District of Arizona
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Kaibeto Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Dustin Tso, of Kaibeto, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to three years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. The three years of imprisonment imposed will be served in addition to six months of imprisonment previously served in tribal custody. Tso had previously pleaded guilty to assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury.
On January 12, 2019, Tso attacked the victim, including by striking her and strangling her. The assault occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, and both Tso and the victim are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Tso’s sentence in this case was enhanced because he committed this crime while in violation of a protection order issued by the Navajo Nation tribal courts.
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.
Leader of Alien Smuggling Ring Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On December 11, 2019, Senior U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins sentenced defendant Audias Sanchez-Colin to 10 years in prison for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit and Illegal Reentry into the United States of a Removed Alien. The defendant was one of 26 codefendants who had been previously charged in this conspiracy.
From 2016 through 2018, the defendant was the leader of multiple, large-scale alien smuggling organizations. He and his co-defendants smuggled into the United States approximately 150 unlawful aliens, including 13 juveniles. The co-conspirators also laundered over $1 million in fraudulent proceeds from their alien smuggling operations.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Phoenix Man Sentenced to Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On November 25, 2019, Melvin Woods, 26, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 84 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Woods previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
On August 1, 2018, Woods sold blue “M-30” pills that looked like oxycodone to a customer at a pool store in Phoenix. Shortly after smoking one of these pills, the customer died from a fentanyl overdose.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by D.J. Pashayan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Mexican National Sentenced to 5 Years’ Prison for Conspiring to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for ProfitRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On December 9, 2019, Yohan Humberto Castro-Reyes, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Castro-Reyes previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit.
On May 14, 2019, Castro-Reyes was arrested for conspiring to harbor and transport between 25-99 illegal aliens. Castro-Reyes concealed the aliens in a residence and involuntarily detained them through coercion or threat while demanding payment. Castro-Reyes possessed and brandished a 9mm firearm while harboring the aliens in the residence.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Raquel Arellano and Stuart J. Zander, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Chinle Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years’ Prison for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On December 2, 2019, Marcus Bryan Lee, 26, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 17.5 years’ imprisonment. Lee had previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
On August 5, 2017, during an altercation, Lee stabbed the victim, who later died as a result. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation promptly began an investigation, which led to Lee’s arrest and prosecution. Lee is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim, and the crime occurred near Pinon, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Minor and Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. On December 9, 2019, Andrew Al Littleman, 39, of Tuba City, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven P. Logan to 57 months in prison. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender, and will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.
The defendant, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sexually abused the minor in 2014-2015 while both were living on the reservation. In 2018, the defendant also possessed between 40 and 50 grams of methamphetamine for the purpose of distributing the drugs on the reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christine D. Keller and Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Elder Home Caregiver Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding 92-Year-Old Homebound VictimRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On November 26, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary Márquez sentenced Mona Rodriguez, 37, of Tucson, to 30 months in prison. Rodriguez had previously pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud. The court also ordered Ms. Rodriguez to pay $171,631 in restitution for the losses sustained by the victim.
Ms. Rodriguez and her mother, co-defendant Margaret Gastelum, provided home care assistance for the 92-year-old homebound victim. In her plea agreement, Ms. Rodriguez admitted that she and Ms. Gastelum gained access to the victim’s banking information and fraudulently used funds from the victim’s bank accounts. Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Gastelum also fraudulently used the victims’ credit cards and Ms. Rodriguez obtained a credit card in the victim’s name without the victim’s consent.
Ms. Gastelum previously entered a guilty plea to wire fraud and was also sentenced to 30 months in prison on August 14, 2019.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Tucson Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace Kleindienst for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Final Defendant in Largest Cartel Drug Scout Prosecution in Arizona Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
On November 25, 2019, the final defendant in United States v. Felix-Ramirez, et al, an eighteen-defendant indictment combatting the activities of a transnational drug trafficking organization, was sentenced to prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson. All defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The 18 defendants were sentenced to prison time as follows:
- Jose Angel Felix-Ramirez, 30, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 55 months;
- Arnoldo Ojeda-Zavala, 33, of Durango, Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months;
- Matias Garcia-Martinez, 32, of Villa Juarez, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 60 months;
- Carlos Erasmo Medina-Amador, 28, of Sonoita, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced to 87 months;
- Jesus Francisco Felix-Ramirez, 23, of Tamasura, Durango, Mexico, was sentenced to 50 months;
- Carlos Ivan Nunez-Estrada, 33, of Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced to 60 months;
- Antonio Ramirez-Rios, 40, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 70 months;
- Manuel Esteban Portillo-Avilez, 46, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 60 months;
- Jose Orlando Linares-Sanchez, 26, of San Salvador, El Salvador, was sentenced to 674 days (time served);
- Douglas Mariaga-Munoz, 26, of Cortez, Honduras, was sentenced to 674 days (time served);
- Jose Lorenzo Osorto-Calix, 22, of La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras, was sentenced to 674 days (time served);
- Jose Nunez-Estrada, 21, of Tamazula, Durango, Mexico, was sentenced to 65 months;
- David Jimenez-Perez, 22, of Chiapas, Mexico, was sentenced to 20 months;
- Armando Ramirez-Garcia, 34, of Arenitas, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 35 months;
- Jose Angel Lozano-Raigoza, 39, of Sonoita, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced to 35 months;
- Raynard Joseph Antone, 43, of Pia Oik Village, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 months;
- Adriana Fonseca-Dominguez, 36, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months;
- Edgar Raul Arellano-Garcia, 31, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 87 months.
Multiple agencies participated in the investigation, dubbed Operation Rocky Top 2, as part of the Native American Targeted Investigation of Violent Enterprises (NATIVE) Task Force. Operation Rocky Top 2 determined that the drug trafficking organization, which had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, exploited the remote location and extended U.S.-Mexico border within the Tohono O’Odham Nation. In order to move large quantities of marijuana from Mexico into the United States, the drug trafficking organization relied heavily on a sophisticated network of mountaintop scouts who used high-powered binoculars, radios, and cellular telephones to guide marijuana backpackers around law enforcement agents working in the area. The drug trafficking organization delivered necessary supplies to the scouts so they could remain in strategic mountaintop locations for extended time periods. Operation Rocky Top 2 successfully identified and targeted specific scouting locations and those individuals providing support to the scouts. Agents seized approximately 4,358 pounds of marijuana tied to cartel scouts during the investigation.
“This successful operation highlights the importance of our federal law enforcement partnerships and the unique investigative authorities of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “The west desert portion of the border poses various environmental challenges; however when federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement bands together, we send a clear message to the cartel. You will not operate on the border with impunity.”
U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey said, “This investigation exemplifies the value of interagency cooperation and cooperation between federal and tribal authorities. The combined resources and expertise of the agencies involved dealt a significant blow to the cartel.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the NATIVE Task Force, and the U.S. Border Patrol Casa Grande Station. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tohono O’odham Police Department. These prosecutions were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Houston and Adam D. Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson.
White Cone Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic Assault by StranglingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On November 12, 2019, Nathaniel Willie Cortez, 39, of White Cone, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Cortez had previously pleaded guilty to one count of domestic assault by strangling or suffocation.
Cortez admitted that he strangled the victim, with whom he was in a romantic relationship, in 2018. The assault took place on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where Cortez and the victim are tribal members.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Krista Wood and Amy Chang, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Former Tucson Man Found Guilty of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week a federal jury found Van Raymond Brollini, 70, a former resident of Tucson, Ariz., guilty of tax evasion, corrupt interference with tax administration, and four counts of failure to file a tax return. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2020.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Brollini, a former engineer at National Semiconductor Corporation, willfully evaded payment of taxes from 2002 through 2004 and failed to file a return as required for four consecutive years.
A conviction for tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for corrupt interference with tax administration carries a maximum penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction of failure to file carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by the Financial Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Florence Man Sentenced to 8 Years for ShootingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On November 25, 2019, Michael Joseph Davis, 36, of Florence, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 8 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019, to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
On October 7, 2018, the defendant shot the victim three times with a shotgun, causing serious bodily injury. The shooting took place on the Gila River Indian Community, and both the defendant and victim were Gila River tribal members.
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.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Stabbing Another InmateRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. –Christopher Betances, 34, of New York, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 57 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Betances had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On November 19, 2017, Betances, while serving time in a federal penitentiary, stabbed another inmate in the face, neck, and upper body areas with a shank.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raquel Arellano and Corey J. Mantei, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Dilkon Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On November 12, 2019, Cody Mitchell, 28, of Dilkon, Arizona, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 57 months in prison followed by 30 years of supervised release. Mitchell had previously pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Mitchell admitted that he committed a sexual act against the victim, who was then under the age of 16 years. The sexual abuse took place on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where Mitchell and the victim are members.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Sharon Sexton and Brian Kasprzyk, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix
Chilchinbeto Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Assault with FirearmRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Jerracy Gilmore, of Chilchinbeto, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to six years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gilmore had previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
On February 26, 2019, Gilmore fired a gun multiple times at an occupied vehicle. One of the shots he fired struck a victim in the ankle. The crime occurred outside a residence in Chilchinbeto, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation, and both Gilmore and the victim are enrolled members 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.
Casa Grande Man Sentenced to over 17 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On November 18, 2019, Timothy Wayne Lewis, Jr., 34, of Casa Grande, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 17.5 years in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on May 20, 2019, to second degree murder.
On September 26, 2018, the defendant shot and killed the victim. The murder took place on the Gila River Indian Community, and the victim was a Gila River tribal member. Lewis is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
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.
Second Mesa Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing ChildRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Louie Josytewa, of Second Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 27 years of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Josytewa was convicted of two crimes at a jury trial earlier this year: (1) Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child, and (2) Offense by a Registered Sex Offender.
In October 2016, Josytewa sexually abused the seven-year-old victim at a home on the Hopi Indian Reservation. Josytewa – an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe – had been previously convicted of a sexual offense against a nine-year-old child in 1992.
“This wasn’t Josytewa’s first time abusing a vulnerable victim, and he deserved every day of this sentence,” said Michael Bailey, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Prosecuting and preventing child sexual abuse in Indian Country continues to be a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services (Hopi Agency). The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Powell and Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On October 31, 2019, Richard Kingston Shepherd, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 14 years of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. Shepherd had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
In July 2018, Shepherd attacked and killed the victim near Tuba City High School, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Shepherd 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. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Navajo Nation Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Roland Allen Denny, of Baby Rocks, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 15 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Denny had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
In October 2018, Navajo Nation police and emergency medical personnel responded to a single-vehicle accident near Kayenta, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Denny was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was intoxicated. When first responders attempted to assist Denny with medical treatment, he punched one of the police officers in the jaw. The officer, like many tribal police officers, holds a Special Law Enforcement Commission from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is thus authorized to enforce federal and tribal law.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance by the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Attorney General Announces Launch of Project Guardian - A Nationwide Strategic Plan to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”
“With Project Guardian we will redouble our efforts to keep firearms from getting into the hands of dangerous individuals,” said Michael Bailey, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “People prohibited from gun ownership by a history of criminal conduct or mental health orders will face prosecution for even trying to get a gun.”
“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
- Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.
Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.
- Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
- Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.
Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.
- Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.
Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Cross-Country Distribution of Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On November 4, 2019, U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez sentenced Randolph Guillermo Ramirez-Contreras, 25, and Mario Mauricio Campos-Balderas, 28, each to 37 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. Both defendants had previously pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin.
In late May 2018, Ramirez-Contreras traveled from Tucson, Arizona to Los Angeles, California to meet with Campos-Balderas, a Los Angeles resident. Together, the two men picked up approximately 65 kilograms of cocaine and 7 kilograms of heroin and loaded the narcotics into the cab of a tractor-trailer, intending to deliver the drugs in Georgia and New Jersey. In the early morning hours of May 26, 2018, deputies from the Greene County Sherriff’s Office located the defendants and the tractor-trailer parked at a truck stop in Greensboro, Georgia, and seized the narcotics before Ramirez-Contreras and Campos-Balderas could complete any deliveries.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Greene County Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Michael R. Lizano and Patrick T. Barry, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Former Bureau of Prisons Employee Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Soliciting a BribeRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - On October 24, 2019, Jessica Diane Ferrell, 34, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge James A. Soto to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ferrell had previously pleaded guilty to Solicitation of a Bribe and Falsification of Records.
In March 2016, Ferrell, then an employee at the FCC Tucson Bureau of Prisons Facility, sought an inmate’s assistance to arrange the murder of her former romantic partner. In exchange for the inmate’s assistance, Ferrell agreed to provide contraband to the inmate in violation of her duty as a prison employee. To facilitate the murder, Ferrell provided a photograph, a map to the former romantic partner’s home, and other identifying information to the inmate.
On March 30, 2016, Ferrell received a list of contraband desired by the inmate. Approximately six hours later, Ferrell changed her mind and reported to her supervisor at the facility that she had received the inmate’s contraband request, but did not reveal her prior agreement with the inmate to her supervisor. Nor did Ferrell take any action to protect or notify her former partner.
“Ferrell solicited an inmate to help her carry out a deadly hit on her ex-romantic partner, in exchange for bribes of contraband. As a result of the OIG’s investigative work, her plan was thwarted. Because of this successful prosecution she will rightfully serve 5 years in prison, where she will not be able to further victimize her ex-romantic partner or endanger the public,” said Sandra D. Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Denver Field Office.
The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
Tucson Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for 1998 Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On October 23, 2019, Christopher James Preston, 52, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 156 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Preston is also required to register as a sex offender.
A federal jury previously found Preston guilty in a re-trial of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child. The evidence at the re-trial showed that in the summer of 1998, Preston, a member of the Tohono O’Odham Tribe, sexually abused the 10-year-old victim in Tucson, in the San Xavier district, on the Tohono O’odham reservation. At the time, Preston was the victim’s little league coach.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Tohono O’odham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Matthew C. Cassell and Rui Wang, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Scottsdale Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On October 16, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Dominic W. Lanza sentenced Timothy Peter Ray to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms in violation of a court order. Ray previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing six firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
In February 2018, Ray’s ex-girlfriend obtained an Order of Protection against Ray. The Superior Court Judge found that Ray presented a credible threat to the physical safety of his ex-girlfriend and ordered Ray to not possess firearms or ammunition.
In April 2018, Ray told police he had surrendered all of his firearms to his father’s custody. In January 2019, pursuant to a search warrant, FBI agents searched Ray’s home and seized five semi-automatic firearms, a shotgun, several large capacity magazines, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Ray was prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition because of the Order of Protection.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Brook of the District of Arizona
Sanders Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stabbing on Navajo NationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Spencer Parrish, of Sanders, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 41 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Parrish had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On February 2, 2019, Parrish attacked the victim with a knife and stabbed him in the abdomen, causing serious injuries to the victim. The assault occurred in a residence in Kayenta, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Both Parrish and the victim are enrolled members 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.
Safford Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On October 15, 2019, District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps sentenced Lawrence Halamek, 36, to 35 years’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release. Halamek is also required to register as a sex offender.
A federal jury previously found Halamek guilty of one count of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity and one count of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. The evidence at trial showed that in December 2016, Halamek picked up a minor child from a bus stop and transported the child to a remote area in New Mexico with intent to commit sexual assault. An Amber Alert led to them being located the next day.
In sentencing Halamek, Judge Zipps noted his lack of remorse and insight, and stated that Halamek had taken “advantage of multiple vulnerable victims.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista Office, Grant County Sheriff’s Department, and Graham County Sheriff’s Department. The prosecution was handled by Carin C. Duryee and Erica L. Seger, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Mesa Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Firearms and Ammunition to MexicoRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On October 22, 2019, Miguel Sanchez Alvarez, 43, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bury to 36 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. Alvarez was convicted on May 24, 2019 after a jury trial on one count of unlawful smuggling of goods from the United States.
On October 1, 2017, Alvarez and an accomplice attempted to smuggle nine semi-automatic handguns, thirteen magazines and two hundred rounds of ammunition into Mexico via the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. The evidence showed that Alvarez owned all of the firearms and ammunition, concealed them at the bottom of a bucket filled with roofing tar, and provided the bucket to his accomplice, Victor Orlando Leal-Medina, to smuggle into Mexico. Leal-Medina pleaded guilty to the same offense and was sentenced by Judge Bury to 14 months in prison in December 2018.
The investigation in this case was conducted by ICE/HIS, Nogales, and ATF, Phoenix. The prosecution was handled by Michael R. Lizano, Brian C. Hopkins and Stefani K. Hepford, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of and Possession of child PornographyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On October 21, 2019, District Judge James A. Soto sentenced Carlos Cantizano, 46, of Rialto, California, to 120 months imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release. Cantizano is also required to register as a sex offender. A federal jury previously found Cantizano guilty of Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Agents from the Nogales and Douglas Offices of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Carin C. Duryee and Carmen F. Corbin, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Gilbert Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On October 15, 2019, John Yoon Yi, 29, of Gilbert, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Yi previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
On September 25, 2015, Yi sold three blue “M-30” pills that looked like oxycodone to a customer. Later that night, the customer died from a fentanyl overdose after consuming one of the pills.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Gilbert Police Department and the Mesa Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Krista Wood, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Justice Department Awards over $273.4 Million to Improve Public Safety, Serve Crime Victims in American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded over $273.4 million in grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
“Violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities remain at unacceptably high levels, and they demand a response that is both clear and comprehensive,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We will continue to work closely with our tribal partners to guarantee they have the resources they need to curb violence and bring healing to the victims most profoundly affected by it.”
Eight Tribes in the District of Arizona were awarded over $7,626,420 in funding. The tribes in Arizona receiving grants that were announced today are Gila River Indian Community, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Quechan Indian Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, and Yavapai-Apache Nation.
“These awards to eight Arizona tribes demonstrate our continued support and commitment to improving public safety in Indian Country,” said United States Attorney Michael Bailey. “These resources will help our tribal partners combat violent crimes and domestic abuse, and provide expanded services for the victims of these crimes.”
Nationwide, 236 grants were awarded to 149 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, a streamlined application for tribal-specific grant programs. Of the $118 million awarded via CTAS, just over $62.6 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, about $33.1 million from the Office on Violence Against Women and more than $23.2 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. A portion of the funding will support tribal youth mentoring and intervention services, help native communities implement requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and provide training and technical assistance to tribal communities. Another $5.5 million was funded by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide training and technical assistance to CTAS awardees.
The Department also announced awards and other programming totaling $167.2 million in a set-aside program to serve victims of crime. The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims by supporting programming and technical assistance. About $25.6 million of these awards were awarded under CTAS and are included in the $118 million detailed above.
CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs. The awards cover 10 purpose areas: public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; violent crime reduction; and tribal youth programs.
The Department also provided $6.1 million to help tribes to comply with federal law on sex offender registration and notification, $1.7 million in separate funding to assist tribal youth and nearly $500,000 to support tribal research on missing and murdered indigenous women and children and other public safety-related topics.
Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
A listing of today’s announced CTAS awards is available at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/awards. A listing of all other announced tribal awards are available at: https://go.usa.gov/xVJuE.
Chinese National Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export Military- and Space-Grade Technology from the United States to ChinaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On October 16, 2019, United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Tao Li, a 39-year-old Chinese national, to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Li had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to export military- and space-grade technology to the People’s Republic of China without a license in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Notwithstanding the licensing requirement, the Department of Commerce has a policy of denial to export these types of electronic components to the People’s Republic of China.
Between December 2016 and January 2018, Li worked with other individuals in China to purchase radiation-hardened power amplifiers and supervisory circuits and illegally export them from the United States to China. The electronic components sought by Li are capable of withstanding significant levels of radiation and extreme heat, and as a result, are primarily used for military and space applications. Due to the technological capabilities of the electronic components sought by Li and the significant contribution that the components could make to a foreign country’s military and space programs, both parts required an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, prior to being sent out of the United States. Notwithstanding the licensing requirement, the Department of Commerce has a policy of denial to export these types of electronic components to the People’s Republic of China.
Between December 2016 and January 2018, Li, who resided in China, used multiple aliases to contact individuals in the United States, including representatives of United States-based private companies, to try to obtain the electronic components.
During his efforts to obtain the electronic components, Li contacted two different undercover law enforcement agents in Arizona. During his communications with the undercover agents, Li asked both of them to export the electronic components to China without obtaining the required license from the Department of Commerce. Additionally, Li and his coconspirators agreed to pay a “risk fee” to illegally export the electronic components to China. In furtherance of his request, Li wired money from a bank account in China to a bank account in Arizona. Li was arrested in September 2018 at Los Angeles International Airport, as he attempted to travel from China to Arizona to meet with one of the undercover agents.
“This sentence is well deserved and further demonstrates the lengths of criminal activity by those who seek to engage in illegally obtaining sophisticated materials,” said Scott Brown, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Phoenix. “One of HSI’s top priorities is preventing U.S. military products and sensitive technology from falling into the hands of those who might seek to harm America or its interests. We will continue to aggressively pursue violators wherever they may be.”
“Li’s sentencing was the result of a highly successful joint investigative effort with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that prevented U.S. military technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “It also reaffirms our commitment to protecting America from this type of activity and, equally so, serves as a warning to those intent on illegally exporting our technologies that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its partners will pursue these crimes relentlessly.”
“If you steal our military and space technology, you should expect to go to prison,” said Michael Bailey, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “But for the diligent work of HSI and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, our nation’s security would’ve been damaged by Mr. Li.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by HSI and DCIS. The prosecution was handled by Todd M. Allison and David Pimsner, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix, with assistance from Scott Claffee, Trial Attorney, Department of Justice National Security Division.
Chinese National Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export Military- and Space-Grade Technology from the United States to ChinaRead the Press Release
On October 16, 2019, United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Tao Li, a 39-year-old Chinese national, to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Li had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to export military- and space-grade technology to the People’s Republic of China without a license in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“This case is one of many involving illegal attempts to take U.S. technology to China. Li attempted to procure highly sensitive U.S. military technology in violation of our export control laws. Such laws are in place to protect our national security, and the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously enforce them,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers. “We don’t take these crimes lightly and we will continue to pursue them.”
“If you steal our military and space technology, you should expect to go to prison,” said Michael Bailey, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “But for the diligent work of HSI and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, our nation’s security would’ve been damaged by Mr. Li.”
“Li’s sentencing was the result of a highly successful joint investigative effort with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that prevented U.S. military technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “It also reaffirms our commitment to protecting America from this type of activity and, equally so, serves as a warning to those intent on illegally exporting our technologies that the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its partners will pursue these crimes relentlessly.”
“This sentence is well deserved and further demonstrates the lengths of criminal activity by those who seek to engage in illegally obtaining sophisticated materials,” said Scott Brown, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Phoenix. “One of HSI’s top priorities is preventing U.S. military products and sensitive technology from falling into the hands of those who might seek to harm America or its interests. We will continue to aggressively pursue violators wherever they may be.”
Between December 2016 and January 2018, Li worked with other individuals in China to purchase radiation-hardened power amplifiers and supervisory circuits and illegally export them from the United States to China. The electronic components sought by Li are capable of withstanding significant levels of radiation and extreme heat, and as a result, are primarily used for military and space applications. Due to the technological capabilities of the electronic components sought by Li and the significant contribution that the components could make to a foreign country’s military and space programs, both parts required an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, prior to being sent out of the United States. Notwithstanding the licensing requirement, the Department of Commerce has a policy of denial to export these types of electronic components to the People’s Republic of China.
Between December 2016 and January 2018, Li, who resided in China, used multiple aliases to contact individuals in the United States, including representatives of United States-based private companies, to try to obtain the electronic components. Additionally, Li and his coconspirators agreed to pay a “risk fee” to illegally export the electronic components to China. In furtherance of his request, Li wired money from a bank account in China to a bank account in Arizona. Li was arrested in September 2018 at Los Angeles International Airport, as Li attempted to travel from China to Arizona to meet with one of the undercover agents.
The investigation in this case was conducted by HSI and DCIS. The prosecution was handled by Todd M. Allison and David Pimsner, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix, with assistance from Scott Claffee, Trial Attorney, Department of Justice National Security Division.
Former Hopi Indian Reservation Ranger Convicted in Arizona on Sexual Assault Charges and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the District of Arizona convicted Mackenzie Davis, 25, a former Ranger with the Hopi Resource Enforcement Services, of sexually assaulting a female arrestee in his custody and destroying evidence to cover up his crimes.
“Any law enforcement officer who uses his official authority to target and sexually assault a person in his custody will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “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.”
“A sexual assault is doubly devastating to the victim when perpetrated by a law-enforcement officer whose only duty was to protect her from such harm,” said Michael Bailey, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “It’s also a breach of the community’s trust, and an affront to work of the earnest and honest officers who sacrifice daily on our behalf.”
“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.”
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.
The defendant was remanded into custody and sentencing is set for Feb. 24, 2020. The defendant faces up to 23 years imprisonment.
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.
Whitecone Man Sentenced to 29.5 Years’ Prison for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Bryan Joshua Tewanema, 25, of Whitecone, Ariz., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 355 months of imprisonment. Tewanema had previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence.
During the evening of September 13, 2017, Tewanema entered a residence where the victim was staying, forced the victim outside, and then shot the victim with a rifle. The victim died as a result. Both Tewanema and the victim were members of the Navajo Nation, and the offense occurred in Whitecone, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Navajo Nation Departments of Public Safety and Criminal Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix
Tucson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Using the Dark Web to Distribute Drugs Throughout the United StatesRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On September 27, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge James Soto sentenced Gary Steven Colldock to 120 months in prison and ordered Colldock to pay a money judgment of $884,203.93 for Bitcoins obtained through his drug trafficking business. Colldock previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
During a two-week period in October 2015, Colldock mailed over 50 packages of illegal drugs to various buyers across the United States. The investigation revealed that Colldock was a prolific dark web vendor who used the pseudonym “Dr. White” to advertise illegal narcotics, prescription drugs, firearms, ammunition, and Bitcoin on the dark web. During the investigation, law enforcement officials seized various firearms at Colldock’s trailer where he ran his illegal business, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, Bitcoins, and cash.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Price for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Senior Living Facility Caregiver Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Defrauding 92-Year-Old VictimRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On September 27, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Zipps sentenced Faye Ann Singer to 18 months in prison for defrauding a 92-year-old vulnerable- victim. The court also ordered Singer to pay $93,378.25 in restitution for the victim’s losses. Singer previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
Singer worked as a caregiver at a senior living facility where the victim resided. Singer admitted that she gained access to the victim’s banking information while working at the facility. For 17 months, Singer wrote checks for her own personal benefit out of the victim’s account and used the victim’s account information to electronically pay her own bills. The victim was unaware that Singer had the victim’s bank account information or that Singer was stealing money from the account.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Price for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Phoenix Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Stealing His Clients’ Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Erik Allen Ketelaar, 35, of Phoenix, Ariz., to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered Ketelaar to pay $573,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, third party processors, and individual taxpayers. Ketelaar had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
In 2013 and 2014, Ketelaar owned and operated a tax preparation business called Tio Sams (“Uncle Sam”) Taxes, with five offices in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. He hired and trained Spanish-speaking staff, and marketed his tax services to nonresident and resident aliens living in Hispanic communities in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Ketelaar controlled how all tax returns were completed, and had most of the client tax refunds directed to bank accounts or addresses he owned and managed. After he gained control of these tax refunds, he stole more than a half million dollars in refunds from many of his tax clients.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Fred Battista and Peter Sexton, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Long-Time Private Investigator Sentenced for Practice of Making Pretextual Phone CallsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 9, 2019, Keven Lawrence Cody McCleve, 61, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to three years’ probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. McCleve was also ordered to give up all professional licenses and not acquire any professional license while on probation.
McCleve worked as a licensed private investigator for over 30 years. During this time period, he developed a practice of making phone calls to banks and other financial institutions and lying about his identity. He made pretextual calls in an attempt to obtain personal banking information about individuals he was investigating. McCleve often provided a bank with an individual’s social security number, date of birth, and other personally identifiable information in an effort to convince the bank McCleve was that particular individual. In response, banks then frequently provided personal information about the individual’s bank accounts, including account balances, and recent withdrawals and deposits.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Andy Stone, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix
Former Scottsdale Resident Sentenced to 42 Months for Securities FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced William “Lance” Mullins, 50, formerly of Scottsdale, Ariz., to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered Mullins to pay more than $2.8 million in restitution to 125 victim shareholders. Mullins had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in fraudulent interstate securities transactions.
Mullins was involved with a Tempe, Ariz.-based technology company called Xhibit Corporation, whose stock was publicly traded on the over-the-counter market and which merged with the airplane catalog SkyMall in May 2013. In 2012 and 2013, before the SkyMall merger, Mullins and others made misrepresentations about the company when recruiting investors. They also engaged in manipulative trading of Xhibit stock that is prohibited by U.S. securities laws and regulations. Their prohibited trading activities artificially inflated Xhibit’s stock price and made it falsely appear that there was more demand for the stock. Because of these actions and other events, Xhibit’s stock price rose sharply, from less than a dollar in early 2012 to a peak of more than seven dollars in May 2013, and then fell just as quickly. Mullins made more than $1 million from selling much of his own stock before the stock price dramatically fell, while unknowing shareholders lost millions.
Two others pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in related cases and were sentenced in June 2019. Nicolas Russo, Jr., 72, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and Larry Eiteljorg, 70, of Scottsdale, Arizona, were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after cooperating with the government’s investigation.
“Mr. Mullins was the mastermind of this market manipulation scheme and the 42-month prison sentence Mullins received should send a strong message of deterrence to criminals committing securities fraud in Arizona,” said Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Division. “We are pleased that all defendants have been ordered to pay restitution to the victims. The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who commit complex financial crimes. We thank the Arizona U.S. Attorney’s office for their work in prosecuting this case.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Bridget Minder and Peter Sexton, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – This week, Jose Moreno, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 84 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Moreno had previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping and domestic assault by a habitual offender.
On August 11, 2017, Moreno physically prevented the victim, his domestic partner, from leaving their residence, and threatened harm if the victim did try to leave. On that date, and again between August 24 and 27, 2017, Moreno assaulted the victim, by striking and beating the victim. Moreno had previously been convicted of two domestic violence assaults involving other victims. The assault in this case occurred at a home in Tucson, on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation. Moreno is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, and the victim is an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Schmit and Adam D. Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Bisbee Bank Robber Sentenced to Nearly 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – This week, Gilbert Salaz, 52, of Benson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 105 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Salaz previously pleaded guilty to one count of Armed Bank Robbery.
On April 28, 2017, Salaz walked into the Washington Federal Bank in downtown Bisbee, Ariz., pointed a gun at a teller and demanded money. Salaz fled the bank after the armed bank robbery, but was apprehended within 24 hours.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the prosecution was handled by Micah Schmit, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Navajo Man Sentenced to 36 Years in Prison for Seven Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Last week, Bo Lane, 36, of Coppermine, Ariz., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 432 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on seven counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, each count to run concurrently. Lane was found guilty of those counts by a federal jury on June 14, 2019.
The evidence at trial showed that between 2013 and 2017, Lane sexually abused two minor victims. The abuse started when the victims were six years old and took place on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Both Lane and the victims are members of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore and Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 16, 2019, Jordan Lee Manuel, 23, of Casa Blanca, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 36 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release for sexually abusing a minor on the Gila River Indian Community. Manuel will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Manuel used Facebook to befriend the minor victim and pursue a romantic relationship before ultimately sexually abusing the victim. Both the victim and Manuel are members of the Gila River Indian Community.
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.
Supai Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Anthony Paya, of Supai, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Paya had previously pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate partner or dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury.
On May 10, 2018, Paya assaulted his partner, including by striking her multiple times with an extension cord. The assault occurred at a home in Supai, on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Both Paya and the victim are enrolled members of the Havasupai Tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Paradise Valley Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan sentenced John Chandler Propstra, 47, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered Propstra to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Propstra had previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
Propstra owned and operated several professional employment organizations, which contracted with small business owners to provide payroll services. Propstra, through his companies, collected federal employment taxes from his clients. However, instead of paying the taxes over to the IRS as he contracted to do, Propstra kept a significant portion of the taxes for his own personal use. To conceal his theft, Propstra filed false employment tax returns with the IRS, which overstated the tax payments he purportedly made. He eventually stopped filing employment tax returns altogether. Propstra also failed to file accurate wage reports with the Social Security Administration, which the IRS could have used to cross-check against Propstra’s IRS filings and tax payments. For tax years 2010 and 2011, Propstra failed to pay over to the IRS $710,819.05 in federal employment taxes due and owing by his companies Star Human Resources, Star H Resources, Star HR, and Prop HR. Propstra’s other companies included Guaranteed HR Consulting, HR Rock, Rock HR, Consulting Guaranteed, and Rock Solid Consulting.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Bridget Minder and Peter Sexton, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Dennehotso Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Short-Barreled ShotgunRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – This week, Demetrius Sturkey, of Dennehotso, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 30 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sturkey had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm.
On February 20, 2019, Sturkey possessed a weapon made from a shotgun, which had been modified to shorten the barrel. Federal law prohibits the possession of a weapon made from a shotgun, if the modified weapon has a barrel less than 18 inches in length and an overall length of less than 26 inches, unless that weapon is registered to the possessor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The firearm Sturkey possessed was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Sturkey is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and this crime occurred on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Sturkey’s sentence was enhanced because the firearm he possessed was previously stolen.
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.
Tucson Couple Sentenced to 5 Years Prison for Weapons SmugglingRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On September 3, 2019, Michael Justin Huynh, 29, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 63 months’ imprisonment. Huynh’s co-defendant, Katie Ellen O’Brien, 28, also of Tucson, was sentenced by Judge Zipps to 60 months’ imprisonment on January 16, 2019. Both had previously pleaded guilty to smuggling AK-type and .50 caliber semiautomatic assault rifles from the United States into Mexico.
Between June of 2017 and January of 2018, Huynh and O’Brien together purchased a total of at least 16 AK-type semiautomatic rifles and three .50 caliber semiautomatic rifles. They purchased these firearms for another individual whom they knew was a drug trafficker, and provided the firearms to the trafficker with the knowledge that they would be smuggled into Mexico and provided to a criminal organization.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Pinon Man Sentenced to Prison for Violent Crimes Committed in Grand Canyon National ParkRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last month, Nathaniel Vernon Dempsey, of Pinon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to 30 months of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Dempsey had previously pleaded guilty to burglary and assault on a federal officer.
On October 10, 2018, Dempsey went to his girlfriend’s residence inside Grand Canyon National Park. While no one was home, Dempsey burglarized the residence and stole several items. After his girlfriend returned home later that night, Dempsey returned to the home, tried to force his way inside again, and threatened her with a knife. Law Enforcement Rangers with the National Park Service responded to the home. When a Ranger ordered Dempsey to get on the ground, Dempsey refused. Dempsey, holding a knife in each hand, then charged at the Ranger. The Rangers eventually took Dempsey into custody without anyone being seriously injured.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the National Park Service – Investigative Services Branch. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Prohibited Possessor Sentenced to Prison for Transporting and Selling Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On August 27, 2019, Joshua Pratchard, 38, of San Diego, California, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to seventy-five months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of five years of probation and two years of supervised release, to be served concurrently. Pratchard previously pleaded guilty to multiple counts of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by Convicted Felon and Transferring a Firearm to an Out-of State Resident.
Between January, 2018 and June 1, 2018, Pratchard, a prohibited possessor from California, traveled to southern Arizona, where he sold two firearms and approximately five hundred rounds of ammunition to another individual. The firearms Pratchard sold included a short-barreled rifle and a silencer. When arrested on June 1, 2018, agents searched Pratchard’s vehicle and found additional items including a short-barreled rifle, an AR 15-type rifle, a silencer, a .45 caliber pistol and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Pratchard was convicted of possessing eight firearms, six of which were in violation of the National Firearms Act, and approximately 1,464 rounds of ammunition.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance by the U.S. Border Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Beverly K. Anderson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
First-Time Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Assault-Style Rifles into MexicoRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Ricardo Alberto Ruiz Pelayo, 24, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 30 months in prison followed by three years’ supervised release. Ruiz Pelayo previously pleaded guilty to an indictment charging one count of unlawful smuggling goods from the United States.
On September 13, 2018, Ruiz Pelayo attempted to cross from Nogales, Arizona into Nogales, Sonora via the Mariposa port of entry. An inspection of his vehicle located three AR-15 style assault rifles and two Glock handguns in addition to three magazine clips. Although he was residing lawfully in the U.S. at the time, he will be deported to Mexico upon completion of his prison sentence.
The investigation in this case was conducted by ICE/HSI Nogales agents and the prosecution was handled by Micah Schmit, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Multiple Arizona Residents Sentenced to Prison for Using the Dark Web to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Throughout the United StatesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, Kevin Dean McCoy, 28, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg to 15 years in prison. Silvester Ruelas, 50, of Peoria, Ariz., was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison. Two other co-defendants, Amber Worrell and Peggy Gomez, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and 5 years in prison, respectively. All four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and launder proceeds from drug distribution.
Between 2015 and 2017, the defendants used the vendor name “Iceman21” to advertise and sell heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine on various dark web marketplaces, including AlphaBay, Hansa, and Dream Market. The investigation revealed that the defendants were using the United States Postal Service to ship drugs from the Phoenix metropolitan area to locations throughout the United States. During the investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service seized parcels containing illegal drugs that were en route to Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. To conceal and launder proceeds they generated through drug distribution, the defendants used encrypted technology, sold cryptocurrency through peer-to-peer exchangers, and created bank accounts for non-existent businesses. During the investigation, law enforcement officials seized a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XL ring, numerous gold, silver, and platinum bars, and an extensive collection of firearms, including a Texas Weapons System AK-47, a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, and a .50 caliber Bohica sniper rifle.
“Our office is committed to working closely with our agency partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Bailey. “Hiding behind computer keyboards and using our mail system to move their drugs will not shield them from lengthy prison sentences.”
“Drug traffickers using the dark web feel a sense of security with the anonymity to sell their poisons throughout the world,” said Doug Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Arizona. “This investigation clearly demonstrates they aren’t safe, they aren’t anonymous, and they can’t evade justice. DEA and our partners will relentlessly pursue criminals who prey on our citizens, no matter where they are and no matter what means they use to distribute their illicit and deadly products.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has continued to demonstrate a commitment to combating illicit activities spread by online dark web markets,” said Scott Brown, HSI Special Agent in Charge for the Phoenix office. “By joining forces with our law enforcement partners, we are utilizing all tools and authorities to investigate and dismantle narcotics trafficking and financial crimes that plague the internet. As this case demonstrates, there is no safe dark web marketplace beyond our investigative reach.”
“This drug trafficking organization used sophisticated means to sell and distribute dangerous drugs throughout the country. No matter the methods used by criminals, IRS-CI Special Agents have the skills needed to investigate high tech drug and money laundering schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez, Jr., of the Phoenix Field Office of IRS - Criminal Investigations.
“This investigation once again showcases the excellent collaboration between the United States Postal Inspection Service and other law enforcement agencies. Through these partnerships, we continue working to keep our communities safe from the spread of illegal narcotics purchased through the dark web. We continue to challenge the anonymous nature of the dark web, proving time and again you are never truly anonymous,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge Jessica Wagner of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Scottsdale, Mesa, and Peoria Police Departments, as part of an operation supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that provides supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The case was prosecuted by Matthew Binford and Carolina Escalante, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.