District of Arizona
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
United States Attorney Michael Bailey and IRS Warn of Schemes Tied to Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) today urged citizens to be on high alert for scams related to the COVID-19 economic impact payments.
According to the United States Treasury Department, more than 80 million taxpayers who opted for direct deposit should see the economic impact payments in their bank accounts by tomorrow, if the payment has not already arrived. Coinciding with these payments, United States Attorney Michael Bailey and Tara Sullivan, Acting Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office, expect a surge in scam calls, emails, and text messages as criminals try to leverage the payout as an opportunity to defraud individuals.
“Our office is on the lookout for scam artists who try to steal these much-needed economic impact payments from the pockets of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey. “We are on high alert for anyone who tries to prey upon Arizonans during this pandemic, and we ask that each of you take the same approach – educate yourself about common scams, be vigilant in protecting your information, and report any attempted fraud.”
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey and Acting SAC Tara Sullivan also remind retirees who do not normally file a tax return that no further action is needed to receive the $1,200 economic impact payment. The IRS will not contact retirees to request additional information via email, text, call, or in-person to issue an economic impact payment. The IRS is sending the economic impact payment automatically to retirees and no further action is required to receive it. Any contact asking for information regarding an economic impact payment should be considered suspicious. If contacted, retirees should hang up the phone, ignore the email, or shut the door, and report the scam to the IRS or the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline.
“As soon as the Economic Impact Payments were announced by the government, we saw efforts from scammers trying to get their hands on this money. The IRS or Treasury will not be contacting you to verify your personal information. We don’t want any Arizonans to be victims of fraud related to these payments,” said Acting SAC Tara Sullivan.
The United States Attorney’s Office and the IRS-CI suggest the following tips to protect against economic impact payment scams:
- Don’t provide personal or banking information in response to any call, email, text, or social media request. If you do not file taxes and you are not a retiree, then you should provide your information to the IRS to register for an economic impact payment, but only do so by using the secure portal on IRS.gov.
- Never sign your economic impact payment check over to someone you don’t know and trust.
- Don’t believe anyone who says they can help you get your economic impact payment faster. Be patient. Look for updates on IRS.gov.
- Be wary of emails, texts, or calls that emphasize the phrases “Stimulus Check” or “Stimulus Payment.” The official term that is used by the IRS is economic impact payment.
- If you expect your economic impact payment to come via mail, be mindful of thieves who may take this as an opportunity to raid your mailbox. Check your mail regularly and in a timely fashion.
- If you receive an economic impact payment in the form of a physical check and someone calls you or asks you to verify information online in order to cash it, don’t believe them. Bring the check to a bank teller for verification – don’t provide that information to an unknown person, even if they claim to be from the government.
If you believe you were the target or victim of a scam related to the economic impact payments, please contact the IRS via [email protected] or the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or [email protected].
More information about the economic impact payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov. If you are a registered taxpayer who elected for direct deposit and you have not received a payment by the end of the week, visit IRS.gov to determine the status of your payment. If you are a retiree and don’t file taxes, no further action is required to receive your payment. If you are not a retiree and don’t file taxes, enter your information as a non-filer through the secure portal at IRS.gov to determine your eligibility and register for a payment.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-048_Economic Impact Payment Scams
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Don’t provide personal or banking information in response to any call, email, text, or social media request. If you do not file taxes and you are not a retiree, then you should provide your information to the IRS to register for an economic impact payment, but only do so by using the secure portal on IRS.gov.
Tucson Man Sentenced to Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On February 24, Martin Gerardo Mendoza, 51, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 24 months in federal prison followed by 120 months of supervised release. In August 2019, Mendoza pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact.
On or between May 3 and May 4, 2018, Mendoza knowingly and intentionally engaged in sexual contact with the victim without her permission. Mendoza committed the act on the Yavapai-Prescott reservation in Prescott, Arizona. The victim is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tucson Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina Covault and William Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-8246-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-047_Mendoza# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Camp Verde Man Sentenced to 106 Months in Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 2, Ellias Clint Thompson, 29, of Camp Verde, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 106 months in federal prison.
In December 2019, Thompson pleaded guilty to Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex Offender in case number CR-19-8228. Thompson also admitted to violating conditions of his lifetime supervised release in two prior cases, CR-16-8198 and CR-13-8200. Upon release from prison, Thompson will remain on supervised release for life.
On May 17, 2019, while on supervised release in the 2013 and 2016 cases, Thompson absconded from a residential re-entry center. He then failed to register as a sex offender as required. Thompson is an enrolled member of the Yavapai Apache Nation.
The Yavapai-Apache Police Department and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Covault, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-8228-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-046_Thompson# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Two Phoenix Women Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 9, Consuelo Stephanee Pena, 29, and on March 16, Dulce Avilene Gonzalez-Rosillo, 24, both of Phoenix, Ariz., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa and U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes, respectively, for their participation in multiple drug and money laundering offenses.
Pena was charged with multiple offenses related to drug trafficking and laundering drug proceeds between November 2015 and March 2018. Pena pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and one count of Aiding and Abetting Money Laundering. Pena was sentenced to concurrent terms of 51 months in prison.
On April 17, 2017, Phoenix Police Officers came to the residence Pena shared with her boyfriend in Phoenix, Arizona. While she was speaking to officers in front of the residence, she sent a text message to her boyfriend, warning him that officers were in front of the residence and that he should escape out the back. Pena wanted him to hide drugs that were located in the residence so they would not be found by law enforcement. Pena’s boyfriend responded to Pena’s text by advising he had thrown a bag over the fence. Officers later located that bag, which contained two kilograms of cocaine, nine kilograms of heroin, and 84 grams of fentanyl.
On December 7, 2016, Pena provided Gonzalez-Rosillo with her debit card so that Gonzalez-Rosillo could withdraw drug proceeds from Pena’s bank account and transport the cash to Mexico. Pena admitted she and Gonzalez-Rosillo were being paid to engage in this illegal activity and were splitting the fee. On that same date, Gonzalez-Rosillo was searched by Customs and Border Protection Officers as she was attempting to drive outbound into Mexico with the cash. Officers found $7,802 on her person and in her vehicle.
Gonzalez-Rosillo pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. In July 2017, Gonzalez-Rosillo was stopped in Nevada while driving two kilograms of heroin from Arizona to Washington state. She was subsequently released from custody. Later, in June 2018, she was arrested for transporting 33 kilograms of marijuana near the United States-Mexico border. Gonzalez-Rosillo was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, and her vehicle was forfeited.
Homeland Security Investigations and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated these cases, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, United States Border Patrol, the Phoenix Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and the White Pine County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacy Cooper, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecutions.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-18-1253-PHX-DLR/CR-18-1257-PHX-DLR/CR-19-0296-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-045_Pena and Gonzalez-Rosillo
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.United States Attorney Michael Bailey and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich Launch Covid-19 Fraud Task ForceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – United States Attorney Michael Bailey and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich today launched a joint federal, state, and local task force to combat coronavirus-related fraud.
The COVID-19 Fraud Task Force brings together a dozen partners from across the state, with the goal of combining resources and information to better investigate and prosecute wrongdoers that seek to profit from the public health crisis. The mission of the Task Force is to streamline the government’s response to reports of fraud related to COVID-19 in Arizona. By working together across all levels of government, the Task Force will ensure that cases are investigated promptly and brought to the appropriate prosecuting entity. In the midst of the current crisis, members of the Task Force will work together, share information, and better protect Arizona citizens by ensuring that all scams are investigated and those responsible are held to account.
“In times of crisis, the best of humanity is often evident as people support one another and unite together to fight a common enemy. We see that in today’s stories about our health care workers, our first responders, and our communities sacrificing safety and comfort to protect one another,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “Unfortunately crisis can also be a time when the worst parts of humanity surface. This Task Force will seek out and punish scam artists who prey on the fear and uncertainty of our citizens during this public health crisis.”
Assistant United States Attorney Jim Knapp, recently appointed as the United States Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, and Joseph Sciarrotta, Civil Division Chief for the Attorney General’s Office, are leading the Arizona COVID-19 Fraud Task Force. Other members include: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Investigation Division, Health and Human Services, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the United States Secret Service, the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Services.
"It’s not surprising con artists are taking advantage of headlines and exploiting COVID-19 concerns and anxieties of consumers," said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. "The Attorney General’s Office is here to serve Arizonans and is working around the clock to combat fraud, but we can't do it alone. The launch of this new COVID-19 Task Force with our federal and local partners will maximize our resources and help ensure we are prepared to combat new and evolving consumer threats."
"The FBI is proud to be a member of Arizona's COVID-19 Fraud Task Force," said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. "We are committed to aggressively pursuing bad actors who are utilizing the COVID-19 pandemic to commit cyber, financial, and healthcare fraud, including withholding critical supplies from our citizens, healthcare workers, and first responders."
In recent weeks, stories of fraud related to the coronavirus have increased across the nation. In times of uncertainty, consumers are often more vulnerable to scams as they seek answers and a sense of security. Fake texts, emails, and social media posts that might normally be ignored may now be enticing if they offer COVID-19 tests, miracle cures, medical products, or financial windfall.
On April 6, the Federal Trade Commission reported that it had received almost 12,000 consumer complaints related to COVID-19 in just three months. Well over half of those complaints were fraud-related, with a total loss to consumers of $8.39 million.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has also experienced a spike in COVID-19-related consumer fraud complaints. The office already sent cease-and-desist letters to local businesses (YiLo Superstore Dispensary and Prepper’s Discount) that were offering COVID-19-related products alleged to be in violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. To help keep Arizonans informed of the latest scams and to provide tips to consumers, the Attorney General’s Office recently launched a COVID-19 scam information page: www.AZAG.gov/COVID-19.
In light of these reports, United States Attorney Bailey and Attorney General Brnovich urge all Arizonans to be on alert for scam artists. Be smart and consider the following to protect yourself from COVID-19 fraud:
- Do not respond to texts, emails, or calls requesting your personal information in exchange for a COVID-19 stimulus check. If you receive one of these requests, immediately report it to the hotline. COVID-19 economic impact checks will be delivered based on 2018 or 2019 tax return information, so no action is required for most people.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID-19 before giving. An organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like “CDC” or “government” in its name.
- Be cautious of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) from unknown third party vendors. Verify that the company is legitimate before ordering their products or sending money.
- Never click on a link or open an email attachment from an unknown or unverified source. Links and attachments may be embedded with a virus that will infect your computer or mobile device. To better protect yourself against malware, make sure your anti-virus software is operating and up-to-date.
- Do not be convinced by sales pitches for COVID-19 tests that promise to give results in as little as 24 hours. If an effective, quick-results test becomes widely available, you will find out through news sources and government reporting, not a sales pitch.
If you believe you have been a target of a coronavirus-related scam, or know someone else who has been, please report the fraud. Reports can be made to the Task Force at:
- National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 1-800-720-5721 or [email protected]
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office: www.AZAG.gov/complaints/consumer
- FBI’s IC3 (for internet related scams): www.IC3.gov
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-044_Coronavirus Task Force Launch
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Do not respond to texts, emails, or calls requesting your personal information in exchange for a COVID-19 stimulus check. If you receive one of these requests, immediately report it to the hotline. COVID-19 economic impact checks will be delivered based on 2018 or 2019 tax return information, so no action is required for most people.
Supai Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Assaulting Two Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 9, Delton Rogers, 33, of Supai, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to two terms of 27 months in federal prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. Rogers will serve the terms concurrently. In December 2019, Rogers pleaded guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer in two different cases.
On September 27, 2018, Rogers struck a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer who was attempting to restrain him during an altercation in Supai, Arizona. On April 21, 2019, when Hualapai Police Department officers were attempting to locate Rogers after a domestic disturbance report, he led officers on a high speed vehicle pursuit. While being taken into custody, Rogers aggressively attempted to break free from officers and repeatedly kicked an officer in the legs.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (Truxton Canyon Agency) and the Hualapai Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Covault, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-8036-PCT-SPL; CR-19-8155-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-043_Rogers# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Utah Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic Assault on Navajo NationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On February 24, Gregg Larry Holiday, 47, of Goulding, Utah, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Holiday previously pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate partner or dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury.
Holiday committed the assault on his partner in 2016. During the assault, Holiday strangled the victim. The assault occurred at a residence on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, in Arizona. Both Holiday and the victim are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. Alexander W. Samuels, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-08096-PCT-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-042_Holiday# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available 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
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-041_Reentry Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available 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:
- 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.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-040_School Safety Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
Keams Canyon Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 2, 2020, Ernie Andrews, 34, of Keams Canyon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 53 months of imprisonment, with credit for four months Andrews spent in tribal custody, to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Andrews previously pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The crime took place on the Hopi Indian Reservation on January 29, 2019.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Van Buskirk, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-08187-PCT-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-039_Andrews# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available 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
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-038_Addiction Crisis Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey today 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
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-036_Fight Human Trafficking Grants
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
Chinle Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Young GirlsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 16, Jarett James, 34, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to life imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing two girls between the ages of 10 and 12. The crimes took place on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in 2011 and 2012.
On October 18, 2019, a jury found James guilty of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Van Buskirk, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08249-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-037_James# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Peach Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 2, 2020, Louis Screaming Eagle Walema, 24, of Peach Springs, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 46 months in prison, followed by a three year term of supervised release. Walema previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
On March 27, 2019, after forcing his way into the victim’s home, Walema punched and kicked the victim multiple times, causing the victim to sustain permanent injuries. The assault happened on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, and both Walema and the victim are members of the Hualapai Indian Tribe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hualapai Nation Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-08099-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-035_Walema# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Parker Man Sentenced to Prison for Assault with Intent to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 2, 2020, Michael Jay Ameelyenah, 28, of Parker, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 100 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Ameelyenah previously pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder.
On March 29, 2019, Ameelyenah stabbed the victim multiple times, causing the victim to sustain life-threatening injuries. Ameelyenah committed the assault on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Indian Reservation and both Ameelyenah and the victim are members of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-00779-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-034_Ameelyenah# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Sells Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexal Abuse of Two MinorsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 18, Tracy Antonio, 25, of Sells, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Raner C. Collins to 37 months of imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Antonio must also register as a sex offender and follow sex offender conditions while on supervised release. Antonio previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Between November 12, 2015 and March 23, 2017, Antonio engaged in sexual intercourse with two victims, who were both less than 16 years old at the time. The crimes occurred near Sells, Ariz., on the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation. Antonio is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, as were both victims.
Tohono O’odham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erica Seger and Frances Kreamer Hope, District of Arizona, Tucson, prosecuted the case against Antonio.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-01903-RCC-JR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-033_Antonio# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.U.S. Attorney Designates Federal Prosecutor to Serve as Coordinator for Fighting COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey announced today his appointment of a federal prosecutor to lead the fight against fraud in the state of Arizona relating to COVID-19.
“Our office has already started receiving reports about individuals who are trying to use this crisis as an opportunity to prey upon others,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey. “This kind of behavior during a national public health emergency is egregious and despicable. We will identify and prosecute anyone who uses the COVID-19 crisis to defraud others.”
U.S. Attorney Bailey appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Knapp, a longtime prosecutor and the Office’s White Collar Section Chief, to serve as the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator. AUSA Knapp will serve as legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the virus and will lead all investigations based on incoming reports of fraud related to COVID-19.
Some common scams linked to COVID-19 that are being reported around the nation include:
- Testing Scams: Individuals selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money;
- Treatment Scams: Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online;
- Charity Scams: Individuals soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19;
- Supply Scams: Scammers creating fake shops, websites, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies that are in high demand;
- App Scams: Mobile apps that appear to be designed to track the spread of COVID-19, but which insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information;
- Phishing Scams: Phishing emails sent from entities posing as the World Health Organization (“WHO”) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”);
- Provider Scams: Scammers are contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment;
- Investment Scams: Online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.
If you or someone you know believe you’ve been the target or victim of a fraud scheme related to the COVID-19 crisis please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721). Scam reports can also be made online by emailing NCDF at [email protected] or through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov.
As our nation continues to fight the spread of COVID-19, the critical mission of the U.S. Department of Justice must and will continue. In a memo this week, Attorney General Barr directed all U.S. Attorneys to remain vigilant in detecting, deterring, and prosecuting criminal activity, especially crimes of fraud related to the crisis.
In a recent email to the office staff, U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey wrote, “As federal prosecutors we’ve each assumed a mantle, sworn an oath, and accepted a duty – proudly – to protect others and our community from crime. We will fulfill that duty, notwithstanding hurdles or roadblocks.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do its part and fulfill its mission during this crisis. In the meantime, we urge you to educate yourselves about these schemes and report any fraud to the authorities.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-032_COVID19# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.- Testing Scams: Individuals selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money;
Former Prisoner Transport Officer Convicted of Sexual Assault of Two Woman in His Custody and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of His Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Little Rock, Arkansas, found Eric Scott Kindley, 52, a private prisoner transport officer, guilty of sexually assaulting two different women in his custody during two different transports in 2014 and 2017, and for knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of the 2017 sexual assault.
“The defendant was a prison transport officer who abused his law enforcement authority by sexually assaulting prisoners entrusted to his custody. That is a federal crime, and the Department of Justice will vigorously investigate and prosecute law enforcement officers who unlawfully use their position to abuse those in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction was made possible by the brave women who testified about their abuse, and the tireless work of federal investigators and prosecutors over the last three years.”
"Kindley took advantage of his authority to exploit the very people he was entrusted with transporting across the country,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “We commend the many victims, across the nation, who came forward to report this despicable crime. This conviction should serve as notice that anyone who uses their authority to exploit individuals in their custody, will be held accountable and the FBI will continue to aggressively pursue these types of cases. We would like to thank the FBI agents across the country whose tireless efforts helped bring Kindley to justice and the Department of Justice for their tremendous work on this case.”
Evidence at trial showed that Kindley operated a private prisoner transport company that contracted with local jails throughout the country to transport individuals who were arrested on out-of-state warrants. Kindley transported individuals alone, without any oversight, in his unmarked white minivan, often for hundreds of miles. The jury heard from six women whom he transported between 2013 and 2017, all of whom described Kindley’s pattern of conduct. Kindley transported them alone over long distances, handcuffed and shackled in the backseat of the van. Kindley forced them to listen to sexually explicit comments that escalated in intensity and depravity. Some women dealt with the comments by trying to make a joke of it; others attempted to talk back and end the comments, while others sat silently. In each instance, Kindley drove to desolate locations, putting the women in fear of being sexually assaulted, severely hurt, or worse.
One of those women testified at trial that when Kindley transported her Alabama to Arizona in 2017, he stopped his van in a deserted area near Little Rock and sexually assaulted her while she was handcuffed, reminding her, as he did with other victims that she was “an inmate in transport” and that no one would believe her if she reported her. A second woman testified that when Kindley transported her in 2014, he stopped his van in a deserted area, also in Arkansas, and forced her to perform a sex act on him. A third woman testified that during her transport by Kindley in 2013 from Florida to Texas, he pulled his van over on the side of a dark road and sexually assaulted her. A fourth woman also testified that during her 2012 transport by from Nevada to California, Kindley stopped his van in a deserted park. He forced her to perform a sex act on him in a park bathroom. A fifth woman testified that during her 2013 transport from California to Montana, Kindley attempted to sexually assault her after he pulled over on the side of the road during a snowstorm. The jury heard testimony that none of the women who testified knew one another.
Kindley is also under indictment in the Central District of California for committing similar offenses related to his sexual assault of two other women in his custody in 2012 and 2017, and for brandishing a firearm during one of the sexual assaults. One of those women testified at this trial.
Kindley faces a maximum of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case is being investigated by the Phoenix Division of the FBI with assistance from FBI field offices throughout the United States. It is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas and the District of Arizona.
Defendant Sentenced to 87 Months for Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On March 6, 2020, United States District Court Judge James A. Soto sentenced Wilmer Martin Flores, 43, of Honduras, to 87 months in prison. A jury had previously found Flores guilty of Assault on a Federal Officer.
On June 20, 2016, Flores assaulted a United States Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer during the performance of her official duties. In the process, the victim suffered serious bodily injury. At the time of the assault, Flores was serving a 235-month sentence for Sex Trafficking and Kidnapping.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel J. Walters and Jesse Figueroa of the District of Arizona.
United States Attorney’s Office District of Arizona February 2020 Immigration and Border ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
1,225 individuals were charged in February with illegal reentry
A. 377 of those 1,225 individuals had previously been convicted of non-immigration criminal
offenses in the U.S.
Of the 377 individuals with non-immigration criminal records:1. 82 had violent crime convictions, including:
7 individuals had sex offense convictions
25 individuals had domestic violence convictions
2. 53 had property crime convictions
3. 123 had DUI convictions
4. 134 had drug crime convictions
B. 289 of those 1,225 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
85 individuals were charged in February with alien smuggling
III. Illegal Entry (Criminal Consequence Initiative) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
757 individuals were charged in February with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2020-030_February Immigration and Border Crimes Report
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing ChildrenRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, James Lee Jones, Jr., of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to multiple life terms in prison. Jones previously was convicted by a jury of 4 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and 5 counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.
In the late 1990s, Jones repeatedly sexually abused a minor who was under the age of 12. In 2016, Jones repeatedly sexually abused another minor who was 12 years old. Jones sexually abused the victims on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where Jones and the victims are enrolled tribal members.
“There is no question that Navajo will be a safer place for children with Jones off the streets permanently,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey.
“These crimes are gut-wrenching and there is no question that this sentencing is just,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Indian Country and we will continue to aggressively pursue child sexual assault cases. The FBI is committed to protecting all of our communities, helping victims, and ensuring that justice is served.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Powell and Amy Chang, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Defendant Sentenced to 5 1/2 Years for Witness Tampering and Lying to the FBI in Garland Shooting InvestigationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On March 3, 2020, United States District Judge John J. Tuchi sentenced Abdul Khabir Wahid, 54, of Phoenix, to 67 months in prison for making a false statement to the FBI during an investigation involving international terrorism and tampering with a witness, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) and 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3), respectively. Wahid was sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Wahid’s trial was held before Judge Tuchi from February 26, 2019, to March 1, 2019, after Wahid waived a jury trial.
Evidence at trial showed that Wahid committed the offenses during the FBI investigation of the May 3, 2015, ISIS-related attack on the Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest in Garland, Texas. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi drove from Arizona to Texas to conduct the attack, stopped their car near the contest location, and began firing semiautomatic rifles at security personnel and law enforcement officers. One of their bullets struck and injured a security guard. Police officers shot and killed Simpson and Soofi during the firefight. Wahid did not travel to Texas and was not involved in the attack.
On May 1, 2015, just days before the attack, Simpson instructed Wahid to deliver a key and an envelope to a third person. During a May 6, 2015, interview with FBI agents, Wahid made false statements and concealed those facts, despite having delivered the key and envelope as instructed by Simpson. Trial testimony revealed the FBI would have pursued additional avenues of investigation had Wahid truthfully disclosed the information, but was unable to do so in a timely manner. Also, between May 4 and July 8, 2015, Wahid tried to persuade Soofi’s brother not to speak with the FBI, to lie about seeing Simpson and Soofi with guns, and to lie about observing ISIS propaganda videos in Simpson and Soofi’s apartment.
“Wahid obstructed a terrorism investigation and is no friend of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey. “I want to thank the FBI for the tremendous effort that went into the underlying investigation, as well as the brave law enforcement officials in Garland whose quick action during the attack prevented a much larger tragedy.”
“The FBI takes its mission of protecting the American public seriously, and we are dedicated to conducting fair and thorough investigations,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “Wahid not only lied to the FBI but he directly interfered with an investigation. This sentencing shows that, those who participate in that type of activity will be held accountable for their actions. The FBI would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligent work on this case.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Brook and Joseph Koehler of the District of Arizona.
Readout of Southwest Border U.S. Attorneys Visit to MexicoRead the Press Release
From February 24 to 28, a delegation of U.S. Attorneys led by U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna of the Central District of California, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer of the Southern District of California, U.S. Attorney Mike Bailey of the District of Arizona, U.S. Attorney John Anderson of the District of New Mexico, U.S. Attorney Joseph Brown of the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, and U.S. Attorney John Bash of the Western District of Texas along with their and the Northern District of Texas criminal chiefs and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) chiefs traveled to Mexico City to participate in a series of briefings and meetings regarding counter-narcotic efforts as well as efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and the trafficking of arms and drugs.
The Justice Department’s Attaché Office in Mexico City organized the briefings and meetings. The U.S. delegation participated in a meeting with various officials from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) including Deputy Attorney General for International and Legal Affairs, Miguel Angel Mendez Buenos Aires; Deputy Attorney General for Organized Crime and Investigations, Alfredo Higuera Bernal; Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Proceedings and Habeus Corpus, Roberto Ochoa Romero; and Deputy Attorney General for Investigative Techniques and Methods, Felipe de Jesus Gallo Gutierrez.
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices delegations were also briefed by various U.S. law enforcement entities stationed in Mexico City. They discussed investigative strategies and their shared commitment to protecting the security and safety of our shared border and the citizens residing in both the United States and Mexico.
The U.S. law enforcement relationship with Mexico is one of our most important partnerships to combat trans-border crime. The U.S. delegation reiterated the United States’ commitment to protecting U.S. and Mexican citizens and leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral law enforcement cooperation.
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.
Southwest Border U.S. Attorneys meeting with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR)
L-R: U.S. Attorney John Bash, U.S. Attorney Joseph Brown, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, Deputy Attorney General Alfredo Higuera Bernal, Deputy Attorney General Roberto Ochoa Romero, Deputy Attorney General Miguel Angel Mendez Buenos Aires, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick, U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna, U.S. Attorney John Anderson, and U.S. Attorney Mike Bailey.Misdemeanor Count Against Scott Warren DismissedRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the United States Attorney’s Office filed a motion to dismiss the remaining misdemeanor count against Scott Warren, for which he was found guilty. Senior District Judge Raner Collins granted the motion in court this morning. The dismissal is only as to the specific offense in Count 1 of the information. Dismissing the remaining count of conviction in this case does not foreclose the United States from prosecuting Warren for other crimes in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, should he violate the law.
“While we continue to evaluate appellate options after an adverse ruling in a similar case, we want to ensure consistency in our prosecution of these violations moving forward,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “But to be clear, these groups must follow the law, even when delivering true humanitarian aid, and we will continue to prosecute those who intentionally help illegal immigrants evade law enforcement detection while deceptively cloaking their illegal acts as ‘humanitarian aid.’”
Former Hopi Reservation Ranger Sentenced in Arizona on Sexual Assault Charges and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
Mackenzie Davis, 25, a former Ranger with the Hopi Law Enforcement Services, was sentenced Monday in federal court in Phoenix, Arizona, to 51 months in prison for sexually assaulting a female arrestee in his custody and destroying evidence to cover up his crimes.
“This sentence demonstrates that law enforcement officers who use their official authority to target and sexually assault individuals in their custody will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice commends the victim who came forward to report this reprehensible conduct, so that this officer’s crimes could see the light of day.”
“The steadfast courage of the victim, together with the FBI’s excellent investigative work, made the successful prosecution possible,” said Michael Bailey, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Davis’ sentence should serve as a warning to officials who breach the public’s trust.”
“The FBI will not tolerate officials who abuse their authority and violate the very people they were sworn to protect,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office. “We too commend the victim who came forward to report this crime. The FBI will continue to work alongside our state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect all of our communities and hold those who abuse their positions of power, accountable.”
A federal jury convicted Davis last October. Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 15, 2016, Davis arrested the victim for driving under the influence. During a nearly two-hour transport to a detention center, Davis pulled over onto the side of the road and sexually assaulted C.A. Another witness testified that he engaged in similar conduct with her five years prior, when he was not a law enforcement officer. A jury found Davis guilty of violating C.A.’s civil rights, abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, and destruction of evidence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Davis will serve 120 months on supervised release. He will also forfeit his law enforcement certification, forfeit his weapons, and be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the Flagstaff Resident Agency of the Phoenix Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbie Broughton Marsh, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Civil Rights Division.
Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Drug and Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - On February 13, 2020, Jose Antonio Yanez, 50, of Pirtleville, Ariz., was sentenced to 72 months in prison by United States District Judge James A. Soto. Yanez had previously pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Receiving a Bribe, and Importation of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance. Yanez was also ordered to pay $340,434 in restitution to United States Border Patrol, for salary he received while he was involved in the conspiracy.
From 2014 to 2016, while working as a United States Border Patrol Agent at the Douglas and Naco stations, Yanez used his position to assist drug traffickers to transport thousands of kilograms of marijuana. Among other acts, Yanez turned Border Patrol cameras away from an 18-person group of smugglers carrying marijuana in large backpacks, purposely left his area of responsibility so that vehicles containing more than 4,100 kilograms of narcotics could cross the border, and provided law enforcement sensitive materials and information to co-conspirators, all in exchange for money. Yanez admitted to accepting more than $16,000 in bribes during the conspiracy. Further, Yanez personally smuggled at least 160 alprazolam and tramadol pills into the United States from Mexico to distribute to another person.
“It is a unique affront to our system of justice when people like Yanez breach the trust placed in them by our communities,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey, “and we have established a new Public Integrity section in our office to vigorously pursue matters like this.”
The investigation was handled by the Cochise Border Corruption Task Force, comprised of the FBI, Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility, Border Patrol, DEA, and the Douglas Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Gordon E. Davenport III, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Alien Smugglers Sentenced to Prison for Seizing an Illegal Alien in DistressRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 10, 2020, U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez sentenced Johnson Ortiz, 23, of Sells, to 80 months in prison and Regina Ramon, 29, of Sells, to 60 months, in prison. Both Ortiz and Ramon previously pleaded guilty on September 4, 2019, to their involvement in Harboring Illegal Aliens for Profit, with Ortiz also pleading to a statutory endangerment enhancement.
On March 18, 2019, the victim, a distressed illegal alien who was walking along the road on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation, in Sells, was contacted by persons driving a red SUV. They asked what he was doing on the road, and the victim said, “Help me, please. Hospital.” Using a translator app, the occupants of the red SUV agreed to take the victim to the hospital, but instead took him to Ortiz’s and Ramon’s house. Despite repeated requests for medical attention, Ortiz and Ramon kept the victim at their house and, via a translator app, asked him who in the United States would pay for his further transportation into the United States. While at the house, Ortiz robbed the victim of his wallet, cell phone, and identification at knifepoint. On March 20, 2019, the victim escaped out of a window and was found by a patrolling Tohono O’odham Police officer, who took the victim to the hospital and called Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). After meeting with the victim at the hospital, Special Agents obtained a federal search warrant for the house where the victim had been held and discovered six additional illegal aliens, one an unaccompanied minor, the victim’s belongings, and the knife used during the robbery while searching the house. Each of the illegal aliens found in the house stated that they had made arrangements to be smuggled further into the United States and were to pay upon their arrival at their final destinations.
“We commend the alert and responsive work of the Tohono O’odham Police officer and his collaboration with H.S.I. in the investigation of the case,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “This case highlights the danger human smugglers present to vulnerable people.”
“This is yet another example of the dangers of illegally crossing the border. Human smugglers pray on people for the sole purpose of profit and in this case, they callously disregarded the victim’s plea for help and continued to abuse him for additional financial gain,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for the HSI office in Phoenix. “HSI is at the forefront of investigating these human smuggling organizations that attempt to plague the southwest border. Our message is clear, human smugglers will not find refuge in Arizona.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Serra M. Tsethlikai and Alicia Renee Robertson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
United States Attorney's Office District of Arizona January 2020 Immigration and Border ReportRead the Press Release
I. Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
1,074 individuals were charged in January with illegal reentry
A. 336 of those 1,074 individuals had been convicted of non-immigration criminal offenses in the
U.S.
Of the 336 individuals with non-immigration criminal records,
1. 67 had violent crime convictions, including
2 individuals had homicide convictions
8 individuals had sex offense convictions
31 individuals had domestic violence convictions
2. 53 had property crime convictions
3. 107 had DUI convictions
4. 119 had drug crime convictions
B. 252 of those 1,074 individuals had been deported three or more times
II. Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
76 individuals were charged in January with alien smuggling
III. Ilegal Entry CCI (formerly Operation Streamline) (8 U.S.C. 1325)
779 individuals were charged in January with illegal entry on the CCI calendar
Criminal conviction information based on preliminary criminal history reports provided by the arresting agency.
These numbers represent United States Attorney's Office prosecutions only. These numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Sells Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 3, 2020, Orlando Lester Aguilla, of Sells, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Raner Collins to 33 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. Aguilla had previously pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
On March 14, 2017, the victim attempted to break up a domestic fight in which Aguilla was involved. Aguilla, who was intoxicated, picked up a large shovel and struck the victim on the back of the head, causing a four-inch laceration. Aguilla and the victim are both enrolled members of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Schmit, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Laundering Funds from Lottery Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 6, 2020, U.S. District Judge James A. Soto sentenced defendant Morgan Alek Forrester to 21 months in prison. As part of his sentence, Forrester was also ordered to pay $176,000 in restitution. Forrester is one of four codefendants who have been charged in this conspiracy. Forrester previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Forrester participated in scheme where Jamaican-based scammers called elderly U.S. victims and falsely stated they had won a lottery. In order to receive their winnings, the elderly victims were told they must first submit money for taxes and fees. Forrester’s role in this conspiracy was to help launder the fraudulent proceeds to Jamaica.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to be wary of similar scams and to verify with law enforcement and family members before sending money after a phone solicitation, to include lottery or other computer related scams.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Two Arrested in Connection with Cryptocurrency Investment FundRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – John Michael Caruso, 28, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Zachary Salter, 27, of Paradise Valley, Arizona, were both arrested on January 30, 2020, and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you believe you may have invested money with Caruso or Salter—or their alleged cryptocurrency investment fund, Zima Digital Assets—please contact Special Agent Lamerson or Special Agent Roper at the U.S. Secret Service, Phoenix Field Office, via telephone at (602) 640-5580.
Son and Mother Arrested in Connection with Branded Restaurant Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Frank Capri, 52, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and his mother Debbie Corvo, 68, of Cave Creek, Arizona, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michelle H. Burns following their arrest earlier today. On January 28, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment charging Capri, Corvo, and another individual with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the operation of various branded restaurant locations in Arizona and across the United States. The trial is currently scheduled for April 7, 2020, before United States District Judge John J. Tuchi.
An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sacaton Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Abusive Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On February 3, 2020, Earl Edward Lara, 60, of Sacaton, Arizona, an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 168 months in prison, to be followed by lifetime supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sexual offender. The defendant pleaded guilty on October 8, 2019, to Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Bapchule Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. Last week, Deshaun Lee Humeyumptewa, 25, of Bapchule, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 18 months in prison. Humeyumptewa previously pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to Intimate or Dating Partner. After release from imprisonment, Humeyumptewa will be on supervised release for three years.
Humeyumptewa physically assaulted the victim while at a residence on the Gila River Indian Community, where both were members. Judge Lanza increased Humeyumptewa’s sentence beyond the applicable guidelines range, stating that the conduct was “extraordinarily serious” and showed a “troubling pattern of behavior.” Judge Lanza further ordered that the 18-month sentence be served consecutive to Humeyumptewa’s 12-month sentence for violating his supervised release in an unrelated case.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine D. Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Fugitive Wanted by Iraq for Murder of Iraqi Police Officers Arrested in ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On January 31, 2020, a Phoenix-area resident, who is alleged to have been the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge in Phoenix, Arizona in connection with proceedings to extradite him to the Republic of Iraq. He is wanted to stand trial in Iraq for two charges of premeditated murder committed in 2006 in Al-Fallujah.
The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey for the District of Arizona.
An Iraqi judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, 42, on murder charges. The Government of Iraq subsequently requested Ahmed’s extradition from the United States. In accordance with its treaty obligations to Iraq, the United States filed a complaint in Phoenix seeking a warrant for Ahmed’s arrest based on the extradition request. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle issued the warrant on January 29, 2020, and Ahmed was arrested the following day.
According to the information provided by the Government of Iraq in support of its extradition request, Ahmed served as the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, which planned operations targeting Iraqi police. Ahmed and other members of the Al-Qaeda group allegedly shot and killed a first lieutenant in the Fallujah Police Directorate and a police officer in the Fallujah Police Directorate, on or about June 1, 2006, and October 3, 2006, respectively.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations and have not yet been proven in court. If Ahmed’s extradition is certified by the court, the decision of whether to surrender him to Iraq will be made by the U.S. Secretary of State.
Ahmed’s arrest was executed by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, HSI Phoenix Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. The extradition case will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
If you have questions, please call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.
Fugitive Wanted by Iraq for Murder of Iraqi Police Officers Arrested in ArizonaRead the Press Release
A Phoenix-area resident, who is alleged to have been the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge in Phoenix, Arizona in connection with proceedings to extradite him to the Republic of Iraq. He is wanted to stand trial in Iraq for two charges of premeditated murder committed in 2006 in Al-Fallujah.
The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey for the District of Arizona.
An Iraqi judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri, 42, on murder charges. The Government of Iraq subsequently requested Ahmed’s extradition from the United States. In accordance with its treaty obligations to Iraq, the United States filed a complaint in Phoenix seeking a warrant for Ahmed’s arrest based on the extradition request. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle issued the warrant on January 29, 2020, and Ahmed was arrested the following day.
According to the information provided by the Government of Iraq in support of its extradition request, Ahmed served as the leader of a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, which planned operations targeting Iraqi police. Ahmed and other members of the Al-Qaeda group allegedly shot and killed a first lieutenant in the Fallujah Police Directorate and a police officer in the Fallujah Police Directorate, on or about June 1, 2006, and October 3, 2006, respectively.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations and have not yet been proven in court. If Ahmed’s extradition is certified by the court, the decision of whether to surrender him to Iraq will be made by the U.S. Secretary of State.
Ahmed’s arrest was executed by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, HSI Phoenix Field Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. The extradition case will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
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.
Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to 4 Years’ Prison for Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On January 27, 2020, Bruce Robertson, 40, of Fort Defiance, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 4 years’ imprisonment. Robertson had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Domestic Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury.
On multiple occasions in 2015 and 2016, Robertson engaged in acts of domestic violence against his then-girlfriend, repeatedly punching her in the face, shoving her, and threatening to smother her. In one assault, when Robertson attempted to hit his infant child with a large metal belt, his girlfriend shielded the baby with her own body. As a result, Robertson beat her with the belt. The matter was eventually referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and agents promptly began an investigation, which led to Robertson’s prosecution. Robertson is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim, and the crimes occurred near Chinle, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Alien Smuggler Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Shooting at Border Patrol Agents During High Speed PursuitRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On January 24, 2020, Roberto Ramirez, 23, of Tucson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 204 months in prison. Ramirez previously pleaded guilty on August 8, 2019, to one count of Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy of Life, three separate counts of Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
On Christmas Eve 2017, Ramirez transported two undocumented aliens for profit and fled from the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 at speeds close to 100 mph. Three Border Patrol agents were in pursuit when the defendant tried to ram their marked patrol cars with his own car. When that did not stop the pursuit, the defendant fired shots at the agents with a revolver. When his firearm was empty of ammunition, the defendant attempted to reload the weapon but, in doing so, lost control of his car which then rolled multiple times. One of the undocumented individuals was unrestrained and ejected from the defendant’s vehicle. He suffered head trauma that caused him to be in a coma, and sustained a broken shoulder and collarbone resulting in the permanent disfigurement of one of his shoulders. The other individual suffered a permanent injury to one of his eyes that will affect his vision for the rest of his life.
“This case highlights the dangers involved with illegal alien smuggling,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge, Scott Brown. “Recklessly, the driver caused bodily harm to two other people during the rollover, as he callously attempted to flee law enforcement officers while shooting at them. HSI continues to aggressively target and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that profit from the suffering of individuals.”
“We are grateful to the Border Patrol agents who put their lives on the line to stop Ramirez from causing even more harm,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “These smugglers present a danger to everyone, and we will continue to work with Border Patrol, H.S.I., and other law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute these cases.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Liza M. Granoff and Matthew C. Cassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Tucson Woman Sentenced to Prison for Impersonating Immigration Attorney and Ice Agent to Defraud VictimsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On January 14, 2020, Elvira Contreras, 38, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 18 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Contreras had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Contreras falsely represented to undocumented alien victims that she worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or that she was an immigration attorney who could obtain U.S. immigration documents for them for a fee. As part of her scheme, Defendant falsely impersonated local immigration attorney Doralina Luna. Defendant was also ordered to pay $89,935.00 in restitution.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The prosecution was handled by Tiffany J. Underwood and Jane L. Westby, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Shonto Man Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Emanuel D. Haudley, Sr., of Shonto, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 235 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Haudley had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
On the night of July 17, 2019, Haudley killed the victim near Shonto, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Haudley is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Samuels and Hunter Bridges, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Phoenix Man Sentenced toRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On January 14, 2020, Andrew Lamar Blake, 45, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 80 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Blake previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Wherein the Aliens’ Lives Were Placed in Jeopardy and During Which Death Resulted.
During an attempted traffic stop by the United States Border Patrol and Pinal County Sheriff’s Office on April 6, 2018, Blake sped away at a high rate of speed on the I-10 freeway. Blake was driving a truck containing eleven illegal aliens and two co-conspirators. Blake crashed during his flight from law enforcement, rolling the truck. One victim was killed in the crash, and many others were injured.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol. The prosecution was handled by Christine A. Melton and Arturo A. Aguilar, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Final Defendant in Telemarketing Scheme Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On January 13, 2020, Trevor Wesley Gabler, 29, of Phoenix, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 54 months’ imprisonment. Gabler previously pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud in connection with telemarketing. Four other defendants pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced, including: Brandon Trevor Ball, 47, of Phoenix, to 60 months’ imprisonment; Jackie Nikiel Whitley, 38, of Phoenix, to 30 months’ imprisonment; Brian Lee Gibson, 37, of Mesa, to 15 months’ imprisonment; and Gordon Lynn Hardy, 57, of Chandler, to a time-served sentence of approximately one year.
Gabler and Ball managed the telemarketing scheme, which operated from 2015 to 2018 out of several office park locations in Phoenix and Tempe. They communicated via telephone with elderly consumers, first from a front room, where employees used false names to obtain basic customer information, and then from a back room, where telemarketers also used false names and promised a sham business opportunity in exchange for more than $10,000 per victim. The opportunities promised to the victims were never fulfilled.
The defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,116,625 to 113 victims from around the country, most of whom were over the age of 65. District Judge Logan also ordered the forfeiture of $78,953 in U.S. currency found during a search Ball’s residence. That money will be applied toward restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Phoenix Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Special Investigations Section of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Gary M. Restaino, Alanna R. Kennedy, and Mark Wenker, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Leupp Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On January 13, 2020, Jarrett Michael Yazzie (42), of Leupp, Ariz. was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 150 months in prison to run concurrent with his sentence of 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Yazzie had previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault by strangulation or suffocation by a spouse or intimate partner.
Between May 1, 2016 and April 20, 2018, Yazzie struck a minor victim in the face with his hand causing serious bodily injury. In July 2017, Yazzie strangled an adult victim two times, impeding the victim’s ability to breathe. The assaults happened on the Navajo Indian Reservation and Yazzie is a member of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Tax Preparer Sent to Prison for False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On January 7, 2020, Sandra Gamboa, 49, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to twelve months and one day of imprisonment. Gamboa pleaded guilty to filing false income tax returns.
Gamboa operated SGB Enterprises, a tax preparation business, through which she filed multiple false federal income tax returns with the IRS. For her own tax return, Gamboa listed false information to fraudulently reduce her tax liability. For some of the clients of her tax preparation business, she secretly changed the numbers in the income tax returns before filing them with the IRS, generating falsely-inflated refunds that Gamboa kept for herself. In addition to imprisonment, Ms. Gamboa was ordered to pay $101,287 in restitution to the IRS.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by James R. Knapp, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Tucson Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz., on January 7, 2020, Lana Leshinsky, 43, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Raner C. Collins to 10 years of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Leshinsky previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
On July 13, 2017, Leshinsky sold fentanyl powder to the victim, who ingested the substance during the early morning hours of July 14, 2017, and died shortly thereafter.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Stefani Hepford and Erica Seger, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Sacaton Man Sentenced to over 4 Years for Assaulting Gila River Police OfficersRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On January 6, 2020, Pete Terry, 42, of Sacaton, Arizona, an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 51 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on October 3, 2019, to Assault on a Federal Officer and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
On March 19, 2019, the defendant pointed a handgun at a Gila River police officer and then attempted to evade other Gila River police officers as they attempted to arrest him. The defendant drove through the desert, ran stop signs, and eventually hit another Gila River police officer’s vehicle causing serious injuries to that officer.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Payson Man Sentenced to 14.5 Years in Prison for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On December 23, 2019, Paul Darrell Burdette, of Payson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 175 months of imprisonment to be followed by supervised release for life. Burdette had previously been found guilty at trial of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse.
On August 6, 2017, Burdette forcibly raped the victim in a wooded area on the Tonto Apache Indian Reservation. Burdette was convicted after a four-day jury trial that concluded on May 17, 2019.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Tonto Apache Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Van Buskirk and Brandon Brown, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Hunters Point Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Last week, DaNeil Francis Wilson, II, 33, of Hunters Point, Arizona, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 252 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During a jury trial in April 2019, Wilson pleaded guilty to five counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Assault by Strangling or Suffocating.
On April 4 and 5, 2018, over the course of approximately 12 hours, Wilson held two victims at his house overnight and extensively beat and assaulted them, causing serious bodily injury. The incident occurred at the residence he shared with one of the victims on the Navajo Indian reservation. Wilson and the victims are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
“Wilson tortured the victims over the course of hours, and deserves every day of the long prison sentence he received,” said Michael Bailey, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “No one should be forced to suffer like these victims did, which is why prosecuting and preventing such crimes in Indian Country is a vital part of the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The victims in this case suffered tremendous physical and psychological torment. Wilson’s acceptance of responsibility came only after one of the victims bravely took the witness stand to recount the ordeal. The investigation of Wilson, and his 21-year sentence, stand as a testament to the collaboration and dedication of the FBI, Navajo Nation Criminal Investigators, and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring justice to victims of violent crimes in Indian County.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault and Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Fraudulently Sell Imported Jewelry from the Philippines as Native American-MadeRead the Press Release
Three members of an international conspiracy to import knock-off jewelry from the Philippines and misrepresent it as Native-American have pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraudulent scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey of the District of Arizona.
On Jan. 6, all three defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle of the District of Arizona. Laura Marye Wesley, a.k.a. Laura Lott, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods, wire fraud, mail fraud, and entry of goods by means of false statements and smuggling goods, for her role in the manufacture, importation, and sale of knock-off jewelry as Native American-made. Wesley is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2020.
Christian Coxon, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to misrepresent Indian-produced goods and to commit wire fraud, for his role in ordering and misrepresenting imported, knock-off jewelry as Native American-made at his retail store Turquoise River Trading Company, located in San Antonio, Texas. Coxon is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2020.
Waleed Sarrar, a.k.a. Willie Sarrar, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to misrepresent Indian-produced goods and to commit wire fraud, for his role in ordering and misrepresenting imported, knock-off jewelry as Native American-made at his retail store Scottsdale Jewels, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sarrar is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2020.
According to information that the defendants admitted to as part of their pleas, from January 2016 through February 2019, they conspired with each other, and others, to design jewelry in the Native-American Indian-style and manufacture the jewelry in the Philippines with Filipino labor. The defendants also conspired to import the jewelry from the Philippines to Arizona without indelible markings as required by law, and display, advertise, and sell the jewelry to customers based on false representations that the jewelry items were made by Indians in the United States. To perpetrate the fraud scheme, the defendants and their conspirators communicated by phone, text, and email, including across state and country borders; used private commercial shipping services such as FedEx to import jewelry from the Philippines to the United States; paid for the jewelry inventory through credit cards, including via web-based credit card processors, and by check; and charged the credit cards of customers who purchased the imported Indian-style jewelry.
As part of her plea, Wesley agreed that she owned and operated LMN Jewelers, a jewelry business that specialized in the sale of Native-American-style jewelry, and co-owned and co-operated Last Chance Jewelers, a similar jewelry business. She also admitted to removing “Made in the Philippines” stickers from bags of imported jewelry, smuggling jewelry into the U.S. from the Philippines through the U.S. Postal Service to avoid inspection by federal authorities at the port of entry, wiring money to the Philippines to cover the costs of the jewelry-making business there, working with Filipino factory workers who were manufacturing the knock-offs, and delivering the knock-off Native-American-style jewelry to retail jewelry stores in Arizona, Colorado, California, Texas, Minnesota, Utah, and elsewhere.
The defendants face a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Their sentencing dates have not yet been set.
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) prohibits the offer or display for sale, or the sale of any good in a manner that falsely suggests that it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian and Indian tribe. The law is designed to prevent products from being marketed as “Indian made,” when the products are not, in fact, made by Indians. It covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935, and broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. The IACA provides critical economic benefits for Native American cultural development by recognizing that forgery and fraudulent arts and crafts diminish the livelihood of Native American artists and craftspeople by lowering both market prices and standards.
This case was investigated by the Office of Law Enforcement for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Phoenix Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Board and Office of Law Enforcement and Security, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the Texas Game Wardens. Trial Attorney Mona Sahaf of the Criminal Division, Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Sexton and Mark Wenker are prosecuting the case.
Kayenta Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Vehicular HomicideRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Alonzo Anagal, of Kayenta, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 15 years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Anagal had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault of a child resulting in serious bodily injury.
On January 30, 2019, Anagal was driving while intoxicated on Highway 160, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Driving recklessly, Anagal caused an accident that killed two people in another vehicle, including a small child, and seriously injured a third person. After the accident, Anagal’s blood alcohol concentration was tested and found to be .221. Anagal is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.