and may find more information here.
FY19 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Awards: $42 Million
Approximately $42 million in grants were awarded to Alaska Native communities and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS). Specifically, on Sept. 30, 2019, DOJ announced that Alaska was awarded over $20 million in CTAS grant funding, and on Oct. 17, 2019, announced over $22 million of set-aside funding for victims of crime to Alaska Native communities and tribal entities.
FY20 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Award: $2.1 Million
On June 2, 2020, funding in the amount of $2,100,476 was awarded to multiple law enforcement agencies in Alaska, which allows those agencies to hire a combined total of 19 officers to help keep our communities safe. Out of the 19 officers, 18 will be located in rural Alaska. Specifically, 14 officers will be certified Alaska Police Officers, three will be certified VPSOs, and two will be TPOs. This is part of DOJ’s announcement in awarding nearly $400 million in grant funding nationwide through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP).
Law Enforcement Agency
Award Amount
Positions Funded
Akiak Native Community
$214,956
2
Bethel Police Department
$125,000
1
Chevak, City of
$491,234
6
Ft. Yukon Police Department
$240,598
2
Marshall, City of
$403,688
3
Nome Police Department
$125,000
1
Northwest Arctic Borough
$375,000
3
Palmer Police Department
$125,000
1
FY19 COPS Tribal Resources Grant Program (TRGP) Award: $5 Million
On July 30, 2019, Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announced that it awarded nearly $5 million through the Tribal Resources Grant Program for the hiring, equipping, and training of VPOs and TPOs working in rural Alaska. Specifically, funding was allocated to hire officers in 15 communities for a total of 20 officers, of which 14 VPOs have already been hired.
Tribal Agency
Funding for Equipment
Funding for Hiring
Positions Funded
Akiachak Native Community
$58,074
$241,429
3
Central Council Tlingit and Haida
$204,721
$0
0
Chickaloon Native Village
$4,378
$286,831
1
Holy Cross Tribe
$113,999
$185,457
1
Kasigluk Elders Council
$42,212
$255,077
1
Kodiak Area Native Association
$177,566
$0
0
Maniilaq Association
$253,562
$0
0
Native Village of Kipnuk
$41,199
$109,137
1
Native Village of Kwinhagak
$59,443
$108,211
1
Native Village of Mekoryuk
$7,260
$169,823
2
Native Village of Napaskiak
$31,829
$249,106
2
Native Village of Nulato
$58,837
$223,445
1
Native Village of Ruby
$79,681
$197,539
1
Native Village of Scammon Bay
$38,628
$249,216
2
Native Village of Tanacross
$75,074
$185,538
1
Native Village of Tununak
$73,017
$129,853
1
Northway Village
$70,819
$180,314
1
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
$300,000
$0
0
Venetie Village Council
$38,302
$249,944
1
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe
$241,681
$0
0
This update is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement (RAAVEN) Working Group’s ongoing efforts to build the capacity of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement in rural Alaska. The RAAVEN Working Group, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, encourages extensive collaboration among law enforcement at all levels, rural communities, Alaska Native groups, victim service organizations, and care providers. Current law enforcement members of the working group include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, State of Alaska Department of Law, DPS, USMS, FBI, DEA, ATF, USPIS, HSI, USCG, and APD.
Five-Time Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm in Connection with December 2016 GunfightRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Antoni Peralta, 34, of Anchorage, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and associated ammunition, in connection with a December 2016 gunfight in a residential neighborhood. Peralta was found guilty following a three-day federal jury trial in September 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, on the evening of Dec. 16, 2016, Peralta had a confrontation with a man in an Anchorage bar. Peralta then got into his vehicle and left the bar, turning onto Donna Road, out of suspicion that the man had followed him. He saw a black SUV and a white SUV, and gunshots rang out down the residential street. Peralta reached for his Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol and Federal .40 caliber ammunition and shot at the SUVs. Peralta, injured by gunfire, crawled from his vehicle to the steps of a nearby home while the SUVs left the area.
Law enforcement officers arrived to investigate the shooting and approached Peralta who was still at the steps of a nearby home. He required medical treatment and was hospitalized. During a search of Peralta’s bullet-riddled vehicle, police found a pistol with a live round and a magazine with additional ammunition.
Peralta has five prior convictions within the state of Alaska for crimes including robbery, vehicle theft, felon in possession of a firearm, and failure to stop at the direction of a police officer. As someone previously convicted of a felony offense, Peralta was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
As part of his 2005 robbery conviction, Peralta was involved in a gang-related shooting that led to the death of a 14-year-old child. During the investigation, Alaska State Troopers approached Peralta and others, who fled to a vehicle. Peralta, a passenger, pushed the driver out of the vehicle, so he could take the wheel and lead the troopers on a high-speed chase. Peralta’s fleeing vehicle stopped only after the troopers successfully used spike strips. There were six people in the car, including an infant.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court noted that Peralta’s crime was committed while he was on supervision for his previous felon in possession conviction in 2014. Judge Burgess stated that, “nothing up to this point has shown me that he [Peralta] has changed.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Vandergaw and Allison O’Leary.
Anchorage Man and Woman Indicted on Federal Gun Charges in Connection with April 2020 Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Rachel Torey Danielle Epperson, 30, and Adam Alan Blodgett, 37, both of Anchorage, have been indicted on federal gun charges in connection with the April 4, 2020, shooting death of another individual.
Epperson and Blodgett have both been charged with conspiracy and acquiring a firearm by deception. Blodgett has also been charged with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Epperson was arrested on April 4, 2020, and Blodgett was arrested on July 16, 2020.
According to federal charging documents, on March 17, 2020, Epperson is alleged to have straw-purchased a firearm from a licensed gun dealer on behalf of Blodgett, who, with six prior felony convictions, was unable to purchase one himself. At the direction of Blodgett, Epperson allegedly purchased a 9mm pistol for Blodgett, who had taken possession of the pistol thereafter.
The federal charges stem from an April 4, 2020, shooting that resulted in the death of another individual. Epperson and Blodgett are currently facing charges with the State of Alaska for Manslaughter in connection to the shooting death. Additionally, Epperson, along with Angelique Aurora Petty, 34, are also facing charges with the State of Alaska for Attempted Murder and Assault of Blodgett.
If convicted on the federal charges, Epperson and Blodgett face a maximum of 10 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anchorage Woman Charged with Filing False Income Tax Returns on Behalf of Other IndividualsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Sanh Sunni Thampithak, a/k/a “Allysia” or “Ally”, 54, of Anchorage, has been charged with fraud and false statements for preparing fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of other individuals.
The criminal complaint alleges that Thampithak had been filing fraudulent tax returns, as an informal tax preparer, for tax years 2015-2017. Specifically, it is alleged that Thampithak did taxes for the Lao community and others in Anchorage, charging them $100-$300 per return, but would obtain unwarranted refunds for her clients by inflating certain Schedule A deductions and expenses, unbeknownst to her clients. It is alleged that Thampithak consistently fabricated the figures in order to generate refunds for her clients, which, in turn, grew her business as a tax preparer.
Thampithak became the subject of a federal investigation after her IP addresses were linked to questionable Forms 1040 that had been referred to IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). During the course of the investigation, Thampithak knowingly prepared a fraudulent return for an IRS-CI undercover agent, and then lied to investigators to conceal the criminal conduct. Her alleged scheme entailed the filing of at least 13 fraudulent returns that reported approximately $250,000 in false claims, resulting in her clients receiving refunds up to 1,575 percent more than what they were due.
Thampithak routinely misrepresented herself to her clients as a legitimate tax preparer. Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
If convicted, Thampithak faces a maximum sentence of up to three years in federal prison, and a fine of up to a $100,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Appoints Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator for AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today the appointment of E. Ingrid Cumberlidge to serve as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Coordinator for the District of Alaska.
As the District of Alaska’s MMIP Coordinator, Ms. Cumberlidge will gather reliable data to identify MMIP cases connected to Alaska; conduct outreach with tribal communities to assist in the creation and implementation of community action plans; coordinate with tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP cases; and promote improved data collection and analyses throughout Alaska. Working in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage, Ms. Cumberlidge will serve tribal communities and victims throughout Alaska.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to improving public safety in rural Alaska, and we are fortunate to have Ms. Cumberlidge join our team in this critical role,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “For far too long, Alaska Natives have experienced disproportionate rates of violence, which has lasting impacts on families and communities. Ms. Cumberlidge’s expertise will further strengthen our public safety partnerships in rural Alaska, so that we can maximize efforts and develop solutions to address this crisis.”
“The Department of Public Safety is eager to continue our partnership with the DOJ; we are committed to assisting Ms. Cumberlidge with fine-tuning missing persons data and identifying better ways to combat violence against Alaska’s indigenous people through prevention and holding offenders accountable,” said Commissioner Amanda Price, Alaska Department of Public Safety. “Through constructive collaborations between all levels of government, we can break down barriers of distrust, foster positive change, and build a safer Alaska.”
“Working in conjunction with our local, state and federal partners, the FBI is committed to finding ways to better protect the communities we serve,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Anchorage. “It is imperative we work together to make certain all persons responsible for engaging in this type of criminal activity in Alaska are brought to justice. We welcome the appointment of Ms. Cumberlidge and look forward to continued collaboration on the important work of the MMIP initiative.”
Ms. Cumberlidge is an educator and Tribal Leader with over 30 years supporting her native community in Alaska. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Cumberlidge served as a Tribal Judge and Chief Judge engaged in various cases including primarily child protection and protective order cases. As a Tribal Court Judicial Trainer and Advisory Council Member on the National Judicial College Tribal Council, University of Nevada, Reno, Ms. Cumberlidge has trained in the Alaskan Interior with Tanana Chief’s Conference, Southwest Alaska, the Aleutians, the Alaska Bar Association, Rural Cap, and Alaska Intertribal Council. She also served as a teacher and principal of the Aleutians East Borough School District, and was a tribal appointed regional delegate to the Gov. Knowles State and Tribal Millennium agreement negotiations and ratification.
On Nov. 22, 2019, Attorney General William Barr launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. As part of this MMIP Initiative, the Department of Justice made an initial investment of $1.5 million to hire MMIP Coordinators to serve with U.S. Attorney’s Offices in 11 states, including Alaska, to develop protocols for a more coordinated law enforcement response to missing cases. The strategy also calls for the deployment of the FBI’s most advanced response capabilities when needed, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support local response efforts.
Anchorage Man Charged with Federal Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Douglass Gordon Doggett, 43, of Anchorage, has been charged with sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
The criminal complaint alleges that, from November 2019 to May 2020, Doggett created numerous recordings of himself engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old girl. According to the complaint, in May 2019 Doggett and the victim began exchanging messages on Snapchat. The Snapchat activity continued until May 2020, and included the exchange of numerous videos and images depicting Doggett engaging in sexual activity with the minor.
The complaint further alleges that in May 2020, Doggett sent the victim a video of himself shooting an AR-15 at a target course. Doggett was taken into custody on July 7, 2020 and admitted to creating and exchanging the recordings recovered by law enforcement and to possessing the firearm. Doggett has multiple prior felony convictions, including a federal firearm conviction in 2010, which prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law.
If the public has any further information regarding Doggett’s activities, please contact Anchorage FBI at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Doggett faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years, with a maximum of up to 30 years in federal prison, for the most serious charges alleged. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with the assistance of the Anchorage Police Department (APD). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
The investigation is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Kodiak Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska B U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Kodiak man has been sentenced for money laundering and possessing drugs intended for distribution in Kodiak.
Luke Bunting, 23, of Kodiak, Alaska, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, to include six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service. Bunting previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and one count of money laundering.
According to court documents, in 2018, a U.S. Postal Inspector in Anchorage seized three packages that contained various narcotics, which were addressed to Bunting in Kodiak. A subsequent search of Bunting’s Kodiak residence revealed large amounts of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, psilocin mushrooms, cocaine, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) packaged for sale. The search also revealed three guns with loaded magazines co-located with the narcotics, approximately $39,500, and several cryptocurrency recovery codes.
The investigation further revealed that, after depositing drug proceeds into various bank accounts, Bunting would quickly move that money through payments to outside sources using applications including Venmo and Coinbase. Cyber specialists at the FBI lent assistance to identify and recover Bunting’s units of Bitcoin, Monero, and Ripple cryptocurrency, all of which were forfeited to the government. The total amount of drug proceeds acquired by Bunting during his illegal distribution enterprise amounted to approximately $327,966 in drug proceeds.
Bunting was also implicated by several Coast Guard members in Kodiak who stated that Bunting was the source of their narcotics. The U.S. Coast Guard held those members separately accountable and subsequently removed them from the service for their illegal use of drugs supplied by Bunting.
Before imposing a sentence, Chief Judge Burgess commented that he was concerned that Bunting was a “for profit” drug trafficker from a supportive family environment and did not appear to have an addiction to the drugs he was selling in the community. Bunting previously held employment as a substitute teacher at a local high school, but was terminated prior to his arrest in this case.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Kodiak Police Department (KPD), and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Coast Guard Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Sharyl Pels.
Petersburg Man Sentenced for Burglarizing Post OfficeRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Petersburg man has been sentenced in federal court for burglarizing the Petersburg Post Office with the intent to steal parcels for pecuniary gain.
Christopher Scott Manske, 38, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve four months in prison, followed by 150 hours of community service, after previously pleading guilty to burglary of a post office. As part of his sentence, Manske was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims in this case, as well as $2,100 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service.
According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2020, Manske broke into the Petersburg Post Office’s secured mail sorting area through a parcel locker. The investigation revealed that Manske forcibly entered the parcel locker by breaking the steel pole that was designed to prevent unauthorized access. While inside, Manske took approximately 70 parcels and placed them inside other parcel lockers. Manske then took the parcel keys with the intent to go back and retrieve those parcels so he could sell the contents. While exiting with the parcel keys, Manske activated the alarm system, triggering a law enforcement investigation.
Manske was arrested on Feb. 24, after a search of Manske’s boat revealed a number of opened parcels belonging to other people, as well as a stolen heater belonging to the U.S. Forest Service.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess stated the need to protect the public and to deter Manske from future criminal conduct. Following Manske’s prison term, he will have to comply with conditions of release such as submitting to a mental health and drug treatment assessment and will have to follow recommendations.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Petersburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
Washington Man Sentenced for Role in Developing “Mirai” Successor BotnetsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Washington man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a long-running scheme in which he and his criminal associates developed distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) botnets. The defendant used the botnets to facilitate DDoS attacks, which occur when multiple computers acting in unison flood targeted computers with information to prevent them from being able to access the internet.
Kenneth Currin Schuchman, 22, of Vancouver, WA, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 13 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to one count of fraud and related activity in connection with computers, in violation of the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act. As part of his sentence, Schuchman was also ordered to serve a term of 18 months of community confinement following his release from prison and a three year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, the botnets were initially based largely on the source code previously developed by other individuals to create the Mirai botnet; however, Schuchman and his criminal associates “Vamp” and “Drake” added additional features over time, so that the botnets grew more complex and effective. At various times, these successor botnets were known as “Satori,” “Okiru,” “Masuta,” and “Tsunami”/”Fbot.” While Schuchman and his criminal associates utilized these successor botnets to conduct DDoS attacks themselves, their primary focus was selling access to paying customers in order to generate illicit proceeds.
The investigation revealed that Schuchman had been engaging in criminal botnet activity since at least August 2017, ultimately compromising hundreds of thousands of devices worldwide, including devices in the District of Alaska. Schuchman continued to engage in criminal botnet activity, and violated several other conditions of his pretrial release, following his arrest in August 2018. The three defendants responsible for creating the Mirai botnet, the computer attack platform that inspired the successor botnets, were previously sentenced in September 2018.
“Cybercriminals depend on anonymity, but remain visible in the eyes of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that together with our law enforcement and private sector partners, we have the ability and resolve to find and bring to justice those that prey on Alaskans and victims across the United States.”
“Cyber-attacks pose serious harm to Alaskans, especially those in our more remote communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Britt of the FBI's Anchorage Field Office. “The increasing number of Internet-connected devices presents challenges to our network security and our daily lives. The FBI Anchorage Field Office will continue to work tirelessly alongside our partners to combat those criminals who use these devices to cause damage globally, as well as right here in our own neighborhoods.”
In a recently unsealed indictment, Schuchman’s criminal associates Aaron Sterritt, a/k/a “Vamp,” or “Viktor” a national of the United Kingdom; and Logan Shwydiuk, a/k/a “Drake,” a Canadian national, have also been charged for their roles in developing and operating these botnets to conduct DDoS attacks, following an investigation by the FBI with the assistance of other law enforcement partners.
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington and the District of Oregon, and the FBI’s Portland Field Office and Vancouver, WA Resident Agency provided assistance and support during the investigation. Additional assistance was provided by Akamai, Cloudflare, Google, Oracle, Palo Alto Unit 42, Unit 221B, LLC and the University of Cambridge, among other partners.
Anchorage Woman Charged with Embezzling Funds from a Tribal Organization in AlaskaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage woman has been federally charged with embezzling approximately $174,290 from the Alaska Native Harbor Seal Commission (ANHSC), which was primarily funded from federal grants issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with additional federal grant funds provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Joni Raelle Bryant, 43, of Anchorage, was named in the indictment charging her with one count of embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization, and two counts of embezzlement from an organization receiving federal funds.
The indictment alleges that, from July 2014 to October 2016, Bryant embezzled approximately $174,290 from the ANHSC for her personal use. During that time, Bryant was employed as the Executive Director at the ANHSC, and was responsible for managing federal grants, as well as the day-to-day financial management of the organization.
Bryant allegedly embezzled the money by using the ANHSC credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases, and by using the ANHSC checking account to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, issue unauthorized checks, and make unauthorized debit card purchases with tribal funds. The unauthorized expenditures included paying for personal travel for herself and family, personal purchases at various retail stores, gas and grocery purchases, wireless service charges, and insurance and utility bills.
If convicted, Bryant faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine, for the most serious charges alleged. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General (DOI-OIG) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General and the Anchorage Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charisse Arce.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anchorage Motivational Speaker Indicted on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Donteh Mone Devoe, 41, of Anchorage, has been federally charged with two counts of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. Devoe was arrested in February 2020, and was ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents, Devoe became the subject of an investigation on Jan. 29, 2020, when Anchorage Police Department (APD) received a tip concerning allegations that Devoe had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor. The complaint alleges that, between Sept. 30, 2019, and Oct. 1, 2019, Devoe used text messages to request sexually explicit images of the minor. It is further alleged that the minor would receive sexually explicit images of Devoe while she was in school, and that there were at least two incidents where Devoe and the minor had sexual contact. A search of Devoe’s cell phone and iCloud account revealed the graphic communications, as well as several sexually explicit images of the minor.
After serving his sentence for a federal drug conviction, Devoe traveled throughout Alaska giving motivational speeches about rehabilitation and reentry, oftentimes coming into contact with students from the Anchorage School District.
If the public has any further information regarding Devoe’s activities, please contact FBI’s Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Devoe faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life in federal prison, for the most serious charges alleged. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD), as well as FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
The investigation is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Anchorage Women Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Following Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Zayha Marie Meehan, 39, and Sarah Hall-Wright, 30, both of Anchorage, have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition following a crime spree of shootings and robberies spanning several months.
According to the charging documents, on Sept. 21, 2019, inside their shared Anchorage residence, Meehan and Hall-Wright allegedly robbed two individuals at gunpoint. Specifically, it is alleged that Meehan and Hall-Wright met with the two individuals at Tesoro around 2:30 a.m., and invited them back to their residence. While at the residence, it is alleged that Hall-Wright became upset with one of the individuals for disrespecting Meehan. Both Meehan and Hall-Wright allegedly pulled out separate firearms and stuck them to the back of each individual’s head, demanding they empty their pockets. After robbing them, it is alleged that Meehan and Hall-Wright stood the two individuals up while still pointing firearms at their heads, walked them outside to their car, and told them to leave. Meehan and Hall-Wright were subsequently arrested and a search of their residence revealed several rounds of 9mm ammunition.
During another incident on April 1, 2020, APD officers responded to a report regarding a gunshot fired outside of Meehan’s residence. The responding officers received further information that Meehan was observed and photographed holding a pistol, while arguing with two other individuals outside. A search of Meehan’s residence revealed two handguns, one of which was stolen. Meehan was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant.
The charging documents allege four other incidents of misconduct involving weapons, and two other incidents of armed robbery that either Meehan or Hall-Wright were involved in, spanning from August 2019 to April 2020. Meehan has two prior felony convictions for crimes involving assault and attempted robbery, and Hall-Wright has two prior felony conviction for theft, which prohibited them from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
If convicted, Meehan and Hall-Wright each face a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Schroeder of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crime involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced for Illegal Taking of Black Bear in Kenai National Wildlife RefugeRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Florida man was sentenced in federal court for violating the Lacey Act by shooting and transporting a black bear in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, which is part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, an area closed to all hunting and trapping.
James L. Connolly, 63, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was sentenced on Monday, June 15, 2020, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble, to pay a fine of $8,000, after previously pleading guilty to one count of violating the Lacey Act. As part of his sentence, Connolly agreed to forfeit the black bear hide, and is to serve a two-year term of probation, during which he is prohibited from hunting anywhere in the United States.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2018, Connolly shot and killed the black bear in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area on the Kenai Peninsula, an area closed to all hunting and trapping. Connolly then transported the bear carcass from Alaska to a tannery in California, who then shipped the carcass to Connolly in Florida.
The investigation revealed that eyewitnesses had seen the remains of a black bear that had been killed on Skilak Lake Loop Road, and others had seen and spoken with Connolly, who told them he recently shot and killed a black bear in the area. Law enforcement officers took DNA samples of the blood from the kill site and matched it with DNA samples taken from the bear carcass in Connolly’s possession in Florida. Evidence collected by now retired Federal Wildlife Canine Rex played a vital role in the investigation and prosecution of Connolly.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Scoble noted the importance of protecting Alaska’s natural resources and “the wild spaces” in the United States. He also commented that Mr. Connolly’s actions were particularly “abhorrent” under the circumstances. Specifically, that an individual would travel to Alaska from Florida with the intent to hunt and kill a wild animal, and not be aware of the proper areas he could legally take an animal.
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Florida Wildlife Commission and Federal Wildlife Officers in Alaska, Florida, and North Carolina, leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Today, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
“Schemes that target or disproportionately affect older Americans, are reprehensible and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to bringing swift action against those who attempt to enrich themselves by stealing from our country’s most respected citizens. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I encourage Alaskans to report fraud schemes and spread the word among families and friends.”
Earlier this month, the Alaska U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI’s Anchorage Field Office partnered with AARP in a statewide telephone town hall, to help prevent senior Alaskans from falling victim to scams and other schemes attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. Through various platforms, the event reached a total of 591 listeners throughout Alaska.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Fairbanks Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Fairbanks woman has been sentenced to federal prison for multiple crime sprees involving identify theft, mail theft, bank fraud, and credit card fraud.
Natascha Sabrina Clark, 36, of Fairbanks, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to serve 68 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of fraudulent transactions with an access device. As part of her sentence, Clark was also ordered to pay $10,429.21 in restitution to the victims, as well as costs associated with credit monitoring services.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2017, Clark made several fraudulent transactions using a stolen credit card, including a $2,439.90 purchase at Evolve Skateboards. The investigation revealed that Clark had stolen C.B.’s credit card from his mailbox, ordered a skateboard online using C.B.’s name, billing address, and credit card, and subsequently pawned the skateboard in order to purchase illegal narcotics.
Clark’s illegal activity continued in November 2018, when she stole checks for an Alaska USA Federal Credit Union account from M.P.’s mailbox and created a counterfeit identification document bearing M.P.’s name, address, and driver’s license number, but with Clark’s photograph. Using M.P.’s stolen checks, Clark then began executing fraudulent transactions at Ulta Salon and other businesses.
The investigation further revealed that, from November 2018 to January 2019, using a Hawaiian Airlines credit card belonging to business R.C.C., which she had previously stolen from a mailbox, Clark made 61 fraudulent transactions totaling $4,854.14. The majority of these transactions occurred at three Holiday Gas Stations in Fairbanks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the North Pole Police Department (NPPD) conducted the investigation leading to successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan D. Tansey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
Alaska Neurology Center LLC and Its Owner to Pay $2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Regarding Fraudulent Medical BillingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Anchorage-based Alaska Neurology Center LLC and its owner, Franklin Ellenson, M.D., have agreed to pay $2 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the medical practice knowingly submitted false billing claims to federal healthcare programs. Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Alaska Neurology Center LLC and Dr. Ellenson agreed to a three-year Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Healthcare providers who submit false bills hurt honest providers and the nation’s taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “I commend the collaborative efforts of our federal partners to use all available remedies, both civil and criminal, to address waste and abuse in the healthcare market. I am particularly pleased that the public healthcare programs will be made whole, which will help ensure their continued vitality for future generations.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, from March 2013 through June 2018, Alaska Neurology Center LLC engaged in multiple fraudulent billing schemes, including: (1) submitting claims with false dates of service in order to obtain reimbursement beyond program caps, (2) submitting claims for infusion services provided by an unqualified medical assistant, (3) submitting claims for physical therapy when the service provided was non-reimbursable massage therapy, (4) submitting claims using multiple, unbundled billing codes, rather than a single required billing code, to obtain overpayment for the service, (5) submitting claims with false names of performing and/or referring medical providers, and (6) re-submitting claims with false service or diagnosis information, and without consulting a medical provider, after an original claim was rejected.
The allegations stem from a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower, or qui tam, provision of the False Claims Act, which allows private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The whistleblower will receive approximately $380,000 of the settlement.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477) or https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud.
The settlement was the result of an investigation conducted by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Investigative support was also provided by the Defense Health Agency, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The lawsuit is captioned United States of America ex rel. Thomas Fidler v. Alaska Neurology Clinic, LLC [sic], et al., No. 3:18-cv-00057-HRH (D. Alaska).
Justice Department Seeks Forfeiture of More than $20 Million in Assets Relating to Unlawful Use of U.S. Financial System to Evade and Violate Iranian SanctionsRead the Press Release
A forfeiture complaint was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska alleging that assets equivalent to more than $20 million are subject to forfeiture based on violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and federal money laundering statutes.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Britt of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Justin H. Campbell of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The civil forfeiture complaint alleges that Kenneth Zong, a U.S. citizen, conspired with three Iranian nationals to evade the prohibitions of IEEPA and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) by engaging in false, fictitious and fraudulent transactions which were designed to unlawfully convert and remove Iranian owned funds in a Korean financial institution, equivalent to approximately $1 billion U.S. dollars (USD). These funds were held in Korean bank accounts and converted into more easily tradeable currencies, such as USD, through U.S. financial institutions and laundered into and through a host of shell company accounts in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Korea.
Approximately $20 million in funds traceable to this scheme were used by Zong’s co-conspirators to attempt to purchase a hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia in 2011 and 2012. The proceeds of these funds and this attempted transaction are the subject of the forfeiture complaint.
A complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee and Senior Trial Attorney Michael Olmsted of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonas Walker and Steven Skrocki of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in this matter.
The department appreciates the significant assistance provided by UAE authorities, including in particular the Dubai Police Department’s Anti-money Laundering and Financial Crimes Division and the Government of Ras al Khaimah. The department also appreciates the significant assistance provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Georgia and the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Justice Department Seeks Forfeiture of More Than $20 Million in Assets Relating to Unlawful Use of U.S. Financial System to Evade and Violate Iranian SanctionsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – A forfeiture complaint was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska alleging that assets equivalent to more than $20 million are subject to forfeiture based on violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and federal money laundering statutes.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Britt of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Justin H. Campbell of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Seattle Field Office, and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, made the announcement.
The civil forfeiture complaint alleges that Kenneth Zong, a U.S. citizen, conspired with three Iranian nationals to evade the prohibitions of IEEPA and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) by engaging in false, fictitious and fraudulent transactions which were designed to unlawfully convert and remove Iranian owned funds in a Korean financial institution, equivalent to approximately $1 billion U.S. dollars (USD). These funds were held in Korean bank accounts and converted into more easily tradeable currencies, such as USD, through U.S. financial institutions and laundered into and through a host of shell company accounts in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Korea.
Approximately $20 million in funds traceable to this scheme were used by Zong’s co-conspirators to attempt to purchase a hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia. The proceeds of these funds and this attempted transaction are the subject of the forfeiture complaint.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonas Walker and Steven Skrocki of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, and Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee and Senior Trial Attorney Michael Olmsted of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in this matter.
The Department appreciates the significant assistance provided by UAE authorities, including in particular the Dubai Police Department’s Anti-money Laundering and Financial Crimes Division and the Government of Ras al Khaimah. The Department also appreciates the significant assistance provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Georgia in 2011 and 2012, and the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea.
A complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Awards Nearly $400 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that $2,100,474 in grant funding has been awarded to multiple law enforcement agencies in Alaska, which allows those agencies to hire a combined total of 19 law enforcement professionals to help keep our communities safe.
This is part of the Department of Justice’s announcement in awarding nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The Attorney General announced funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The awards announced today are inclusive of the $51 million announced in May as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit. A complete list of the Alaska awards is below:
State Law Enforcement Agency Officers Award Amount AK Akiak Native Community 2 $214,956 AK Bethel Police Department 1 $125,000 AK Chevak, City of 6 $491,234 AK Ft. Yukon Police Department 2 $240,598 AK Marshall, City of 3 $403,688 AK Nome Police Department 1 $125,000 AK Northwest Arctic Borough 3 $375,000 AK Palmer Police Department 1 $125,000“It’s paramount that our local and tribal law enforcement partners have the right resources to keep our Alaska communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “Not only will these additional resources help expand community policing efforts throughout the state, but also will help address the public safety crisis in rural Alaska.”
The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities. Funding through this program had been on hold since the spring of 2018 due to a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year.
CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area. 43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention. The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions.
The complete list of awards can be found here. To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI partner with AARP to Protect Alaskans from COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – On Monday, June 1, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will participate in a statewide telephone town hall, hosted by AARP, to protect Alaskans from COVID-19 fraud. Together, the two offices will share resources and take questions to prevent Alaskans from falling victim to scams and other schemes attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Jan. 1-April 15, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 18,000 COVID-19-related fraud reports, and people reported losing $13.44 million dollars.
Event details:
- Who: Panelists include Bryan Schroder, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; Ryan Tansey, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; and Chris Gonzalez, Special Agent with the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
- What: A discussion on identifying and preventing COVID-19 scams and fraud.
- When: Monday, June 1, at 1:00 p.m.
- To participate:
- Register to be called at vekeo.com/aarpalaska, or
- Call (855) 286-0294 toll-free.
- The event will also stream at facebook.com/aarpak.
- After the event, a recording will be available at vekeo.com/aarpalaska.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any shameful exploitation of the global health pandemic, and will take swift action to bring these fraudsters to justice,” said Bryan Schroder, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska. “This joint effort highlights the importance of collaboration with our law enforcement partners and public service organizations, as we continue to protect Alaskans from these schemes.”
“Despite the challenging times we are all navigating, certain things remain the same, scammers are still doing everything they can to defraud people of their hard-earned money and the FBI is doing everything we can to ensure they don’t succeed,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the AARP to bring important information to the public in our effort to prevent members of our community from falling victim to these schemes.”
“For over 60 years, AARP has promoted the health and well-being of older Americans including their financial well-being. We’re pleased to be able to bring this empowering information to Alaskans so they can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director. “If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.”
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. In particular, U.S. Attorney Schroder and Special Agent in Charge Britt encourage Alaskans to be on the lookout for:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
If you or someone you know have been the victim of COVID-19 related fraud, please report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by via the NCDF Web Complaint Form. You can also report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, or if it’s a cyber scam, you can submit your complaint to https://www.ic3.gov.
Unsure if something’s a scam? Alaskans can call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network toll-free, (877) 908-3360, to talk over questionable calls or emails. They can also find tip sheets and sign up for fraud alerts at the Fraud Watch Network site, aarp.org/fraud. The service is free and open to all; you don’t have to be an AARP member.
To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justice.gov/coronavirus. AARP has resources and information at aarp.org/coronavirus, including on caregiving, tax tips, resources specifically for veterans and military families, and Community Connections, where Alaskans can create mutual aid groups and sign up to receive a call from a friendly voice.
Alaska’s U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal Issue Statements in Support of Dept. of Public Safety’s Plan to Enhance 911 Services in Rural AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder and U.S. Marshal Rob Heun today issued the following statements in support of the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) initiative to enhance 911 services in rural Alaska:
“The primary duty of Alaska’s law enforcement community is to protect all of us in the Great Land,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “In most urban areas of Alaska, if a 911 call is dropped, dispatchers will still have the caller’s location and can send help. Currently, the same cannot be said for rural Alaska; however, under this initiative, DPS will soon have location information in rural areas covered by cell phones. For callers off the road system, knowing their location plays a pivotal role in dispatching first responders.”
“The enhanced 911 services will not only save lives for those who live in rural communities, but also for Alaskans and visitors who take part in recreational activities off the road system,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “DPS’s initiative strengthens the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network’s (RAAVEN) ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and address public safety needs in rural Alaska. I support and commend Commissioner Amanda Price’s efforts to provide better public safety services to all Alaskans.”
“As active partners with the Alaska State Troopers in rural Alaska, the U.S. Marshals Service appreciates the enhanced 911 services. These services will play a major role in law enforcement, contribute to increased officer safety and the protection to all of Alaska’s citizens and visitors,” said U.S. Marshal Heun.
On May 13, 2020, DPS announced plans to enhance 911 communication services to improve law enforcement services to all Alaskans. The initiative will improve 911 services across 80 percent of Alaska.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Partner with AARP to Protect Alaskans from COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – On Monday, May 18, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will participate in a statewide telephone town hall, hosted by AARP, to protect Alaskans from COVID-19 fraud. Together, the two offices will share resources and take questions to prevent Alaskans from falling victim to scams and other schemes attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.
The panelists in the telephone town hall include Bryan Schroder, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; Ryan Tansey, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; and Chris Gonzalez, Special Agent with the FBI Anchorage Field Office. The discussion will focus on COVID-19 scams, fraud identification, and prevention. Event details:
- Date: Monday, May 18, 2020
- Time: 1:00 p.m. AKDT
- To participate:
- Register to be called at vekeo.com/aarpalaska, or
- Call (855) 286-0294.
- The event will also stream at facebook.com/aarpak.
- After the event, a recording will be available at vekeo.com/aarpalaska.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any shameful exploitation of the global health pandemic, and will take swift action to bring these fraudsters to justice,” said Bryan Schroder, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska. “This joint effort highlights the importance of collaboration with our law enforcement partners and public service organizations, as we continue to protect Alaskans from these schemes.”
“Despite the challenging times we are all navigating, certain things remain the same, scammers are still doing everything they can to defraud people of their hard-earned money and the FBI is doing everything we can to ensure they don’t succeed,” said Robert Britt, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the AARP to bring important information to the public in our effort to prevent members of our community from falling victim to these schemes.”
“For over 60 years, AARP has promoted the health and well-being of older Americans including their financial well-being. We’re pleased to be able to bring this empowering information to Alaskans so they can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director. “If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.”
From Jan. 1-April 15, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 18,000 COVID-19-related fraud reports, and people reported losing $13.44 million dollars.
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. Scammers are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. In particular, U.S. Attorney Schroder and Special Agent in Charge Britt encourage Alaskans to be on the lookout for:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
If you or someone you know have been the victim of COVID-19 related fraud, please report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by via the NCDF Web Complaint Form. You can also report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, or if it’s a cyber scam, you can submit your complaint to https://www.ic3.gov.
Unsure if something’s a scam? Alaskans can call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network toll-free, (877) 908-3360, to talk over questionable calls or emails. They can also find tip sheets and sign up for fraud alerts at the Fraud Watch Network site, aarp.org/fraud. The service is free and open to all; you don’t have to be an AARP member.
To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justice.gov/coronavirus. AARP has resources and information at aarp.org/coronavirus, including on caregiving, tax tips, resources specifically for veterans and military families, and Community Connections, where Alaskans can create mutual aid groups and sign up to receive a call from a friendly voice.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder Observes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted."
“This week we commemorate the service and sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder. “Alaska’s law enforcement officers deserve our gratitude, as they are essential to the strength and prosperity of our communities and, even in the face of a global health pandemic, continue to demonstrate courage and unwavering commitment to fight crime.”In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019. Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
Sex Offender Sentenced for Violating Terms of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Scott Falk, 36, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for violating the court-ordered terms of his supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess ordered that Falk serve an additional 18 months of supervised released following the completion of the new sentence.
According to court documents, the case began in the summer of 2013, when Falk attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. While there, he responded to a fictional ad for sexual services on Backpage.com, indicating that he was interested in paying to engage in sexual acts with a young girl. Falk opted to pay $200 for one hour of sex with a 13 year-old, which he later negotiated down to $140. The ad had been posted by the FBI and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and when Falk arrived to what he believed was his meeting with the girl (with $139 and a condom in his wallet), he was arrested.
On April 23, 2014, Falk pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota to attempted trafficking, and was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Falk transferred his case to Alaska, where he began his term of supervised release in July 2019. He started sex offender treatment in September, and drug treatment in October. During this time, Falk failed to engage with drug treatment, distributed controlled substances to other members of his sex offender treatment group, and continued to abuse drugs while in custody.
Specifically, Falk had failed the required drug tests by testing positive for methamphetamine, marijuana, and suboxone; and failed to appear for his sex offender treatment group. Falk’s probation officer also uncovered communications demonstrating that Falk had been distributing suboxone to another supervisee in his sex offender treatment group.
The U.S. Probation Office (USPO) conducted the investigation of the ensuing violations of Falk’s supervised release conditions. Falk’s supervised release violations were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder Warns Against Predatory Practices Related to Covid-19 and HousingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder issued a warning today against predatory practices related to COVID-19 and housing. In a recent memorandum, Attorney General William Barr instructed every U.S. Attorney across the country to deploy all available enforcement tools against anyone who tries to capitalize on the current crisis by sexually harassing people in need of housing.
“It’s disturbing to hear that the Department of Justice is receiving reports of landlords exploiting our current national crisis by sexually harassing people in need of housing,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “This despicable behavior is illegal, and will be enforced under federal laws. If such reports are received in Alaska, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, stands ready to hold these predatory landlords accountable.”
As the country adopts drastic measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, many Americans have lost their jobs and many more have seen their wages curtailed. These losses have forced many to seek abatements or suspensions of their rent, with reports that nearly one third of Americans were unable to pay their April rent at the beginning of the month.
Many landlords responded to these circumstances with understanding and care, trying to work with their tenants to weather the current crisis. There have been reports across the country, however, of other landlords who have responded to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual conduct.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will work with all Department of Justice offices, federal agencies, as well as state, local, and tribal officials. If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, or other person who has control over housing, resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, contact:
- Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative at 1-844-380-6178
- Email: [email protected]
- Local authorities
For more information, you can visit www.justice.gov/crt/sexual-harassment-housing-initiative and https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/sexual_harassment.
For more facts on how to report sexual harassment in housing, you can visit: www.justice.gov/crt/page/file/1048341/download.
Owner of “the Antique Gallery” Charged with Lacey Act Violations and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Walter Earl, 75, of Anchorage, and owner of “The Antique Gallery,” has been federally charged for illegally buying and selling walrus ivory, and failing to report any of his income to the IRS. The felony information charges Earl with three counts of Lacey Act violations and one count of tax evasion.
The felony information alleges that Earl regularly trafficked in illegal walrus ivory and, specifically, on three separate occasions in 2017, Earl knowingly violated the Lacey Act by illegally purchasing and selling walrus ivory head mounts (skull and ivory tusks). Earl then tried to conceal the illegal nature of his activities by falsifying documents and lying to purchasers about the ivory’s source. The information alleges that Earl falsely claimed the ivory was “Pre-Act,” and falsely claimed he was legally allowed to purchase the walrus ivory because he employed Alaska Natives. It is also alleged that, as part of his scheme to illegally buy and sell walrus ivory, Earl illegally purchased more than 50 walrus tusks that he intended to sell.
The investigation further revealed that Earl knowingly did not file individual income tax returns for the years 2013 through 2017. The gross income Earl received included income from his business, The Antique Gallery, located in Anchorage, which totaled $679,245 for the years 2013 through 2017. To avoid creating records of revenue and income, Earl allegedly committed acts of evasion to include structuring transactions at various financial institutions to avoid reporting requirements, instructing his employees to not report the income they earned, keeping inadequate business records, and use of cash.
If convicted, Earl faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement (USFWS); and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also assisted in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
The charges in the information are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Together with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice and safeguard victims’ rights for crime victims in Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “This week is a time to come together as a community and give hope to victims, showing them they are not alone.”
“National Crime Victims' Rights Week is an important time in which we are able to amplify the voices of all crime victims and shine a light on the programs and individuals who offer support,” said Victoria Shanklin, Executive Director of Victims for Justice.
During NCVRW, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns. In Alaska, Victims for Justice (VFJ) will be holding the following events in observance of NCVRW:
- U.S. Attorney Schroder will be attending the live-stream of the annual tree ceremony on Facebook today, April 20, 2020, at noon, which is the centerpiece event for the awareness week honoring those affected by violent crime. Colored ribbons, signifying 11 types of violent crime, will be tied onto branches to represent those who have been impacted by violent crime.
- Premiere of “Long Live Leroy” documentary on April 23, 2020: The mother of Leroy Lawrence, Angela Pointer, shares the impact that Leroy’s homicide has on her life and family. She shares her story and raises awareness on victims’ rights and needs. You can watch the video on VFJ’s Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
- Victim Service Awards Announcement on April 25, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. to thank those in our community for their dedication and outstanding contributions to victim services. The announcement can be watched on VFJ’s Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
- U.S. Attorney Schroder will be attending the live-stream of the annual tree ceremony on Facebook today, April 20, 2020, at noon, which is the centerpiece event for the awareness week honoring those affected by violent crime. Colored ribbons, signifying 11 types of violent crime, will be tied onto branches to represent those who have been impacted by violent crime.
DOJ Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that $5,382,711 in grant funding has been made available to Alaska public safety agencies to help them address the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is part of the Department of Justice’s announcement in making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Now more than ever, it is important that our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners have the resources they need to ensure our communities are safe during this pandemic,” said Bryan Schroder, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska. “I strongly encourage our front-line public safety professionals to apply for these funds, which could be used for protective equipment and supplies that can save lives.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Alaska’s allocation as well as other state/territory allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20-cesf-state-allocations.pdf. In addition to the state’s allocation, several Alaska jurisdictions that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are also eligible to apply to BJA for additional emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
Wasilla Man Charged with Identity Theft and False StatementsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Jay Osmond Gardner, 55, of Wasilla, has been charged with identify theft and false statements, after allegedly obtaining a state ID using the identification of another individual to travel interstate and avoid contact with law enforcement. Gardner was a person of interest in a homicide investigation and had multiple warrants out for his arrest.
According to the charging document, on Dec. 3, 2019, Gardner was contacted by law enforcement at his Wasilla residence regarding an unrelated investigation being conducted by the Alaska State Troopers. Gardner’s sister, Cher Jammes, who lived in a trailer on the same property, was also interviewed by law enforcement.
Gardner’s true Alaska state ID card was issued in his birth name and identity of Jay Osmond Gardner on March 1, 2019. It is alleged that, on Jan. 22, 2020, a renewal of an Alaska state ID was issued to Gardner after he fraudulently presented himself to be Cher Jammes, in name and appearance.
On March 25, 2020, Gardner allegedly presented the fraudulently obtained ID card to several Alaska Airlines employees at the Anchorage Airport in an attempt to check in for a flight reserved in the name of Cher Jammes. While attempting to check in for the flight, Gardner was approached by an AST investigator and a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Gardner was asked to verify him name, boarding pass, and identification. In doing so, Gardner stated his name was Cher Jammes and presented the fraudulent ID card, but asked to be called “Janey” because he was teased while growing up with the name Cher. Gardner was subsequently arrested and is currently in federal custody.
If the public has any further information regarding Gardner and any suspected criminal activity, please contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 746-9111.
If convicted, Gardner faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anchorage Man Charged with Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Rhahemiah Niashee McNair, 37, of Anchorage, has been charged with credit union robbery, in connection with the March 28, 2020, robbery of Denali A Division of Nuvision Federal Credit Union branch located at 1118 Muldoon Road in Anchorage.
According to the charging document, at 4:48 a.m. on March 28, 2020, McNair allegedly broke into the front door entrance to the Denali A Division of Nuvision Federal Credit Union branch. McNair then stole approximately $4,206 in coins, including $106 in nickels, $100 in half dollars, and $4,000 in gold Sacagawea dollars. The total amount of loss due to damage from the break-in was estimated at approximately $1,900. Anchorage Police Officers responded to the scene and obtained photographs of the subject from the credit union’s surveillance footage.
That same day, APD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red Ford vehicle, which eluded police. The vehicle was later located parked at an Anchorage hotel. Officers made contact with the individual standing near the car but did not connect the car or the individual to the robbery at that time. Later, APD identified the individual as McNair, who also fit the description of the surveillance footage photograph from the credit union robbery that morning.
On March 29, 2020, pursuant to a search warrant on the red vehicle, APD officers located a $2.00 roll of nickels, an Axiom Armored Transport bank bag, along with white gloves, which resembled those worn during the robbery. The investigation further revealed that McNair had paid for a hotel room using gold Sacagawea dollars. McNair was detained at the hotel and was in possession of gold Sacagawea dollars, half dollars, and rolls of nickels.
If convicted, McNair faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the charge in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder Announces Efforts to Prosecute Hoarding and Price Gouging Associated with COVID-19Read the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced a new effort to investigate and punish wrongdoing related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Department of Justice, in response to a March 23, 2020 Executive Order signed by the President, has created a task force charged with addressing hoarding and price gouging associated with COVID-19.
“The Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska, will not tolerate those who try to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud the people of our state,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “The pandemic continues to cause anxiety and uncertainty across the country. At a time when our country needs to join together, it is repugnant that fraudsters will try to take advantage of our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners in Alaska and beyond, will root out these schemes and bring the criminals to justice.”
The Executive Order gave the Department means to fight misconduct pursuant to section 102 of the Defense Production Act, which prohibits hoarding of designated items. The order authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect scarce healthcare resources and medical items by designating particular items as protected under the statute. Once an item is designated, it becomes a crime under the statute 50 U.S.C. §§ 4512, 4513 for any person to accumulate that item either (1) in excess of his or her reasonable needs or (2) for the purpose of selling it in excess of prevailing market prices.
In response, HHS announced a list of designated health and medical resources necessary to respond to the spread of COVID-19 that are scarce and would be subject to these hoarding prevention measures:
- N-95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators;
- Other Filtering Facepiece Respirators (e.g., those designated as N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, or P95, P99, P100);
- Elastomeric, air-purifying respirators and appropriate particulate filters/cartridges;
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR);
- Portable Ventilators;
- Chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine HCl;
- Sterilization services for certain medical devices and certain sterilizers;
- Disinfecting devices and other sanitizing and disinfecting products suitable for use in a clinical setting;
- Medical gowns or apparel, e.g., surgical gowns or isolation gowns;
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) coveralls, e.g., Tyvek Suits;
- PPE face masks, PPE surgical masks, PPE face shields, PPE gloves or surgical gloves;
- Ventilators, anesthesia gas machines modified for use as ventilators, and positive pressure breathing devices modified for use as ventilators, ventilator tubing connectors, and ventilator accessories.
In a March 24, 2020 Memorandum to all U.S. Attorneys, Attorney General William P. Barr stated that the Department is beginning to receive reports of individuals using the crisis to hoard vital medical items and then make inappropriate, windfall profits at the expense of public safety and the health and welfare of our fellow citizens.
In this memorandum, Attorney General Barr directed the creation of the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, which will address COVID-19-related market manipulation, hoarding, and price gouging. Each U.S. Attorney’s Office, including the District of Alaska, has been directed to designate an experienced attorney to serve as a member of the task force. The task force will develop effective enforcement measures, best practices, work closely with HHS as they designate particular items and equipment, and coordinate nationwide investigation and prosecution of these illicit activities.
U.S. Attorney Schroder urges Alaskans to be vigilant in reporting any COVID-19 related hoarding or fraud activities. Criminals will likely continue to use new methods to exploit COVID-19 worldwide.
If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms:
- The Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force seeks to identify health care fraud offenders and pursue investigations against them through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. Complaints, tips, and information related to health care fraud may be reported online at tips.fbi.gov or by calling the FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441. Learn more at www.fbi.gov/AHCFTF.
- Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected];
- If it's a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit: www.justic.gov/coronavirus.
DOJ Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available nationwide to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million
Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million
Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million
Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million
Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million
Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection
Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million
Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million
Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million
Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
DOJ Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available nationwide to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million
Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million
Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million
Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Attorney’s Office Takes Steps to Maintain Mission Amidst COVID-19 Public Health EmergencyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced a series of steps aimed at protecting consumer financial safety and preventing civil rights violations amidst the COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) outbreak.
“We are already seeing despicable fraudsters across the country trying to use the COVID-19 virus to take advantage of their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “Along with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners in Alaska, we will be diligent in finding and prosecuting these criminals.”
U.S. Attorney Schroder warned of several new fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving Coronavirus public health emergency, and urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
This week, Attorney General Barr directed all U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus-related fraud schemes. In a follow-up memorandum issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen further directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness.
Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. They are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. Some examples of scams linked to COVID-19 include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
Jeffery Peterson, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, wants to assure the citizens of Alaska that the FBI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution throughout this period of national emergency.
The FBI is reminding the American public to continue exercising smart cyber hygiene in this uncertain time. Be aware that cyber criminals may exploit concerns surrounding COVID-19 to perpetuate scams designed to steal your money. By remembering these four tips, you can protect yourself and help stop this criminal activity: (1) do not open attachments or click links within emails from senders you don't recognize; (2) always verify the information being shared originates from a legitimate source; (3) do not provide your logins, financial data or other personal information in response to an email; and (4) visit websites by manually inputting their domains to your browser. If you believe you are the victim of an internet scam or want to report suspicious activity, you can also visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has taken necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of its staff during this health emergency while continuing to fulfill its public safety mission. Essential law enforcement functions including investigations, the signing and execution of warrants, filing of charges, and case litigation will continue. District of Alaska prosecutors and support staff will continuing working with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to safeguard our justice system and protect the safety and security of our nation during this difficult time.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Palmer Man Arrested and Charged for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Oliver Stewart Reing, 21, of Palmer, has been charged with five counts of production and attempted production of child pornography; and two counts of coercion and enticement and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Reing was arrested on March 17, 2020, and was arraigned on the charges yesterday in federal court.
According to the indictment, in June, July, and December 2018, in Alaska, Reing allegedly coerced five minors, including one 14-year-old female in Michigan, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
If the public has any further information regarding Reing’s activities,
please contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 375-7723
If convicted, Reing faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
The investigation is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Alaska U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million
Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million
Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million
Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
Alaska U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available nationwide to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million
Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million
Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million
Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million
Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 million
Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million
Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million
Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million
Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million
Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million
Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
U.S. Marshals Arrest “Operation Cold Snap” FugitiveRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Clay Millhouse, a/k/a “Bear,” 34, was arrested yesterday by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) on state and federal charges. Millhouse was one of three fugitives from last week’s “Operation Cold Snap,” an ATF-led operation that recovered a total of 82 illegally possessed firearms, and resulted in the filing of federal firearm and drug trafficking charges against 16 defendants in 10 separate indictments.
Millhouse is named in one of those federal indictments along with his co-defendant, Shad Rider-Sorden, a/k/a “Shadow,” 28, charging them with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms and possession or sale of a stolen firearm. Millhouse is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, on Sept. 20, 2019, Millhouse, Rider-Sorden, and another individual, pulled into the driveway of an Anchorage residence in a pickup truck. The indictment alleges that Millhouse and Rider-Sorden unlawfully entered the residence and exited carrying a large gun safe, which included approximately 12 firearms. It is further alleged that on Nov. 25, 2019, Millhouse and Rider-Sorden sold firearms to another person, and cautioned the buyer about re-selling the firearms in the state. Millhouse has multiple felony convictions with the State of Alaska for crimes including Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Theft, and Robbery, which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
If convicted, Millhouse and Rider-Sorden face a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. Millhouse was arrested by the USMS Pacific Northwest Violent Offenders Task Force (PNVOTF), which is comprised of the USMS, the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Anchorage Police Department (APD), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carole Holley.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kaktovik Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wasting Polar BearRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Christopher L. Gordon, 36, of Kaktovik, Alaska, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to serve three months in federal prison, to be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, after pleading guilty to knowingly shooting and killing a polar bear and leaving the harvestable remains to waste, in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Gordon was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.
According to the court documents, on Dec. 20, 2018, in the village of Kaktovik, Gordon, who is a Whaling Captain, had a large quantity of Bowhead whale meat stored in the front yard of his residence. Although bear resistant food storage lockers were available in Kaktovik, Gordon elected not to utilize them. The whale meat attracted a polar bear. Gordon then shot and killed the polar bear because it was trying to eat the butchered whale meat that Gordon left in his yard. Gordon admitted that he did not shoot the polar bear in self-defense.
Gordon is an Alaskan Native who is permitted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to hunt or kill polar bears and other marine mammals for subsistence purposes or for the purpose of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing, however this cannot be done in a wasteful manner. According to the court documents, between Dec. 20, 2018, and May 22, 2019, Gordon left the polar bear carcass in his front yard without salvaging any portion or parts of the polar bear and allowing it to become covered with snow. Approximately three weeks after Gordon shot the polar bear, a snow removal vehicle moved the polar bear carcass, ripping off one of its legs. Although portions of the polar bear carcass were still salvageable after this event, Gordon made no effort at any time to salvage any part of the polar bear, including the pelt, claws or teeth. Five months later, on May 22, 2019, Gordon had the polar bear carcass discarded and burned in the Kaktovik dump without ever using or salvaging any of its parts.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Beistline noted that Gordon, as an Alaskan Native, had the legal right to harvest the polar bear, however he had numerous opportunities to properly salvage the polar bear for subsistence or other purposes, however he did not do so. Judge Beistline also noted the importance of deterring future similar conduct in fashioning the sentence. During his one-year period of supervised release Gordon is not permitted to hunt marine mammals with the exception of Bowhead whales.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan D. Tansey.
Former Kivalina Teacher Arrested and Charged for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jayson Knox, a/k/a “Birdie,” 21, a former substitute teacher at the McQueen School in Kivalina, Alaska, has been charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a child, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Knox was arrested yesterday, and is currently awaiting his initial court appearance.
According to court documents, Knox became the subject of a federal investigation earlier this month when the Alaska State Troopers contacted the FBI concerning allegations that Knox had engaged in inappropriate conduct with minors in Kivalina. The complaint alleges that Knox used text messages and social media to communicate with 10 minors in Kivalina to send and request sexually explicit images. The complaint also alleges that Knox used text messages and social media to make attempts to set up meetings with some of the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
If the public has any further information regarding Knox’s activities,
please contact Anchorage FBI at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Knox faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Alaska State Troopers (AST) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Doty of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
This case is part of the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN) Working Group’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities.
The investigation is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Troy MacDermott, 36, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline to serve seven years and three months in federal prison, to be followed by a 40-year term of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. MacDermott was also ordered to pay $42,000 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents, in December 2018, law enforcement identified MacDermott’s IP address on a photo-sharing and instant messaging mobile application, which was linked to the user “chrissmith790” and “chrisschmidt159.” The investigation revealed that MacDermott utilized these monikers to upload visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
A search of MacDermott’s computer and phone revealed approximately 33,325 pictures and 802 videos of child pornography that he had downloaded through the internet. One of the videos found on his phone was three minutes and 45 seconds long and included a compilation video of sexually explicit video clips involving real minors under the age of 12.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Beistline noted the harm that MacDermott’s “repugnant” conduct had on the children shown in the images he possessed, and that MacDermott’s conduct was “clearly pre-meditated.” He admonished that it might help MacDermott in overcoming his addiction if he “think[s] about how [he’d] feel if someone did the same things [he gained so much pleasure in watching] to his children.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carole Holley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
ATF Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests, Recovery of 82 FirearmsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that, on Tues., Feb. 25, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a series of search warrants as part of “Operation Cold Snap,” resulting in federal charges against 16 individuals for federal firearm and drug trafficking crimes. The operation further resulted in the recovery of 82 illegal firearms, some of which were stolen; approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 300 grams of heroin.
Over the last several months, the ATF Anchorage Field Office initiated multiple investigations into firearms and narcotics traffickers operating in the Municipality of Anchorage and the surrounding areas. As a result of this operation, the following individuals are now facing charges alleged in ten separate federal indictments:
- Clay Millhouse, a/k/a “Bear,” 34, and Shad Rider-Sorden, a/k/a “Shadow,” 28, both of Anchorage, are charged with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and possession of stolen firearms. Millhouse is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Michael Proctor, 34, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition;
- Nathaniel Sofianos, 30, and Korina Thompson, 32, both of Wasilla, have been charged with distribution of controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms.
- Xenophon Xayamonty, a/k/a “Rexy,” a/k/a, “X,” 31, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime;
- Realann Odsigue, 27, and Rene Laxa, 26, both of Anchorage, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine;
- Dorian Topps, 26, Isaiah Cross, 27, and Kevin Glover, 37, all of Anchorage, are charged with distribution of methamphetamine;
- Christopher Poindexter, 34, and Roxanne Reed, 37, both of Anchorage, are charged with distribution of a controlled substance. Poindexter is also charged with carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and Reed is also charged with being a felon in possession;
- Dana Dwyer, 43, of Wasilla, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Marcus Jones, 48, of Anchorage, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; and
- Lanyegia Davis, 29, of Anchorage, is charged with distribution of heroin.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Operation Cold Snap is the product of an investigation led by the ATF Anchorage Field Office, with substantial assistance provided by the Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Anchorage Airport Police, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). These cases are being prosecuted out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman, Allison O’Leary, Kelly Cavanaugh, William Taylor, Carole Holley, Stephan Collins; and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers.
During the course of the investigation, several leads were generated from ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crime involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
These cases were investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. In November 2019, DOJ also announced the launch of Project Guardian, a nationwide strategic plan to reduce gun violence, which serves as a complementary effort to the success of PSN, and emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
- Clay Millhouse, a/k/a “Bear,” 34, and Shad Rider-Sorden, a/k/a “Shadow,” 28, both of Anchorage, are charged with conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and possession of stolen firearms. Millhouse is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms;
Anchorage Felon Receives Max Penalty for Illegally Possessing Firearm Resulting in July 2018 Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Clint Registe, 38, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 10 years in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The federal charge stems from an investigation into the death of Brittney Sparks, who was killed by a gunshot wound on July 20, 2018.
According to court documents, on July 20, 2018, Registe shot the victim in the head while handling a Mak-90 rifle in his Anchorage apartment. Another resident of the building heard the shot and came inside Registe’s apartment to investigate. Registe told him to call 911 and said that he planned to turn himself in before fleeing the scene. Medics declared the victim dead on scene.
Investigators from the Anchorage Police Department searched Registe’s apartment and found the Mak-90 rifle as well as three semi-automatic pistols, one of which was stolen. Drugs and a substantial supply of ammunition and high capacity magazines were also recovered from the apartment. Registe was arrested on Sept. 11, 2018, and told detectives that he had accidentally shot the victim while they were cleaning the apartment.
Registe has prior felony convictions for assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. In imposing the 10 year sentence, Judge Burgess noted that Registe’s criminal history “involves guns, over and over and over again.” He explained that the sentence was necessary to protect the public, and that “to say that the defendant is dangerous would be an understatement.”
Registe currently faces additional charges in state court for Manslaughter and Murder in the Second Degree in connection with the victim’s death.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman and Allison O’Leary.
This case was investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. In November 2019, DOJ also announced the launch of Project Guardian, a nationwide strategic plan to reduce gun violence, which serves as a complementary effort to the success of PSN, and emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.