District of Arizona
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Prison for Weapons SmugglingRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Luis Enrique Beltran-Beltran, 41, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 120 months’ imprisonment. Beltran had previously pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to unlawfully export and aiding and abetting the unlawful possession of machine guns, grenades, and grenade launchers. Beltran had been extradited from Mexico to the United States in 2017.
Agents received information in 2011 that Beltran was trafficking military-grade weapons from the U.S. into Mexico. The investigation revealed that Beltran sought to buy and smuggle up to 10 machine guns with attached grenade launchers and 50 grenades each week. Beltran, who orchestrated his criminal activity from Mexico, also directed several other co-conspirators to smuggle over 50,000 rounds of ammunition and hundreds of high-capacity ammunition magazines. In sentencing him to the maximum sentence allowed by law, Judge Jorgenson cited the severity of Beltran’s crimes and his role as a leader of an extensive weapons-trafficking conspiracy.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-01470-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-122_Beltran
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
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Leader of International Investment Fraud Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 22, 2018, James Jeffrey Hinkeldey, 66, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 30 years and five months in federal prison. Earlier this year, a federal jury convicted Hinkeldey of conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges stemming from his role as one of the leaders in an $18 million investment fraud affecting 225 victims.
“Through fraud, this defendant stole the life savings from members of our community, many of whom were close to retirement; his lengthy prison sentence is well-deserved,” stated Elizabeth A. Strange, First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Our office will continue to work closely with the FBI to prosecute financial predators like Hinkeldey.”
“Considering there were hundreds of victims and millions of dollars lost, it is fitting that James Hinkeldey‘s sentence is one of the highest federal white collar sentences in the District of Arizona,” said Michael DeLeon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Division. “We are pleased that the defendants in this case are being held accountable for their crimes and that Hinkeldey and his co-conspirator were ordered to pay restitution to the victims. The FBI would like to thank the Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work on this case. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who commit complex financial crimes.”
From 2006 to 2012, Hinkeldey and several others solicited millions of dollars from victims for purported investment in a variety of projects and companies, including land development in Mexico, recycling companies in Las Vegas and Chicago, and distressed real estate in Phoenix. Hinkeldey and his co-conspirators promoted their fraudulent investment schemes in seminars, magazine articles, radio broadcasts, and private offering documents to give the fraudulent investments the appearance of legitimacy.
In reality, the solicitations and offering documents were riddled with false statements, including the education and experience of Hinkeldey and his co-conspirators, the true ownership of property involved in the projects, and the feasibility of the so-called guaranteed returns. Ultimately, Hinkeldey and his co-conspirators used investor funds not only to line their own pockets, but also to make Ponzi payments to create the facade of a successful business.
Late last year, Hinkeldey’s partner in the conspiracy, Jason Mogler, formerly of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for his role in the fraud. Hinkeldey and Mogler were also ordered to pay restitution to the victims for losses they incurred.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Phoenix Division of the FBI. The prosecution was handled by Monica Klapper and Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-01118-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-121_Hinkeldey
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Justice Department Will Award up to $246 Million in Grants to Improve Public Safety in American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
ARIZONA – The District of Arizona’s First Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange joined the Department of Justice today in announcing more than $113 million in grant awards to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women, and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The tribes in Arizona receiving grants that were announced today are Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Hualapai Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Yavapai-Apache Nation. The link below shows estimated award amounts.
“These awards to nine Arizona tribes demonstrate our continued support and commitment to improving public safety in Indian Country,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “These resources will help our tribal partners to combat violent crimes and domestic abuse, which predominantly target women and children, as well as to provide expanded services for the victims of these crimes.”
Nationwide, grants were awarded to 133 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CSTAS), a streamlined application for tribal-specific grant programs. Of the $113 million, just over $53 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, more than $35 million from the Office on Violence Against Women, and more than $24.7 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
In addition, the Department is in the process of allocating up to $133 million in a first-ever set aside program to serve victims of crime in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims of crime by providing funding, programming and technical assistance. Recipients will be announced in the near future.
“With these awards, we are doubling the amount of grant funding devoted to public safety programs and serving victims of crime in Native American communities,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio, who made the announcement during his remarks at the 26th Annual Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “There is an unacceptable level of violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This increase in resources, together with our aggressive investigation and prosecution of crimes, shows how seriously Attorney General Sessions and the entire Department of Justice take these issues. We are committed to reducing violent crime and improving public safety.”
The Four Corners Conference is facilitated annually by U.S. Attorneys from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to provide a forum for discussion of justice-related topics with a large number of populous and diverse tribal nations located in the region.
CTAS awards cover nine 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; and tribal youth programs. CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs.
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 specific listing of today’s announced CTAS awards is available at: www.justice.gov/tribal/page/file/1095161/download.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-122_ Public Safety Awards (IC)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Justice Department Will Award up to $246 Million in Grants to Improve Public Safety in American Indian and Alaska Native CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced more than $113 million in grant awards to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women, and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Grants were awarded to 133 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 $113 million, just over $53 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, more than $35 million from the Office on Violence Against Women, and more than $24.7 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
In addition, the Department is in the process of allocating up to $133 million in a first-ever set aside program to serve victims of crime in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims of crime by providing funding, programming and technical assistance. Recipients will be announced in the near future.
“With these awards, we are doubling the amount of grant funding devoted to public safety programs and serving victims of crime in Native American communities,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio, who made the announcement during his remarks at the 26th Annual Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “There is an unacceptable level of violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This increase in resources, together with our aggressive investigation and prosecution of crimes, shows how seriously Attorney General Sessions and the entire Department of Justice take these issues. We are committed to reducing violent crime and improving public safety.”
The Four Corners Conference is facilitated annually by U.S. Attorneys from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to provide a forum for discussion of justice-related topics with a large number of populous and diverse tribal nations located in the region.
CTAS awards cover nine 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; and tribal youth programs. CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs.
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: www.justice.gov/tribal/page/file/1095161/download.
Youth Care Worker Convicted of Sexually Abusing Unaccompanied Minors in Southwest Key FacilityRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 7, 2018, a federal jury convicted Levian D. Pacheco, 25, of Phoenix, Ariz., of seven counts of abusive sexual contact with a ward and three counts of sexual abuse of a ward. U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan presided over the seven-day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2018.
"Ensuring the safety of all individuals held in federal custody is of utmost importance to this office," stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. "This verdict demonstrates our commitment to securing justice for the teenage boys the defendant abused and sends a message to others in positions of trust that these crimes will not be tolerated."
“We are committed to protecting the health and safety of children and holding accountable those who would sexually abuse these innocent victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “When individuals violate their positions of trust and harm children, we will ensure these criminals are brought to justice for their actions.”
Between August 2016 and July 2017, Pacheco sexually abused multiple minors at the Casa Kokopelli Southwest Key Facility in Mesa, Ariz. The minors were being held in official detention pending possible deportation. Pacheco was employed as a youth care worker at the facility and was in charge of supervising the minors. The jury convicted Pacheco of abusing seven teenage boys, some on more than one occasion.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, as well as the Mesa Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson and Tracy Van Buskirk, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1152-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-119_Pacheco
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Chinle Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Shooting Incident on Navajo ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Andrew Emerson Beno, 31, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Beno had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Beno admitted to using a shotgun to shoot at the victim, which resulted in pellets becoming embedded in the victim’s leg. The incident occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, and both Beno and the victim are members of that tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08041-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-120_Beno
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Tuba City Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Navajo Nation OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Raymond Wilson Jr., 25, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Wilson, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
On Nov. 21, 2017, a Navajo Nation police officer was dispatched to Wilson’s residence after receiving reports that Wilson was intoxicated and acting disorderly. When the officer attempted to place Wilson under arrest, he resisted, swung his fist at the officer, and wrestled the officer to the ground. After being handcuffed, Wilson pushed, kicked, and head-butted the officer.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08064-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-117_Wilson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Sells Gang Member Convicted by a Jury of Shotgun Slaying of a WomanRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Warren Miles, 26, of Sells, Ariz., was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by a federal jury in Tucson on Sept. 5, 2018. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins from Aug. 29, 2018 through Sept. 5, 2018. Miles, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, is being held after trial. Sentencing is set before Judge Collins on Nov. 28, 2018.
The evidence at trial showed that on the day before Thanksgiving, on Nov. 22, 2017, in the early morning hours, a truck full of street-gang members accosted the victim and four other individuals, all of whom were also members of the Tohono O’odham Nation. They were in a wash area alongside a dirt road when the truck stopped and its occupants jumped out, brandishing firearms and yelling derogatory gang-related comments toward the group. A 12-gauge shotgun was used to fire two gunshots at close range, striking the victim in the face, neck, and chest area, which caused her death. The truck, with Miles as an occupant, fled the area and was later found at a residence east of Sells. Eyewitnesses identified Miles as the assailant. The incident occurred within the bounds of the Tohono O’odham Reservation.
A conviction for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of eight years, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Jesse J. Figueroa and Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-300-TUC-RCC (BPV)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-118_Miles
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Three Phoenix Residents Sentenced for Attempted Financial Aid Fraud of over $5 MillionRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Jacqueline Scroggins, 53, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 37 months’ imprisonment, followed by 100 hours of community service. Scroggins had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud. Co-defendants Amethyst Nicole Henderson, 30, of Phoenix, Ariz., previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and financial aid fraud and was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and 50 hours community service, and Jamar Britt, 36, of Phoenix, Ariz., also previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and 50 hours community service. Restitution of $1,669,166 was ordered jointly as to all defendants.
All defendants admitted to conspiring to commit mail and financial aid fraud to further a scheme to attempt to obtain approximately $5,295,116 in federally-insured student aid from the United States Department of Education and colleges within the Maricopa County Community College District. As part of the scheme, they applied for aid in the names of approximately 483 people who did not plan to attend college and caused the payment of approximately $1,669,166 in student aid to the College District and the conspirators.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Education – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Frederick A. Battista, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-1461-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-116_ Scroggins etal
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Rio Rico Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Smuggling AmmunitionRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Aug. 29, 2018, Fernando Romero-Salgado, 38, of Rio Rico, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Raner C. Collins to 82 months’ imprisonment. Romero-Salgado had been previously found guilty following trial of smuggling goods from the United States and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
On Dec. 8, 2016, Romero-Salgado and co-defendant Alberto De La Cruz-Cano purchased 12,000 rounds of ammunition from an ammunition store in Phoenix, intending to unlawfully export the ammunition to Mexico. They loaded the ammunition into Romero-Salgado’s vehicle and Romero-Salgado drove to Rio Rico, where he was found with the ammunition at his home. Romero-Salgado had been previously convicted of four felony offenses and was therefore prohibited from possessing ammunition by federal law. He and De La Cruz-Cano had also smuggled ammunition into Mexico on several prior occasions. De La Cruz-Cano was previously sentenced in this case to 41 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to his smuggling offenses.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-00131-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-115_ Romero-Salgado
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
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Distributor of Child Pornography Sentenced to 17 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Joseph Alexander Dashee, 26, of Tempe, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 17 years’ imprisonment to be followed by lifetime supervised release for distribution of child pornography and abusive sexual contact. Dashee previously pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and abusive sexual contact. Dashee will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In the summer of 2015, FBI agents discovered Dashee was downloading and distributing child pornography through bit torrent file sharing. A search of Dashee’s residence resulted in the seizure of 90 images and seven videos containing child pornography. During questioning, Dashee also admitted sexually abusing two minor victims under the age of 12.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Salt River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gayle L. Helart and Brandon M. Brown.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1001-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-114_ Dashee
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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New Mexico Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter Related to Drunk DrivingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On August 20, 2018, Christopher Cortines, 26, of Santa Fe, N.M. and a member of the San Idelfonso Pueblo Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Cortines had previously pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Cortines, who was driving his vehicle within the confines of the Navajo Nation near Dennehotso, Ariz., with a BAC level of between .118 and .151, caused his vehicle to crash, killing his sole passenger, his friend and a member of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8316-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-112_ Cortines
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Kayenta Woman Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Shooting DeathRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Georgina Warren, 34, of Dennehotso, Ariz., and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 84 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Warren had previously pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
The case involved Warren firing a .22 caliber rifle at her brother, who was about 40 yards away.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement. The prosecution was handled by Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8315-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-113_Warren
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to 41 Months for StabbingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– Yesterday, Irwin Carl Foster, 38, of Ft. Defiance, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 41 months’ imprisonment. Foster had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
In August 2017, Foster intentionally stabbed the victim, a member of the Navajo Nation, with a knife resulting in a laceration to his chest and a punctured lung. Foster is also a member of the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8287-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-111_Foster
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Sacaton Woman Sentenced to 7 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Aug. 20, 2018, Mary Alice Reed, 48, of Sacaton, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to seven years in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release. Reed had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Reed had been previously convicted of the same offense in 2010.
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.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-310-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-110_Reed
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Tucson Man Sentenced to 5 Years’ Prison after Threatened Use of Explosive Device during Bank Robbery and Stand-Off with PoliceRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, David Allen Markillie, 67, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 60 months’ imprisonment. Markillie had previously pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of false information and hoax.
On Aug. 10, 2017, Markillie entered the Compass Bank located at 7645 N. La Cholla and robbed the bank by the threatened use of a bomb. He stole approximately $2,300 and fled to the Foothills Mall where he was taken into custody after a stand-off with Pima County Sheriff’s deputies.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Beverly K. Anderson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1472-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-109_Markillie
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Justice Department, DEA Propose Significant Opioid Manufacturing Reduction in 2019Read the Press Release
ARIZONA - The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average of ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction.
On July 11, 2018, the Justice Department announced that DEA was issuing a final rule amending its regulations to improve the agency’s ability to consider the likelihood of whether a drug can be diverted for abuse when it sets annual opioid production limits. The final rule also promotes greater involvement from state attorneys general, and today’s proposed reduction will be sent to those offices.
In setting the aggregate production quota (APQ), DEA considers data from many sources, including estimates of the legitimate medical need from the Food and Drug Administration; estimates of retail consumption based on prescriptions dispensed; manufacturers’ disposition history and forecasts; data from DEA’s own internal system for tracking controlled substance transactions; and past quota histories.
The DEA has proposed to reduce more commonly prescribed schedule II opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, morphine, and fentanyl:
See attached Aggregate Production Quota for Opioids (Table).
Ultimately, revised limits will encourage vigilance on the part of opioid manufacturers, help DEA respond to the changing drug threat environment, and protect the American people from potential addictive drugs while ensuring that the country has enough opioids for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial needs.
"The opioid epidemic that we are facing today is the worst drug crisis in American history," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "President Trump has set the ambitious goal of reducing opioid prescription rates by one-third in three years. We embrace that goal and are resolutely committed to reaching it. According to the National Prescription Audit, we have already made significant progress in reducing prescription rates over the past year. Cutting opioid production quotas by an average of ten percent next year will help us continue that progress and make it harder to divert these drugs for abuse.”
“We’ve lost too many lives to the opioid epidemic and families and communities suffer tragic consequences every day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This significant drop in prescriptions by doctors and DEA’s production quota adjustment will continue to reduce the amount of drugs available for illicit diversion and abuse while ensuring that patients will continue to have access to proper medicine.”
“The OPIOID Task Force -- led by our office in close partnership with federal, local, state, and tribal law enforcement -- has made great strides in prosecuting opioid-related offenses,” stated Elizabeth A. Strange, First Assistant United States Attorney. “We applaud the proposal to further restrict manufacturing and, for our part, we will continue to focus our Task Force on combatting this epidemic throughout Arizona.”
Once the aggregate quota is set, DEA allocates individual manufacturing and procurement quotas to those manufacturers that apply for them. DEA may revise a company’s quota at any time during the year if change is warranted due to increased or decreased sales or exports, new manufacturers entering the market, new product development, or product recalls.
When Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, the quota system was intended to reduce or eliminate diversion from “legitimate channels of trade” by controlling the quantities of the basic ingredients needed for the manufacture of controlled substances.
The Proposed Aggregate Production Quotas for schedule I and II controlled substances published in the Federal Register reflects the total amount of controlled substances necessary to meet the country’s medical, scientific, research, industrial, and export needs for the year and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. DEA establishes an APQ for more than 250 schedule I and II controlled substances annually.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to practitioners recommending a reduction in the prescribing of opioid medications for chronic pain. DEA and its federal partners have increased efforts in the last several years to educate practitioners, pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, and the public about the dangers associated with the misuse of opioid medications and the importance of proper prescribing.
Please note: This is the text of the 2019 Aggregate Production Quota Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) as signed by the Acting DEA Administrator, but the official version of the NPRM will be published in the Federal Register.
To view the 2019 Aggregate Production Quota NPRM click here.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-107_ Opioid (AZ)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Jury Convicts Inscription House Man for Violent Conspiracy and CarjackingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Shaun Hurley, 39, of Inscription House, Ariz., was convicted by a jury on all charges, including conspiracy, carjacking, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The jury also found Hurley guilty of three counts of using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence. Hurley will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes on Oct. 29, 2018.
In July of 2017, Hurley participated in a conspiracy to steal a truck from the victim. Hurley and his co-conspirator, who previously pleaded guilty in the case, assaulted the victim with a shotgun and stole his truck. All involved are members of the Navajo Nation, and the crimes occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William G. Voit and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08211-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-108_Hurley
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PHOENIX – Today, Shaun Hurley, 39, of Inscription House, Ariz., was convicted by a jury on all charges, including conspiracy, carjacking, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The jury also found Hurley guilty of three counts of using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence. Hurley will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes on Oct. 29, 2018.
In July of 2017, Hurley participated in a conspiracy to steal a truck from the victim. Hurley and his co-conspirator, who previously pleaded guilty in the case, assaulted the victim with a shotgun and stole his truck. All involved are members of the Navajo Nation, and the crimes occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William G. Voit and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08211-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-108_Hurley
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Laveen Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Strangling GirlfriendRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Colin Lee Juan, 33, of Laveen, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Juan had previously pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation of an intimate partner.
Juan admitted to strangling the victim, his then-girlfriend, impeding her airflow. The incident occurred on the Gila River Indian Community, and both Juan and the victim are members of that tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-1134-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-106_Juan
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Gilbert Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Aug. 10, 2018, Cory Ryan Williams, 40, of Gilbert, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to seven years in prison. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for September, where Williams will be ordered to pay restitution up to $13.5 million. Williams had previously pleaded guilty to one count of transactional money laundering.
For over two years, Williams lied to his family, friends, and fellow church members about the profitability of his investment scheme. He solicited and obtained more than $13 million from over 50 victims. To entice potential victims, Williams told them he consistently earned a five percent return each week and all investments were safe and would not lose money. In reality, he lost more than $8 million by attempting to trade stock market futures. He also concealed his fraudulent scheme by making Ponzi payments to investors - Williams paid earlier investors by using new capital from later investors. He also diverted more than $800,000 of the victims’ funds to his own personal use.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Andrew C. Stone and Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-01279-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-105_ Williams
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Tucson Refugees Arrested for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - On August 8, 2018, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an eleven-count indictment against Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, 28, and Zeinab Abdirahman Mohamed, 25, both living in Tucson, Ariz., for violations of false swearing in an immigration matter and false statements to a government agency.
The indictment alleges that Osman and Mohamed, while living in China, applied for and were granted refugee status in 2014. The husband and wife entered the United States and have been living in Tucson since the time of their entry. In June 2015, Osman and Mohamed submitted applications for Legal Permanent Residence Status to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The indictment further alleges that material submitted in support of their refugee applications and their applications for Legal Permanent Residence Status contained false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. The alleged fraudulent statements included Osman’s true name and nationality and denial of his association with members of a designated terrorist organization. Both defendants were arrested on Aug. 10, 2018.
An indictment is simply a 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.
The investigation in this case was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The prosecution is being handled by Beverly K. Anderson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR 17-01145-TUC-RCC (DTF)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-102_ Osman_ Mohamed
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Habitual Offender Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Domestic Assault on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe ReservationRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Jesus Gabriel Alvarez, 30, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Raner C. Collins to 37 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Alvarez had previously pleaded guilty to domestic assault by a habitual offender.
The evidence showed that on New Year’s Day, 2017, Alvarez choked and strangled the victim during a domestic dispute. At the time of the assault, Alvarez had been convicted of at least two prior domestic assault offenses in Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court. Both he and the victim are enrolled members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Rui Wang, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson, and Alicia R. Robertson, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Prosecutor with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-0638-TUC-RCC-LAB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-104_Alvarez
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Kayenta Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter Related to Drunk DrivingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Aug. 8, 2018, Ethan Barlow, 27, of Kayenta, Ariz., and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Barlow had previously pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter.
The case involved Barlow driving his vehicle with a BAC level of over .134 (three hours post-crash). Barlow admitted that he had been drinking rum and smoking marijuana. As a result, Barlow caused his vehicle to roll over and crash, killing his sole passenger. The crash occurred within the Navajo Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8318-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-103_ Barlow
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Fresno Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - Yesterday, Mitchell Ray Finley, 50, of Fresno, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Raner C. Collins to 70 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Finley had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery.
On May 28, 2016, Finley and three other persons entered a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in Tucson, Ariz., and stole a diamond solitaire ring and assaulted a security guard before getting away. Later that day, Finley and the three men entered the Nordstrom department store in Scottsdale, Ariz., and stole several designer handbags after verbally threatening a store manager. On the same day, Finley and the three men entered a Helzberg Diamond Outlet store in Glendale, Ariz., and stole several high-end watches after pepper-spraying the store employees. The watches were pawned by Finley’s co-defendant, Dwight Bivens, who previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. The victims’ financial losses totaled more than $130,000.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the Scottsdale Police Department, the Glendale Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Lauren G. LaBuff, Fred A. Cocio, and Rui Wang, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR 17-01145-TUC-RCC (DTF)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-101_ Finley
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Felon Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Possessing Firearm on Hopi ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Eric Lorenzo Sanchez, 25, of Second Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 18 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sanchez, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered weapon made from a shotgun.
On June 11, 2016, Sanchez was involved in a car accident on the Hopi Reservation. When law enforcement responded to the scene, they found a firearm near Sanchez’s car. Sanchez, a previously convicted felon, admitted that the firearm was his. The firearm was a 12-gauge shotgun, which had been modified to shorten the barrel and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as is required for so-called “short-barreled” shotguns. The firearm’s serial number had also been obliterated in violation of the law.
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. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08114-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-100_Sanchez
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Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Burglary and Robbery on Hopi ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Kaleb June, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 33 months of imprisonment. June, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, had previously pleaded guilty to robbery.
On Sept. 10, 2016, June and two others burglarized a Hopi tribal administration building. After leaving the building, they went to a nearby convenience store and robbed it at gunpoint. Each of these crimes occurred in Moenkopi, Ariz., on the Hopi Indian Reservation.
Earlier this year, June’s co-conspirators were likewise sentenced to prison for their roles in the same crimes. Jonathan Phillips, 20, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to robbery. Morgan Black, 20, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to burglary. Both Phillips and Black are enrolled members of the Hopi Tribe. June, Phillips, and Black were all living in the Moenkopi-Tuba City area at the time of the crimes.
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. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8256-PCT-DGC; CR-17-8116-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-099_June etal
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Parker Man Sentenced to Prison for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Aug. 1, 2018, Jason Allen Martinez, 37, of Parker, Ariz., and a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 77 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Martinez had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Martinez was also sentenced to four months’ imprisonment in a 2010 supervised release matter, to run consecutive to the sentence imposed in the 2017 case. Martinez had previously admitted to violating his supervised release.
On Aug. 21, 2017, Martinez assaulted the victim, a former partner of his, by chasing her down in the vehicle he was driving and crashing into the rear end of the victim’s vehicle. Martinez continued to chase the victim after crashing into her vehicle and tried to force her off the road several times. The victim is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the assault occurred on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-2017-01509-PHX-DGC and CR-2010-00131-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-098_Martinez
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Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Illegally Smuggle Ammunition and Guns from the U.S. to TaiwanRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - On July 30, 2018, Fu Sheng Yang, 39, of Taipei City, Taiwan, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 33 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Yang had previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to smuggle goods from the United States.
On June 20, 2017, Yang legally entered the United States. During the next two days, he purchased 10,000 rounds of ammunition and took possession of 40 upper receivers with the intention of illegally exporting these items from the United States to Taiwan. He also attempted to arrange for the purchase of an additional 100 firearms. On June 22, 2017, Yang was stopped by the Arizona Department of Public Safety for speeding and was found in possession of the aforementioned ammunition and upper receivers.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Lisa E. Jennis and Kristen Brook, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR 17-00981-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-097_ Yang
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Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Transportation Resulting in the Death of a 16 Year OldRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - On July 30, 2018, Omar Heriberto Robles-Hernandez, 24, of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Paul Logan to 48 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Robles-Hernandez had previously pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death.
On approximately May 13, 2017, Robles-Hernandez guided eight males (two of whom were juveniles) across the desert from Mexico into Arizona in order to enter the United States illegally. The males were citizens of Mexico and Honduras and were forced to carry backpacks of marijuana, weighing approximately 50 pounds each, during the trip. On May 23, 2017, after ten days of walking in the desert, Robles-Hernandez and the people he was guiding were located by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Three of them were taken to the hospital where a 16 year old boy died from heat exposure and dehydration caused by the arduous trip through the desert.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution was handled by Lisa E. Jennis and Todd M. Allison, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR 17-00980-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-096_ Robles-Hernandez
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Former Pima County Justice Court Employee Found Guilty of Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, after a two-day trial, the Honorable Cindy K. Jorgenson found Daniel Courville, 42, of Tucson, Ariz., guilty of knowing access with intent to view child pornography depicting pre-pubescent minors. Courville faces a sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release, with stringent sex offender conditions, including the condition that he register as a sex offender.
Courville, who formerly worked as computer programmer and specialist for Pima County Justice Court, was indicted by a federal grand jury after an investigation revealed that Courville had searched for, downloaded, and accessed child pornography images and videos over the internet. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2018.
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 Homeland Security Investigations in Tucson. The prosecution was handled by Carin C. Duryee and Nathaniel J. Walters, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-482-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-095_Courville
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Bitcoin Trader Sentenced to 41 MonthsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On July 30, 2018, Thomas Mario Costanzo, a.k.a. Morpheus Titania, 54, of Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 41 months’ imprisonment, with credit for time served since his arrest in April 2017. Costanzo was found guilty by a federal jury on March 28, 2018, of money laundering.
The evidence at trial showed that federal agents initiated an investigation of Costanzo in 2014, after identifying an advertisement he posted on a peer-to-peer bitcoin exchange website. In the advertisement, Costanzo advertised that he was willing to engage in cash transactions up to $50,000. When undercover federal agents approached Costanzo and told him that they were drug dealers, Costanzo provided them with bitcoin and told them it was a great way to limit their exposure to law enforcement. The jury found that over a two-year period, Costanzo took $164,700 in cash-including a final $107,000 transaction in April 2017-from the agents (whom he believed to be heroin and cocaine traffickers) and exchanged it for bitcoin in order to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the drug proceeds. The evidence at trial also showed that Costanzo used bitcoin to purchase drugs from others and that he provided bitcoin to individuals who were buying drugs via the internet.
At the sentencing hearing Judge Snow also ruled on the forfeiture of the 80.94512167 bitcoins provided by Costanzo to the undercover agent as part of the final $107,000 money laundering transaction. The current value of the forfeited bitcoins is more than $600,000. Costanzo had previously claimed an interest in 49.99363132 of the seized bitcoins, and his interest was forfeited at the sentencing hearing. Separately, the government has also reached a resolution with a third party to the forfeiture proceedings who had supplied Costanzo with the remaining bitcoins and who had been under investigation for engaging in an unlicensed bitcoin trading business. In particular, Dr. Peter Steinmetz has agreed to forfeit the remaining 30.95149035 bitcoins, and to also forfeit an additional $54,000 in U.S. currency; the government has agreed not to prosecute Dr. Steinmetz for his prior bitcoin trading activity; and Dr. Steinmetz agrees that going forward, and for the next two years, he will only purchase or sell virtual currency on exchanges registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Scottsdale Police Department, with assistance from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
The prosecution was handled by Matthew Binford, Carolina Escalante, and Gary Restaino, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-585-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-094_Costanzo
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Bapchule Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Receiving One Image of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Angel Xavier Catha, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 97 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. Catha had previously pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Catha admitted to pursuing a sexual relationship with the 13-year-old victim while living on the Gila River Indian Community. Both the victim and Catha are enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community. Over that period, Catha repeatedly requested that the victim provide him with child pornography. Catha ultimately received one image of child pornography, which was sent via Facebook. Judge Snow increased Catha’s sentence to account for his subsequent sexual abuse of the victim.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-501-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-093_Catha
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Government Contractor Found Guilty of Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – A former government contractor was found guilty today for his role in a scheme to unlawfully convert U.S. government property from the U.S military base at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, shipping items to his home in Arizona for resale.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange of the District of Arizona, Inspector General Steve A. Linick of the U.S. Department of State, and Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John F. Sopko made the announcement.
After a three day trial, Michael Dale Gilbert, 38, of Young, Ariz., was convicted of three counts of theft and unauthorized sale of government property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. Gilbert’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2018 before U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow of the District of Arizona, who presided over the trial.
According to the evidence admitted at trial, Gilbert worked at PAE Government Services, a government contractor that provides logistics and other support to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Defense around the globe, including Afghanistan. From 2012 to 2015, Gilbert was deployed to Kandahar Airfield (KAF), where he assisted DOS with the Foreign Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program. Once equipment, including computer equipment, heavy construction items and work tools, was requested through the FEPP program at KAF, Gilbert was assigned to arrange for its transfer for use or for its destruction, to prevent the items from falling into the hands of insurgents. While in that role, in or around April and December of 2014, instead of facilitating the transportation or destruction of U.S government property, Gilbert shipped FEPP to the United States and transported the items to his residence in Arizona. Gilbert stole FEP items worth at least $48,900, including items recovered from his residence in Arizona valued at approximately $16,700, approximately $3,700 in sales through eBay, and goods valued at approximately $28,500 that Gilbert sold through other means, the evidence showed.
This case was investigated by the DOS of the Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Restaino of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-670-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-090_Gilbert
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Government Contractor Found Guilty of Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
A former government contractor was found guilty today for his role in a scheme to unlawfully convert U.S. government property from the U.S military base at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, shipping items to his home in Arizona for resale.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange of the District of Arizona, Inspector General Steve A. Linick of the U.S. Department of State, and Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John F. Sopko made the announcement.
After a three day trial, Michael Dale Gilbert, 38, of Young, Arizona, was convicted of three counts of theft and unauthorized sale of government property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. Gilbert’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9 before U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow of the District of Arizona, who presided over the trial.
According to the evidence admitted at trial, Gilbert worked at PAE Government Services, a government contractor that provides logistics and other support to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Defense around the globe, including Afghanistan. From 2012 to 2015, Gilbert was deployed to Kandahar Airfield (KAF), where he assisted DOS with the Foreign Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program. Once equipment, including computer equipment, heavy construction items and work tools, was requested through the FEPP program at KAF, Gilbert was assigned to arrange for its transfer for use or for its destruction, to prevent the items from falling into the hands of insurgents. While in that role, in or around April and December of 2014, instead of facilitating the transportation or destruction of U.S government property, Gilbert shipped FEPP to the United States and transported the items to his residence in Arizona. Gilbert stole FEP items worth at least $48,900, including items recovered from his residence in Arizona valued at approximately $16,700, approximately $3,700 in sales through eBay, and goods valued at approximately $28,500 that Gilbert sold through other means, the evidence showed.
This case was investigated by the DOS Office of the Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Gary Restaino of the District of Arizona.
Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to 20 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Tucson, Ariz. – Yesterday, former Border Patrol Agent Alex Pena was sentenced to 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson. Pena had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import between 60 and 80 kilograms of marijuana, and had resigned from the Border Patrol following his indictment.
Pena admitted that while assigned to the Nogales Border Patrol Station, he entered into an agreement with other individuals to smuggle marijuana into the United States from Mexico. In the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2016, Pena drove from his residence in Tucson to the Border Patrol Station while dressed in his Border Patrol uniform. He took a marked Border Patrol vehicle from the parking lot without permission as cover to retrieve marijuana bundles to be brought into the United States by smugglers on foot in a remote area south of Patagonia. Pena drove to that location, arriving there at about 2:30 a.m. Although no marijuana was recovered, the subsequent investigation indicated that several individuals met Pena at that location. His guilty plea confirmed his agreement to participate in the smuggling plan.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange stated: “It is a sad day when a sworn law enforcement officer violates his oath. But no one is above the law, and our office will vigorously pursue corruption cases to ensure that those responsible for enforcing the law do not flout it.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Wallace H. Kleindienst, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-490-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-089_Pena
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Bank Robber Sentenced to over 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Robert Lad Solfisburg, 34, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 150 months’ prison. Solfisburg had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery.
From December 2016 until March 2017, Solfisburg robbed four U.S. Banks while wearing disguises. He robbed three in Tucson and a fourth in Tempe, Ariz. Solfisburg would approach bank tellers while holding a plastic bag and demanding that money be placed inside the bag. Anywhere from $2,338 to $4,080 was taken per robbery. Solfisburg successfully robbed all four banks until further investigation revealed his identity and he was apprehended. Solfisburg was on federal supervision at the time for having committed two prior bank robberies in Phoenix and California.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Tucson Police Department, Tempe Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-00569-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-082_Solfisburg
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McNary Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum for Killing Teenage GirlfriendRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Andre Hinton, 36, of McNary, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Hinton had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum punishment of eight years in prison.
In November 2006, Hinton, who was 25 years old, and a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, assaulted his then 16-year-old girl girlfriend, also a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation, resulting in the victim’s death. He did not seek medical attention for her, but rather buried her in a shallow grave with the assistance of one of his friends, who was a juvenile at the time. Hinton and the other individual then disposed of the shovels they used to bury the victim’s body and burned their clothing. The young victim had been reported missing by her family since October 2006. Her body was discovered in December 2006 after the juvenile who helped bury her body led law enforcement to her grave.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with early assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department and other local agencies. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra Sampson and Anthony Church, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8238-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-082_Hinton
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm to Support of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On June 18, 2018, Patricia Calderon-Monarrez, 47, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 60 months in prison. Calderon-Monarrez had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Calderon-Monarrez does not have legal status in the United States and is subject to removal from the United States when she is released from prison.
On Oct. 5, 2017, federal agents approached Calderon-Monarrez in a parking lot while conducting an investigation into a Phoenix-based drug trafficking organization. A subsequent search of Calderon-Monarrez revealed a loaded firearm and ammunition in her purse. When agents searched the vehicle Calderon-Monarrez arrived in, they located more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $500,000, multiple brick-shaped packages containing more than nine pounds of cocaine with a street value of almost $100,000, and a backpack containing more than $64,000 in cash.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Glendale Police Department, with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department, as part an operation supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The prosecution was handled by Matthew Binford, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1353-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-088_Calderon-Monarrez
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Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributed Denial of Service Attacks against Emergency Communications System and Other Municipal WebsitesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – An Arizona man was sentenced yesterday in Phoenix, Ariz., for directing distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks at the computer networks of the City of Madison, Wis., announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona.
Randall Charles Tucker, aka “Bitcoin Baron,” 23, of Apache Junction, Ariz., was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes of the District of Arizona. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of over $ 69,300 to the victims of his computer attacks. Tucker had previously pleaded guilty to one count of intentional damage to a protected computer.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, between March 9 and March 14, 2015, Tucker executed a series of DDoS attacks against various city websites, including Madison, Wis. A DDoS attack is a malicious attack where illegitimate network traffic is used to slow down or altogether crash a computer server, thereby denying service to legitimate users of the server. In addition to disabling the City of Madison’s website, the attack crippled the city’s Internet-connected emergency communication system, causing delays and outages in the ability of emergency responders to connect to the 911 center and degrading the system used to automatically dispatch the closest unit to a medical, fire, or other emergency. Tucker, referring to himself as the “Bitcoin Baron,” boasted about his attacks via social media.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Milwaukee and Phoenix Field Offices, and Arizona’s Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Knapp of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin also provided substantial assistance in this manner.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-01065-PHX-DLR (BSB)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-081_Tucker
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Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributed Denial of Service Attacks Against Emergency Communications System and Other Municipal WebsitesRead the Press Release
An Arizona man was sentenced yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona, for directing distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks at the computer networks of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona.
Randall Charles Tucker, aka “Bitcoin Baron,” 23, of Apache Junction, Arizona, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes of the District of Arizona. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $69,331.56 to the victims of his computer attacks. Tucker pleaded guilty on April 17, 2017 to one count of intentional damage to a protected computer.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, between March 9 and March 14, 2015, Tucker executed a series of DDoS attacks against various city websites, including Madison, Wisconsin. A DDoS attack is a malicious attack where illegitimate network traffic is used to slow down or altogether crash a computer server, thereby denying service to legitimate users of the server. In addition to disabling the City of Madison’s website, the attack crippled the city’s Internet-connected emergency communication system, causing delays and outages in the ability of emergency responders to connect to the 911 center and degrading the system used to automatically dispatch the closest unit to a medical, fire, or other emergency. Tucker, referring to himself as the “Bitcoin Baron,” boasted about his attacks via social media.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Milwaukee and Phoenix Field Offices and Arizona’s Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Knapp of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin also provided substantial assistance in this manner.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Vehicle on Navajo NationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Bronston Begay, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a vehicle theft on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Begay also received a consecutive eight-month sentence for violating his supervised release. Earlier this month, Judge Tuchi sentenced 19-year-old co-defendant Zachary Wyatt Bahe to 24 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in the vehicle theft.
On July 27, 2017, the defendants and two others were hitchhiking on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. After being picked up by the victim, Bahe placed a fake gun to the victim’s head as they ordered the victim out of the vehicle. Begay then drove the vehicle away from the scene, leading law enforcement on high-speed chases in both Arizona and New Mexico before being apprehended. Both defendants are enrolled member of the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8190-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-087_Begay_Bahe
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Supai Village Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Assaulting OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Last week, Kiana Walker, 29, of Supai Village, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee to 18 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Walker had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
On Nov. 19, 2016, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer arrested Walker, who was pregnant at the time, for public intoxication in violation of the Havasupai Tribal Code. After being arrested, Walker screamed racial profanities at the officer and assaulted him, including dropping to the ground and kicking the officer. Later, when the officer took Walker to the nearby clinic for a precautionary medical evaluation, Walker pushed the officer against a wall and kicked him again. The incident occurred on the Havasupai Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8300-PCT-SMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-083_Walker
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Peach Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for ArsonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Antwan Raoul Crook, 21, of Peach Springs, Ariz., and a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 41 months in prison, followed by a term of five years of supervised release. Crook had previously pleaded guilty to arson.
On March 25, 2017, Crook who was intoxicated became angry with the victim and intentionally set fire to her home. The fire caused extensive fire and water damage and rendered the home uninhabitable. The victim is also a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, and the arson occurred on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Hualapai Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08204-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-085_Crook
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Chinle Man Sentenced to Prison for Reckless Killing on Navajo NationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Sanjay Nelson, 25, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for recklessly killing a man on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Nelson had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
The incident occurred on May 1, 2017, when Nelson’s sawed-off shotgun accidentally discharged as the victim was handing the firearm back to Nelson. The victim died as a result of injuries sustained from the gunshot wound. Both Nelson and the victim were enrolled member of the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8312-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-086_Nelson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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California Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Transporting Individuals to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Last week, Jonathan Frank Davis, 38, of Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 78 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five year term of supervised release. Davis had previously pleaded guilty to transportation of individuals to engage in prostitution.
In Nov. 2014, Davis transported the victims from California to Arizona to have them engage in acts of prostitution. Davis was previously convicted of attempted pimping of a minor in Los Angeles County Superior Court and is currently serving a six year prison sentence for that crime. Davis’s federal sentence will run consecutively to his state sentence.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Scottsdale Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Task Force. The prosecution was handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Brown and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Brooks and Margaret Perlmeter, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: 17-CR-841-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-84_Davis
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Page Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Frank Junior Young, 23, of Page, Ariz., and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee to 144 months in prison, followed by a term of 15 years of supervised release. Young had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse.
On Feb. 19, 2016, Young sexually abused the victim by using force and threats. The victim is also a member of the Navajo Nation and the assault occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08033-PCT-SMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-080_Young
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Sacaton Gang Member Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, George Alonzo Renteria, 30, of Sacaton, Ariz., and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to life imprisonment for first degree murder, with a consecutive sentence of ten years for committing the murder with a firearm. Renteria had previously been convicted at a jury trial of first degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence.
On Feb. 17, 2014, Renteria shot and killed a fellow member of the Gila River Indian Community. Renteria encountered the victim in Chandler, Ariz., and convinced him to get into a car Renteria was driving. Renteria then drove the victim to a deserted field on the Gila River Indian Community and shot him to death with a handgun. Renteria was in the midst of a violent crime spree, having perpetrated a vehicle theft and an armed home invasion in the hours leading up to the murder.
During the trial, the victim was described by fellow community members as a gentle, well-liked, and kind-hearted man who went out of his way to help those around him. Renteria, on the other hand, is a longtime member of a street gang with a violent criminal history. At the time he murdered the victim, Renteria was on federal supervised release for a prior robbery conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Gila River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Keller and William G. Voit, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-00407-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-079_Renteria
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Glendale Man Sentenced to Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Senior U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg sentenced David Dwight Reynolds, 30, of Glendale, Ariz., to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered him to pay nearly $2.2 million in restitution. Reynolds had previously pleaded guilty to embezzlement.
Evidence showed that between 2013 and 2016, Reynolds in his capacity as an Information Technology (IT) network engineer for Swift Transportation Company used his position to embezzle millions of dollars. Reynolds did so by using a corporate credit card to make fraudulent purchases. Reynolds altered invoices to conceal his fraudulent purchases. Reynolds purchased IT equipment for personal use and had it shipped to his office at Swift. Eventually, Reynolds began purchasing personal items like cellphones, office furniture, televisions, cameras, computers, welding and manufacturing equipment, and gun accessories. Reynolds then had items shipped to his home. Reynolds also set up a shell company to fraudulently have payments made to the company. He had a debit card attached to the account and used the fraudulently diverted money to pay his personal credit card bills, his wife’s tuition, among other personal and family expenses. In total, Reynolds embezzled nearly $2.2 million. In addition, he failed to report the embezzled money on his taxes. Based upon unreported taxable income, he owed an income tax in the amount of $355,720.
“The defendant breached his position of trust to illicitly enrich himself and his family,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “Embezzlement may be a more refined way of stealing, but it is still stealing and a serious crime that our office will vigorously prosecute. We applaud the efforts of the IRS-Criminal Investigation and FBI in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“Reynolds orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to embezzle over $2 million from his employer then took steps to conceal his theft,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. “We hope this investigation is a wake-up call to all businesses, whether large or small, to be sure they have precautions in place to prevent this from happening to them."
Corporate embezzlement causes serious harm to businesses, investors, and the overall economy. The FBI will continue to investigate and work with the United States Attorney's Office to prosecute those who steal or divert funds from their intended use," said Michael DeLeon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kevin M. Rapp Assistant United States Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-00764- JAT-PHX
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-078_ Reynolds
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Iranian National Sentenced for Asylum FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Ali Vahdani Pour, 28, an Iranian national, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes to 137 days in prison. Pour had previously pleaded guilty to false swearing in an immigration matter.
In his plea agreement, Pour admitted having lied on his asylum application. Specifically, Pour admitted he falsely denied having served in the Iranian military and falsely denied having received refugee status in another country. Pour further admitted to having served in the Iranian military and to having received refugee status in Italy prior to seeking asylum in the United States.
The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Joseph E. Koehler, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Ryan Goldstein, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1598-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-077_Pour
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Santan Man Sentenced to Prison for Lying to the Grand JuryRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Alvaro Sabori, 43, of Santan, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Diane J. Humetewa to 18 months in prison. Sabori had previously pleaded guilty to false declaration to the grand jury.
On Oct. 23, 2016, a man was found dead on the side of the road in Sacaton, Ariz., from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Based on information from a witness, Sabori was subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury regarding the investigation into this killing. Sabori lied to the grand jury about the shooting, which had occurred at his home earlier in the evening. One year later, Enrique Bandin was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the killing of that victim at Sabori’s home.
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.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-1482-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-076_Sabori
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