District of Arizona
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mesa Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Roberto Carlos Lopez, 30, of Mesa, Ariz. was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 84 months in prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release. Lopez had previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Lopez possessed 4 images and 296 videos 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore and Rachel R. Stoddard, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-0796-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-083_Lopez
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Pakistani National Extradited and Sentenced for Attempting to Export Sensitive Technology for Pakistani MilitaryRead the Press Release
Syed Vaqar Ashraf, 71, of Lahore, Pakistan, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez of the District of Arizona. Ashraf previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to export defense controlled items without a license.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo of the District of Arizona made the announcement.
Ashraf attempted to procure gyroscopes and illegally ship them to Pakistan so they could be used by the Pakistani military. In an effort to evade detection, Ashraf arranged for the gyroscopes to be purchased in the name of a shell company and caused the gyroscopes to be transshipped to Belgium. Ashraf then traveled to Belgium to inspect the gyroscopes and arrange for their final transport to Pakistan.
On Aug. 26, 2014, Ashraf was arrested by the Belgium Federal Police at the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, who had been conducting an undercover investigation of Ashraf’s activities.
HSI and Belgium Federal Police investigated the case. Trial Attorney Elizabeth Cannon of the National Security Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Brook and Beverly Anderson of the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
Arizona Real Estate Developer Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Falsifying Bankruptcy RecordRead the Press Release
An Arizona real estate developer was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for submitting false statements in his bankruptcy petition with the intent to conceal assets and property transfers from the bankruptcy trustee.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo of the District of Arizona and Acting Inspector in Charge Daniel A. Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
Alexander Papakyriakou, aka Alex Papas, 62, of Phoenix, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Susan R. Bolton of the District of Arizona, who will impose restitution at a hearing on Oct. 21, 2016. Papakyriakou pleaded guilty on Feb. 9, 2016, to one count of falsification of records in bankruptcy.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, in 2011, Papakyriakou filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition in which he claimed he had less than $1 million in assets and over $144 million in liabilities. In connection with his bankruptcy petition, Papakyriakou filed a statement of financial affairs (SFA), a declaration under penalty of perjury, about his assets and property transfers, which he admitted that he knew contained false entries and concealed his assets and transfers.
As part of his guilty plea, Papakyriakou admitted that at the time of the filing of the SFA, he had transferred all of his significant holdings into the names of other entities while still maintaining control of those entities by proxies. According to the plea agreement, these assets included an approximately $4.995 million beach house in Laguna Beach, California; a warehouse; several vintage collector automobiles; and funds from bank accounts. Papakyriakou further admitted that he filed the falsified SFA with intent to impede, obstruct or influence an investigation or the proper administration of his bankruptcy case.
The USPIS Criminal Investigations Group investigated the case. Trial Attorney Sarah Hall and Senior Litigation Counsel David Bybee of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Former Fraud Section Senior Litigation Counsel Jack Patrick provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond Woo of the District of Arizona also provided assistance in this matter.
Navajo Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Child MolestationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Raymond S. Tsosie, 53, of Burnside, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 229 months in prison. Tsosie had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 years old.
Tsosie’s conduct included sexually abusing a five-year-old girl, an eight-year-old girl, and a nine-year-old girl in 2014. Tsosie was also ordered to have 20 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, which will include sex offender treatment and registration. All victims are members of the Navajo Nation and all incidents occurred on the Navajo Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Gayle L. Helart, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-08165-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-065_ Tsosie
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tohono O’odham Woman Sentenced to Prison for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Aug. 15, 2016, Monique Pablo-Johnson, 47, of Sells, Ariz., a member of Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 11 years in custody. Pablo-Johnson had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
On June 6, 2013, Pablo-Johnson was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine while driving on SR 86, near Sells, on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Pablo-Johnson had three passengers in the car: her 25-year-old daughter, 7-week-old granddaughter, and adult male cousin. Pablo-Johnson was driving extremely recklessly, well over the speed limit and on the wrong side of the road. As an oncoming vehicle drew near, Pablo-Johnson swerved to her side of the road and lost control. Her car flew off of the road and struck the side of a hill. Pablo-Johnson’s daughter and granddaughter were ejected from the vehicle as they were not wearing seatbelts nor in a child restraint seat, and died from their injuries at the scene. Pablo-Johnson moved from the driver’s seat to the front passenger seat after the crash, and falsely claimed to the police that her daughter was the driver at the time of the crash.
At sentencing, Judge Marquez sentenced the Pablo-Johnson to eight (8) years of imprisonment for the death of Pablo-Johnson’s seven-week-old granddaughter and three (3) more consecutive years for the death of her daughter. In pronouncing the sentence, the Judge noted that her job was to protect the public from incapacitated drivers like Pablo-Johnson and to warn others that that there are consequences for driving while impaired.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Tohono O’odham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Serra M. Tsethlikai, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-1361-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-063_ Pablo-Johnson
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tucson Alien Smugglers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, William Ken Huebbe, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 11 years in prison. Huebbe had previously pleaded guilty to transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death. His co-defendant, Robert Evan Butcher Jr., 26, also of Tucson, Ariz. was previously sentenced to 48 months in prison.
On Jan. 8, 2015, Huebbe was driving a car on a two-lane road outside Three Points, Arizona. He and a co-defendant, Robert Evan Butcher Jr., were smuggling two unauthorized aliens towards Tucson. Huebbe panicked when he recognized an unmarked Border Patrol unit and fled at an extremely high rate of speed. Huebbe recklessly swerved into oncoming rush hour traffic and collided head-on with another motorist. The passenger in the other car, an 80-year-old woman, was killed instantly. The victim’s daughter, who was the driver, sustained massive injuries but survived after first responders extracted her. The co-defendant and the aliens also sustained serious injuries. Huebbe fled into the desert on a broken foot and was captured by Border Patrol agents shortly afterwards.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Josh A.C. Ackerman, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-230
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-062_Huebbe
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - Yesterday, Rodney Begay, of Tuba City, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 235 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Begay had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact of a minor.
The case involved the sexual abuse of 3 different girls, from 2005 to 2012, two also members of the Navajo Indian Nation-one non-native, occurring on the Navajo 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 Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-08175-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-060_Begay
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Smoke Signal Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Aug. 8, 2016, Michael K. Judy, 62, of Smoke Signal, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 24 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Judy had previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
According to the plea agreement, on or between April 18, 2001, and April 17, 2003, Judy, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, knowingly engaged in a sexual act with the female victim, who was eight or nine years old at the time. In 2014, the victim, now an adult, along with five others, also members of the Navajo Nation, reported multiple instances of sexual abuse on the Navajo Reservation by Judy during their childhoods. In total, the reported abuse spanned nearly three decades.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8060
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-061_Judy
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Ryan Haskie, 29, of Fort Defiance, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to a total of 63 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Haskie had previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and admitted to violating his terms of supervised release in a previous case.
In October 2015, Haskie, a member of the Navajo Nation, violently assaulted an elderly man, also a member of the Navajo Nation, in the Fort Defiance community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8243-PCT-PGR-1 and CR-12-8178-PGR-2
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-063_Haskie
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Man from Second Mesa Sentenced to 14 Years for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Johnathan Quavehema, 23, of Second Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 14 years of imprisonment. Quavehema had previously pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder.
In October 2015, Quavehema, who is a member of the Hopi Tribe, violently assaulted a female member of the Hopi Community. During the assault, Quavehema restrained the victim from leaving her home and threatened to kill her.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 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-16-8003-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-059_Quavehema
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Bowie Man Sentenced for Illegally Removing Artifacts from Prehistoric Native American SiteRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - David James Ioli, 69, of Bowie, Ariz., was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Thomas Ferraro to five years of probation and ordered to pay over $8,000 to the Bureau of Land Management after previously pleading guilty to unlawfully removing ancient Native American artifacts from an archaeological site on public land.
On multiple occasions in April and May 2012, Ioli visited the Nine Mile Archaeological Site, which is owned and managed by the BLM, near Bowie. Archaeologists date the site to the late Mogollon to early Salado period, which would make it between a thousand and eight hundred years old. During his visits, Ioli excavated and removed numerous artifacts, including pottery, arrowheads, and grinding stones known as manos and metates. Judge Ferraro ordered the repayment of $8,707 to compensate the BLM for both the restoration and repair of the site and the loss of scientific knowledge caused by the removal of the artifacts from their archaeological context. As an additional condition of probation, Ioli is not permitted to enter lands owned by the BLM, the National Park Service, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ioli was also required to turn over to the BLM all the artifacts he took and all the tools he used to remove them.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Land Management. The prosecution was handled by Brian R. Decker, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-336-TUC-CKJ(DTF)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-058_Ioli
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Fredonia Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexually Molesting Minor Victim on Kaibab ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On July 25, 2016, Christopher Nigel Benn, 24, of Fredonia, Ariz., an enrolled member of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indian Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 25 years’ imprisonment after Benn had previously pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact of a minor. The Court also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release to follow Benn’s term of imprisonment.
The investigation revealed that Benn sexually abused the minor victim, who was under the age of 12, on the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indian Reservation in 2013.
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-15-8092-PCT-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-057_BENN
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
U.S. Attorney Announces “Be Here for Kids” Child Safety Event in TucsonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, is hosting the “Be Here For Kids” event on Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Foothills Mall, in Tucson, Ariz. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the “Be Here For Kids” campaign to promote awareness about all child safety issues. The campaign is designed to help parents and others teach children to be aware, alert, and cautious to potential threats and to provide steps that children can take to stay safe, both on the Internet and in daily life. Families also are encouraged to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about abduction, safety prevention, and good digital citizenship online.
“The annual ‘Be Here For Kids’ national child safety campaign provides a good reminder for children and families about digital safety in the online world and overall as children prepare to go back to school in the coming weeks.” said United States Attorney John S. Leonardo. “This event is designed to increase awareness among parents and children of the potential threats to child safety present in daily life, including the Internet, and to help equip them to better avoid those threats.”
This year’s event is being presented in partnership with several federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Children’s Advocacy Center, Pima County Attorney’s Office, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Interactive children’s self-defense demonstrations by Ko Sho Martial Training Institute will take place throughout the day, and Marana Police Department will also be providing free digital child identification kits during the event.
For more information on NCMEC, visit www.missingkids.com. For more information about the Take 25 campaign, visit www.Take25.org. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-56__Be Here For Kids
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former Bureau of Prisons Employee Sentenced for Sex OffenseRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On July 18, 2016, James Toadvine, Jr., 50, of Goodyear, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 12 months in prison. Toadvine had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with an inmate under his supervision.
Toadvine worked as a Recreational Specialist at the Bureau of Prisons’ women’s camp in Phoenix, Ariz. Between January and April, 2015, Toadvine engaged in sexual contact with a female inmate who he supervised at the camp. Judge Humetewa, in imposing the prison term, noted that inmates in a prison setting are a vulnerable population.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Gayle L. Helart, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-2:15-cr-01535-DJH-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-055_Toadvine
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Chinle Bank Robber Sentenced to over 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Yesterday, Kristopher Andrew Jaramillo, 39, of Albuquerque, N. M., not a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 151 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Jaramillo had previously pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
On Oct. 26, 2015, Jaramillo entered the Wells Fargo Bank located on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Chinle, Ariz., and gave the bank teller a note demanding money and instructed her not to alert the police. The bank teller complied and gave Jaramillo over $1800 from her drawer.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Navajo Nation Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-08236-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-054_Jaramillo
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Man Receives Prison Sentence for Exposing Himself on AirplaneRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On June 20, 2016, Craig Dewalt, 61, of Cave Creek, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge John Z. Boyle to serve two days in prison, given three years’ probation, and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. Dewalt was previously found guilty at a bench trial of committing lewd, indecent, or obscene acts on an aircraft.
On Feb. 27, 2015, while on a Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank, Calif., Dewalt twice exposed his genitalia while seated in a window seat. This exposure was observed by the female seated next to him. The female passenger testified at trial and suffered emotional trauma from Dewalt’s conduct.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Lisa E. Jennis and Abbie Broughton Marsh, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: MJ-15-08513-JZB-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-053_Dewalt
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tohono O’odham Man Sentenced to over Eight Years Prison for Assault with a FirearmRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 17, 2016, Robert Kenneth Cooley, 46, of South Hickiwan, Ariz., and a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Frank R. Zapata to serve 99 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Cooley had previously pleaded guilty to these offenses.
On June 9, 2014, in South Hickiwan, Ariz., on the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, Cooley, a convicted felon, discharged a handgun outside of his residence. The victim, a neighbor of Cooley, and also a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, heard the gunshots and went outside to determine what was happening. As the victim walked toward Cooley, Cooley pointed his handgun at the victim’s face and threatened him. The victim feared for his life and immediately returned to his residence where his wife called 911. Cooley was located and arrested three days later.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Tohono O’odham Police Department 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-14-2148-TUC-FRZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-052_Cooley
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Undocumented Alien Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for Assaulting a Douglas Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON – On May 27, 2016, Juan Pablo Vasquez-Campos, 38, of Aguas Calientes, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cyndy K. Jorgenson to 15 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Vasquez-Campos had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer and illegal re-entry.
Vasquez-Campos resisted arrest and scuffled with a Border Patrol agent in the desert terrain near Douglas, Ariz. During the struggle, Vasquez-Campos struck the agent with his elbow in an effort to avoid apprehension.
The investigation in this case was handled by the United States Border Patrol. The prosecution was handled by Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-00533-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-051_Vasquez-Campos
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Whiteriver Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– Yesterday, Mitchell Clawson, 30, of Whiteriver, Ariz., a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 188 months in prison. Clawson had previously pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact.
Clawson pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an eight year old female, also a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, while she slept. The incident occurred on the Fort Apache Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Anthony Church, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-01374-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-050_Clawson
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tribal Fiduciary Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Seven-Year Scheme to Steal More Than $260,000 from Vulnerable Members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian CommunityRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Freida Ann Battise-Moore, 55, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay over $260,000 in restitution. Battise-Moore had previously pleaded guilty to theft or embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization.
“Ms. Battise-Moore violated the trust of the Community and its members, so the Community petitioned the court that she be incarcerated for her crime. The Community takes this matter very seriously and has taken the necessary steps that it will not happen again,” said Delbert Ray, Sr., President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
In 2001, Battise-Moore—a law school graduate and a member of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe—was hired by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to serve as the court-appointed representative for the tribe’s incapacitated and incompetent members. In this sensitive role as “public fiduciary,” Battise-Moore was responsible for handling all of her clients’ financial affairs (i.e., receiving their Social Security, commercial and agricultural lease, and other payments and using the proceeds to pay their rent, medical bills, and other expenses). Beginning in 2006, Battise-Moore began stealing from some of her clients. Her misconduct went undetected until September 2013, at which point she was fired. A subsequent audit showed that Battise-Moore had stolen more than $260,000 from 49 clients and had spent the proceeds on expensive sports tickets and gambling, among other things. Judge Logan enhanced Battise-Moore’s sentence in recognition of the vulnerability of the victims and the fact that Battise-Moore had abused a position of trust.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Salt River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Dominic Lanza, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-130
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-049_Battise-Moore
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tumacacori Man Sentenced for Operating Human-Smuggling House with “Deplorable Conditions”Read the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Henry Joe Kane, 52, of Tumacacori, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Raner C. Collins to two years in prison. Kane had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to harbor illegal aliens for profit, a felony. Kane’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
In the summer and fall of 2015, agents arrested a series of people driving cars through the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Amado with undocumented aliens smuggled within. Agents were able to trace the smuggled people back to the Kane residence in Tumacacori. On Dec. 3, 2015, agents executed a search warrant on the Kane residence and found Kane along with six undocumented aliens - one of them an unaccompanied minor - who were staying there temporarily before being smuggled further north. The aliens were kept in what Judge Collins characterized as “deplorable conditions,” with rodent and pet droppings, along with evidence of cockroaches, accumulated throughout the trash-strewn residence. Kane was receiving payment from smugglers to keep people in the house.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security–Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Brian R. Decker, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-2330-TUC-RCC (LAB)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-047_Kane
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former Director of Phoenix VA Hospital SentencedRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Sharon M. Helman, 45, of Surprise, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to a term of two years’ probation. Helman previously pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a government agency, a felony offense.
“It is crucial that government officials, who are entrusted with authority over taxpayer-funded government agencies, provide accurate information when completing financial disclosure reports,” stated U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Today’s outcome appropriately holds the defendant responsible for failing to report tens of thousands of dollars of gifts from a lobbyist while she was serving as the head of the Phoenix VA facility.”
“The FBI recognizes and appreciates the tremendous sacrifice and service our veterans have made for our country. With this in mind, we conducted a thorough and extensive investigation of the allegations surrounding the Phoenix VA. Our investigation revealed that the former director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center failed to report gifts as required under federal law and this outcome holds the defendant accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael D. Deleon.
"Financial disclosure requirements are critical to ensuring that VA is able to assess any potential conflict of interest that VA executives may have," stated Michael E. Seitler, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northwest Field Office. "In this case, Ms. Helman's failure to fully disclose her financial relationships, called into question her actions and decisions as a VA executive."
Helman was director of the Phoenix VA hospital from February 2012 to December 2014. Federal law required Helman to annually complete and file a financial disclosure report and to disclose, among many other things, gifts received during the applicable calendar year. In March 2014, Helman submitted a financial disclosure in which she falsely reported that she received no gifts during 2013. That report was false because during 2013 Helman had, in fact, received gifts totaling more than $19,300. The gifts included an automobile, a check for $5,000, concert tickets, and two round-trip airline tickets.
Helman also filed a false report for 2012, failing to report four gifts of a total value of more than $2,000. Furthermore, although she did not file a financial disclosure report for 2014, Helman received six gifts valued at more than $27,700 between January 2 and July 1 of that year.
All of the gifts were from a former high-level VA employee who once served as Helman’s supervisor. During 2012-2014, that person was an executive consultant, and later vice president, of a consulting and lobbying firm that assisted companies in expanding their business with the VA. Had Helman properly reported the gifts and their source, the VA would have done a conflict-of-interest analysis to determine whether her acceptance of the gifts was permitted under applicable laws and regulations.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Frank T. Galati, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-00245-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-046_Helman
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On May 11, 2016, Glen Kevin Winfrey, 33, of Yuma, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Frank R. Zapata to 15 years in prison. Winfrey had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. Winfrey’s term of imprisonment will be followed by lifetime supervised release with stringent sex offender conditions, including the condition that he register as a sex offender.
While on active duty as a United States Marine on Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Winfrey took three surreptitious video recordings of a 10 year old girl. He then culled still images from those recordings and produced composite images of the child with a superimposed image of an adult male which were arranged to appear as though they were engaged in sex. Winfrey’s laptop also contained approximately 120 images 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 the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The prosecution was handled by Lawrence C. Lee, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-01436-TUC-FRZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-045_Winfrey
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to over Ten Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On May 9, 2016, David Lee Frater, 63, of Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 125 months in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Frater had previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
In 2014, a detective in New Zealand encountered a user on a popular file-sharing software who was distributing images of child pornography. Through this investigation, it was learned that the individual was Frater, who had also been advertising child pornography under alternate online personas. Frater was an unregistered sex offender who had previously been convicted of possession of child pornography and annoying or molesting a child under 18. A search warrant was executed at Frater’s residence which revealed he was in possession of over 28,000 images and 713 videos of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent minors and sadistic or masochistic conduct. In sentencing Frater, Judge Campbell indicated that child pornography is a “scourge of society” that preys on helpless victims and to traffic the materials “fuels the fire that is consuming many children.”
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigations as assisted by the New Zealand Customs Service and other law enforcement agencies in New Zealand. The prosecution was handled by Rachel Reames Stoddard, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-1517-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-044_Frater
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Navajo Man Sentenced to 108 Months’ Imprisonment for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On May 9, 2016, Douglas Lawrence Bedell, Jr., 31, of Dilkon, Arizona, a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 108 months’ imprisonment. Bedell had previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
On Jan. 4, 2015, Bedell killed the victim, Brian Lee, also, a member of the Navajo Nation, by stabbing him in the throat. The incident occurred on the Navajo Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Cassie Bray Woo and Brandon Brown, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8023-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-043_Bedell
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former Phoenix Chiropractor Sentenced to Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On May 9, 2016, Dr. Randal Curtis Pruitt, 44, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 18 months in prison. Pruitt was also ordered to pay $478,549 in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service while serving a three-year term of supervised release upon release from prison. Pruitt had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
“Patients seeking medical treatment expect the utmost discretion from health care professionals, who are persons they entrust with some of their most personal information. Dr. Pruitt abused his special position of trust and today was appropriately held accountable for his conduct,” stated United States Attorney John S. Leonardo.
Pruitt, while operating the Arizona Back Institute in Phoenix in 2010 and 2011, defrauded Synchrony Bank (formerly GE Money Bank) and JP Morgan Chase by assuming the identity of 56 patients and obtaining credit card accounts or lines of credit in their names. Once the credit accounts were obtained, Pruitt submitted false claims for services he had not performed or double billed for services for which he had already been paid. As part of his restitution, Pruitt was also ordered to repay 17 patients who had paid for services but did not receive them after he closed his practice. Pruitt’s license was previously revoked by the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners. At sentencing, Judge Humetewa noted that Pruitt has yet to repay any of his creditors or patients.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Frederick A. Battista, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-838-01-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-042_Pruitt
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Southern Arizona Alien Smugglers Sentenced to Lengthy Prison TermsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Fidel Mancinas-Franco, 51, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and Jose Villela-Lopez, 53, of Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 96 to 120 months in prison, respectively. Mancinas-Franco and Villela-Lopez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring in, transport, and harbor unauthorized aliens. Another co-defendant who played a lesser role in the conspiracy, Fernando Diaz-Gonzalez of Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a 48-month sentence.
“The defendants participated in an alien-smuggling ring that displayed callous disregard for the lives of the persons being smuggled,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Yesterday's lengthy sentences send a strong and unambiguous message that such conduct will not be tolerated and will be punished severely.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing is a result of the successful collaboration efforts driven by HSI, Border Patrol and our state, local and foreign partners, that disrupted and dismantled this human smuggling network,” said Matthew C. Allen, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “This investigation was highlighted by innovative tactics and cooperation protocols that led to the dismantling of a prolific human smuggling organization in the U.S., Mexico and Guatemala. This case makes it abundantly clear that, through our joint law enforcement investigations, human smugglers looking to operate and profit in our communities will be brought justice.”
Mancinas-Franco and Villela-Lopez were part of a conspiracy to smuggle unauthorized aliens into the United States from Mexico and to transport and harbor those aliens within the United States. Most of the smuggled aliens hailed from Central and South America. Mancinas-Franco and Villela-Lopez knew that the aliens, once in the United States, would be transported on the floor of overloaded sport-utility vehicles whose rear seats had been removed. On three separate instances in 2009, large groups of aliens who were being smuggled by Mancinas-Franco’s and Villela-Lopez’s organization were killed or injured as a result of this dangerous transportation method. First, on June 6, 2009, 11 smuggled aliens were killed during a rollover incident near Sonoita, Ariz. Second, on July 19, 2009, another group of 11 smuggled aliens were endangered during a rollover crash in southern Arizona. The members of the alien-smuggling ring collected over $110,000 in smuggling fees and Mancinas-Franco and Villela-Lopez were required to forfeit those proceeds at sentencing.
The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE/ HSI) in Douglas, Ariz., U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol (CBP/BP) Tucson Sector, ICE/HSI Attaché Mexico City, ICE/HSI Attaché Hermosillo, and ICE/HSI Attaché Guatemala City. Special appreciation is owed to the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the government of Mexico, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in the extradition process. The prosecution was handled by Sandra M. Hansen and Carmen F. Corbin, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-1755-TUC-RCC / CR 09-1879-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-040_Mancinas-Franco_Diaz-Gonzalez et al
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tohono O’odham Man to Serve a Combined Sentence of 39 Months of Imprisonment for Domestic Violence AssaultRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On May 2, 2016, Kyle Wesley Street, 29, of Sells, Ariz., a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 27 months of imprisonment, consecutive to a tribal sentence of 12 months’ incarceration. Street had previously pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate partner by attempted strangulation.
On Oct. 17, 2014, Tohono O’odham police officers responded to a 911 call about a domestic incident involving attempted strangulation where victim lost consciousness during the assault. Citing prior instances of domestic violence by Street upon the victim, the need to protect the public and the victim from further acts of domestic violence, and noting that the defendant had served 12 months of tribal custody for the offense, the court sentenced Street to 27 months in prison with a term of supervised release to follow. The total tribal and federal sentence for the offense is 39 months of imprisonment. The victim is also a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
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 Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00434-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-041_Street
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Navajo Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - Yesterday, Kenneth Parker, of Keams Canyon, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 23 years in prison, followed by a term of 5 years of supervised release. Parker had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
The case involved the sexual abuse of multiple victims, also Navajo Nation members, over nearly 30 years, from 1987 through 2015. All incidents occurred on the Navajo Nation.
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 Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR- 158101-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-038_Parker
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Gila River Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - Today, Donald Wade Pablo, of Blackwater, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 180 months in prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release. Pablo had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a minor.
Between Aug. 1, 2013 and Nov. 2, 2014, within the Gila River Indian Community, Pablo sexually abused the victim who was under the age of 12 and also a member of the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-0385-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-038_Pablo
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Fort Apache Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On April 18, 2016, Jerome Remijo Reano, 21, of Whiteriver, Arizona, a member of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 336 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Reano had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse.
The investigation revealed Reano had sexually abused two minors, and the abuse occurred on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation where the victims were also member/eligible.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Anthony W. Church, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-08073-PCT-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-036_ Reano
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Cove Man Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On April 27, 2016, Sterling Sonny Yazzie, 41, of Cove, Arizona, a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 80 months in prison. Yazzie had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
On July 27, 2015, Yazzie engaged in a verbal and physical fight with the victim, also a member of the Navajo Nation. Yazzie grabbed an axe and struck the victim in the leg and body with the axe handle. The victim suffered severe pain and numerous large contusions on his legs that made it extremely difficult for him to walk. The incident occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8189-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-037_Yazzie
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison for Child Pornography and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Tule Israel Alonso-Castaneda, 27, of Douglas, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David C. Bury to serve 150 months in prison. Alonso-Castaneda had pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Alonso-Castaneda’s term of imprisonment will be followed by lifetime supervised release, with stringent sex offender conditions, including the condition that he register as a sex offender.
On Dec. 8, 2010, Alonso-Castaneda was arrested at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint when the vehicle he was driving was found to contain 87 pounds of marijuana. In addition to finding the load of drugs he intended to traffic, Border Patrol agents also found cell phone containing images of child pornography. After the defendant was placed on pretrial release for the drug offense on Dec. 13, 2010, he absconded to Mexico until he was re-arrested on June 13, 2014. On Nov. 30, 2011, Alonso-Castaneda was indicted for child pornography offenses by a Federal Grand Jury after the investigation revealed that he was actively trading images of child sexual abuse with a group of other like-minded individuals.
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 the Nogales Border Patrol and Department of Homeland Security - Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Nogales, Arizona. The prosecutions were handled by Carin C. DuryJe and Gordon E. Davenport, III, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-00050-DCB
CR 11-04067-DCB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-032_Alonso-Castaneda
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Golden Valley Woman Sentenced for Mail Theft in Mohave CountyRead the Press Release
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Yesterday, Nicole Leigh Davis, 35, of Golden Valley, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 12 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Davis previously pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of stolen mail.
The investigation was initiated by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, which was investigating a stolen travel trailer in which Davis was living. Davis was found to be in possession of over 300 pieces of stolen mail, including numerous stolen credit cards, identification cards, and Social Security cards.
“Unscrupulous people like Ms. Davis, who steal the identities of others and use them for personal gain, cause not only financial loss but also great inconvenience to innocent people in the community. We will do all we can under the law to insure that such people are held accountable as was Ms. Davis,” stated United States Attorney, John Leonardo.
"This sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to others who would consider stealing another's identity," said Inspector in Charge Keith Fixel. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains dedicated to our mission of protecting our nation's mail system from criminal misuse."
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by the Flagstaff U.S. Attorney’s Office.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-08010-1-PCT-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-031_Davis
# # #
or more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Husband and Wife Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Methamphetamine on the Ak-Chin Indian CommunityRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Stephanie Amanda Aviles, 31, and Juan Verduzco-Caro, 37, of Maricopa, Ariz., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 96 months’ and 72 months’ imprisonment, respectively. Aviles and Verduzco-Caro had previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
Between August 4, 2014 and April 28, 2015, Aviles and Verduzco-Caro sold methamphetamine to undercover officers on and near the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Neither defendant is a member of the Ak-Chin Tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ak-Chin Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-0604-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-029 Aviles_Verduzco-Caro
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Gila River Indian Community Member Sentenced for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, Royce Allen Young, 38, of Laveen, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 15 years in federal prison. Young had previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
On Aug. 10, 2012, Daniel Ballesteros, 24, who was also a member of the Gila River Indian Community was found lying dead in an intersection on the Gila River Indian Community. Ballesteros had died after sustaining three gunshot wounds. A spent shotgun shell and a kitchen knife were found at the scene, though the victim had not been stabbed. Young was located in Phoenix about an hour after the victim was found. He had a shotgun in his car. At sentencing, Judge Snow ordered that the 15 years run consecutive to a state sentence of imprisonment that Young is currently serving for another matter.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Gayle L. Helart and Bill C. Solomon, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: 2:14-cr-1539-GMS-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-030_Young
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tucson Tax Preparer Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Submitting 90 Returns Seeking over $651,000 in False CreditsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Jose Jesus Gonzalez, 48, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 21 months of imprisonment. Gonzalez previously had pleaded guilty to willfully filing a false individual income tax return. He was ordered to pay over $255,000 in restitution and separately was ordered to pay a $17,488 fine.
Gonzalez doing business as Gonzalez Insurance and Tax Services, operated offices in Tucson from 2004 through 2009 and in Phoenix from 2009 through 2010. During the 2008 tax year, Gonzalez e-filed 90 income tax returns seeking a total of $651,500 in false claims for the First Time Home Buyer Credit. The Internal Revenue Service disallowed a portion of the claims but paid $620,000 in false claims to taxpayers which the IRS is attempting to recover.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Sandra M. Hansen, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-00575
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-028_Gonzalez
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Arizona Man and U.S. Citizen Residing in Germany Sentenced for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Two men were sentenced yesterday in the District of Arizona for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in Landstuhl, Germany, in October 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo of the District of Arizona, Special Agent James Boerner of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command (CID), Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo of the FBI’s Phoenix Division and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell of the District of Arizona sentenced Joseph S. Martin, 20, of Peoria, Ariz., to 96 months in prison, and Christopher J. Heikkila, 21, a U.S. citizen previously residing in Weilerbach, Germany, to 84 months in prison. In September 2015, a jury convicted the men of one count of sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact each.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about Oct. 19, 2013, Martin and Heikkila sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Landstuhl while she was incapacitated after they had used social media to specifically target the victim and plan the assault. At the time, Martin and Heikkila were employees of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service on Ramstein Air Force Base in Ramstein, Germany, as well as dependents of civilian employees of the military, according to trial evidence. The Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act gives U.S. federal courts jurisdiction over felonies committed abroad by certain persons employed by or accompanying the U.S. military.
The Army CID and the FBI’s Phoenix Division and Washington Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Koehler of the District of Arizona and Senior Trial Attorneys Christine Duey and Michael Sheckels of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) prosecuted the case. HRSP Special Counsel Stacey Luck provided substantial assistance.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-00678-PHX_DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-027_ Martin_ Heikkila
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Arizona Man and U.S. Citizen Residing in Germany Sentenced for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced today in the District of Arizona for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in Landstuhl, Germany, in October 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo of the District of Arizona, Special Agent James Boerner of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command (CID), Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo of the FBI’s Phoenix Division and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell of the District of Arizona sentenced Joseph S. Martin, 20, of Peoria, Arizona, to 96 months in prison, and Christopher J. Heikkila, 21, a U.S. citizen previously residing in Weilerbach, Germany, to 84 months in prison. In September 2015, a jury convicted the men of one count of sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact each.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about Oct. 19, 2013, Martin and Heikkila sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Landstuhl while she was incapacitated after they had used social media to specifically target the victim and plan the assault. At the time, Martin and Heikkila were employees of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service on Ramstein Air Force Base in Ramstein, Germany, as well as dependents of civilian employees of the military, according to trial evidence. The Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act gives U.S. federal courts jurisdiction over felonies committed abroad by certain persons employed by or accompanying the U.S. military.
The Army CID and the FBI’s Phoenix Division and Washington Field Office investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorneys Christine Duey and Michael Sheckels of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Koehler of the District of Arizona prosecuted the case. HRSP Special Counsel Stacey Luck provided substantial assistance.
Tohono O’odham Man Sentenced to 139 Months of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On March 21, 2016, Cameron Carl Saraficio, 34, of Santa Cruz, Ariz., a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 139 months of imprisonment. Saraficio had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly/dangerous weapon.
On Dec. 25, 2014, Tohono O’odham police officers responded to a report of a domestic incident in progress. Saraficio had struck his girlfriend on the head with a large rock multiple times causing severe facial and head lacerations. As a result of a prior felony conviction for assaulting the same victim, Saraficio had been released from prison just seven months earlier. Citing the need to protect the public and the victims from further acts of violence Sarafico, the court sentenced Saraficio to 115 months in prison for his new crimes and revoked Saraficio’s supervised release on his previous conviction adding two years to be served consecutively for a total of 139 months of imprisonment. The victim is also a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
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 Serra M. Tsethlikai and Rui Wang, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-0773-TUC-RCC and CR 12-1205-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-027_Saraficio
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Criminal Employment Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Gregory S. Ott, 65, of Prescott, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Fredrick J. Martone to 12 months in prison for evading the payment of federal employment taxes he collected from numerous small business owner clients. Ott had previously pleaded guilty to evasion of payment of tax.
“The collection and payment of Federal payroll taxes is an important duty of all law-abiding business owners. In this case, the defendant willfully diverted client funds for his personal use. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue its efforts to detect and investigate this type of tax fraud,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.
Ott owned and operated Xpress Pay, Inc., a professional employment organization in Scottsdale that contracted with small business owners to provide payroll services including the preparation of federal employment tax returns and the payment of employment taxes owed by these small businesses to the IRS. Ott and Xpress Pay collected the taxes directly from their clients by accessing the clients’ bank accounts. Instead of making the required federal tax payments to the IRS in full, Ott transferred substantial amounts of money to his personal bank accounts and used the money to pay his own expenses. In 2010, Ott’s conduct resulted in a $568,279.00 tax loss.
In addition to the prison sentence, Ott was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release upon his release from prison, pay a $10,000 fine, perform 150 hours of community service, and to fully cooperate with the IRS in the determination and collection of taxes, penalties, and interest due and owing.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Edelstein and Bridget Minder.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-08133-PHX-PGR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-25_Ott
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former CPA Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Conducting ERISA AuditsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, – On March 16, 2016, Michael Edelen, 64, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Humetewa to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $459,308 in restitution to 45 victims. In October of 2015, Edelen had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to make false statements in audit documents required by ERISA pension plans and conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud.
Michael Edelen, operating as Retirement Plan Auditors, Ltd., and several other entities, performed audits of retirement plans covered by ERISA as a CPA licensed in several states. After he lost his licenses, he continued to perform the audits and to sign audit reports required by ERISA to be signed by a CPA. During 2011 and 2012, Edelen conducted audits for 45 companies and submitted reports to the U.S. Secretary of Labor falsely claiming the retirement plans were audited by a CPA. He collected $459,308 from the victim companies, all of which believed Edelen was a licensed CPA.
“Our office will continue to prosecute those who conspire to falsely represent clients in any type of financial transactions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “I want to thank our partner agencies for their commitment to investigating these types of public trust crimes.”
“CPAs represent the first line of defense for plan participants. We are grateful to the USAO Arizona in joining with us in our resolve to keep that line strong and remove unqualified practitioners who threaten the integrity of our system,” said Ian Dingwall, Chief Accountant for the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.
“The US Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with fellow law enforcement agencies to bring those to justice who use our nation’s mail system to commit fraud,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Keith Fixel. “The US Postal Inspection Service remains dedicated to our mission to protect the US Postal Service, secure the nation’s mail system, and ensure public trust in the mail.”
Charlotte Anne Viterbo, also formerly a CPA, separately had pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge for her role in the offenses, and she was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Snow on Jan. 11, 2016, to 3 years of probation, and was ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution. Both Edelen and Viterbo agreed as part of their plea agreements to refrain from future professional involvement with ERISA plans and to refrain from seeking reinstatement of their CPA licenses.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution was handled by Peter Sexton and Monica Klapper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-1318-PHX-DJH; CR-15-1320-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-022_ Edelen et al
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
El Salvador Man Sentenced to Prison for Assault of Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. –Wilmer Noe Velasquez-Mejia, 35, from El Salvador, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to serve 13 months in prison for assault of a federal officer. Velasquez-Mejia had previously pleaded guilty to this offense.
On Aug. 26, 2015, while illegally in the United States after having been deported on previous occasions, Velasquez-Mejia was attempting to break into occupied vehicles stopped at an intersection near Three Points, Ariz. The victim, a United States Border Patrol agent, responded to the intersection to assist. Upon seeing the Border Patrol agent, Velasquez-Mejia ran away and ignored his instructions to stop. The victim pursued Velasquez-Mejia, who repeatedly resisted and struggled with the victim and continued to run from him. At one point during the struggle Velasquez-Mejia charged at the victim and gestured as if he had a firearm concealed under his clothing, repeatedly challenging the victim to kill him. Velasquez-Mejia then jumped into a nearby car through an open window. The driver was able to force Velasquez-Mejia out of the car, at which point the victim was finally able to arrest Velasquez-Mejia.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Border Patrol. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-1712-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-021_Velasquez-Mejia
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem, 44, of Phoenix, was found guilty today by a federal jury of one count each of the following five crimes: conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (“ISIL”), a designated foreign terrorist organization; conspiracy to transport firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault; transporting firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault; making false statements to the FBI; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Strange of the District of Arizona, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo of the FBI’s Phoenix Division.
“Today’s guilty verdict, in one of the country’s first trials involving terrorist acts committed in the United States by ISIL supporters, demonstrates our office’s deep commitment to combatting terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Strange. “I want to thank the FBI for the tremendous effort that went into the underlying investigation, as well as the brave law enforcement officials in Garland whose quick action during the attack prevented a much larger tragedy.”
“In the first jury trial in the country involving a homeland attack committed in the name of ISIL, Abdul Kareem was convicted of conspiring to provide material support to the foreign terrorist organization and other federal offenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “The defendant conspired with Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi to provide material support to ISIL and to transport firearms in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault. Thanks to the response of brave law enforcement officers at the scene, no innocent lives were lost when Simpson and Soofi attacked the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. The National Security Division will continue to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who conspire with others to support foreign terrorist organizations and to commit acts of violence.”
“This verdict sends a strong message to those who support terrorists,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Tolomeo. “People who are plotting to harm America and Americans are no longer a world away. Our agents and analysts will continue to confront this threat with a strong and coordinated effort as we work to protect all Americans. The FBI would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their assistance in this case.”
The evidence at trial showed that, beginning around June 2014, Kareem and his two roommates, Simpson and Soofi, began conspiring to support ISIL. Their conspiracy focused on supporting ISIL by attacking targets in the United States. Over the course of the conspiracy, Kareem, Simpson and Soofi considered perpetrating an attack against military bases, individual military service members, shopping malls, the Glendale, Arizona, Super Bowl, and the so-called “Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest,” which was to take place in Garland. On May 3, 2015, the morning of the contest, Simpson and Soofi drove from Arizona to Texas. Simpson and Soofi stopped their car near the contest’s location, got out of their car, and began firing assault rifles at security personnel and law enforcement officers. A security guard was injured by one of their bullets, and Simpson and Soofi were shot and killed by police officers in the firefight. Kareem did not travel to Texas and was not injured during the attack. During an interview with FBI agents soon after the attack, Kareem lied about having prior knowledge of the attack and the contest.
The case was tried over the span of several weeks before U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton of the District of Arizona. Kareem is being detained pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for June 27, 2016, before Judge Bolton. Kareem’s counts of conviction carry a potential sentence of at least 45 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Koehler and Kristen Brook of the District of Arizona, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-707-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-020_Kareem
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem, 44, of Phoenix, was found guilty today by a federal jury of one count each of the following five crimes: conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization; conspiracy to transport firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault; transporting firearms and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault; making false statements to the FBI; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Strange of the District of Arizona and Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo of the FBI’s Phoenix Division.
“In the first jury trial in the country involving a homeland attack committed in the name of ISIL, Abdul Kareem was convicted of conspiring to provide material support to the foreign terrorist organization and other federal offenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “The defendant conspired with Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi to provide material support to ISIL and to transport firearms in interstate commerce with the intent to commit murder and aggravated assault. Thanks to the response of brave law enforcement officers at the scene, no innocent lives were lost when Simpson and Soofi attacked the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. The National Security Division will continue to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who conspire with others to support foreign terrorist organizations and to commit acts of violence.”
“Today’s guilty verdict, in one of the country’s first trials involving terrorist acts committed in the United States by ISIL supporters, demonstrates our office’s deep commitment to combatting terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Strange. “I want to thank the FBI for the massive effort that went into the underlying investigation, as well as the brave law enforcement officials in Garland whose quick action during the attack prevented a much larger tragedy.”
“This verdict sends a strong message to those who support terrorists,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Tolomeo. “People who are plotting to harm America and Americans are no longer a world away. Our agents and analysts will continue to confront this threat with a strong and coordinated effort as we work to protect all Americans. The FBI would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their assistance in this case.”
The evidence at trial showed that, beginning around June 2014, Kareem and his two roommates, Simpson and Soofi, began conspiring to support ISIL. Their conspiracy focused on supporting ISIL by attacking targets in the United States. Over the course of the conspiracy, Kareem, Simpson and Soofi considered perpetrating an attack against military bases; individual military service members; shopping malls; the Glendale, Arizona, Super Bowl; and the so-called “Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest,” which was to take place in Garland. On May 3, 2015, the morning of the contest, Simpson and Soofi drove from Arizona to Texas. Simpson and Soofi stopped their car near the contest’s location, got out of their car and began firing assault rifles at security personnel and law enforcement officers. A security guard was injured by one of their bullets, and Simpson and Soofi were shot and killed by police officers in the firefight. Kareem did not travel to Texas and was not injured during the attack. During an interview with FBI agents soon after the attack, Kareem lied about having prior knowledge of the attack and the contest.
The case was tried over the span of several weeks before U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton of the District of Arizona. Kareem is being detained pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for June 27, 2016, before Judge Bolton. Kareem’s counts of conviction carry a potential sentence of at least 45 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Koehler and Kristen Brook of the District of Arizona, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Mexican Mayor Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Operating an Arizona Based Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 7, 2016, Arturo Reyes Trujillo, 43, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced to 262 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake. Trujillo was elected municipal president (mayor) in Fronteras, Sonora, Mexico in 2012. He was arrested on Sept. 6, 2012, and previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In total, Trujillo was involved in sending approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine throughout the United States and laundered approximately $20 million.
According to the plea agreement, from about Jan. 1, 2003, to July 28, 2007, the defendant (who was then living in Tucson) was the head of the drug trafficking organization that hired a network of individuals to deliver multi-hundred kilogram shipments of cocaine, using passenger cars and tractor-trailer trucks, throughout the United States. The organization also brought back to Arizona millions of dollars in proceeds from cocaine sales. Law enforcement authorities seized over 77 kilograms of cocaine and over $490,000 in drug proceeds.
“The lengthy sentence in this case reflects our office’s commitment to aggressively prosecute cross-border drug trafficking,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Strange. “The underlying investigation also exemplifies the fine work that is routinely done by our law enforcement partners on the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.”
“Arturo Reyes Trujillo preyed upon the addiction of American citizens to enrich himself and his friends by selling cocaine and laundering the illegal proceeds gained from these crimes,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “His lengthy sentence shows that DEA and our partners will never relent in our mission to protect the American people from the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse, and bring those responsible to face justice in United States court rooms.”
“The defendant operated a transnational organized criminal group that was responsible for the laundering of millions of dollars in drug proceeds. IRS-CI is proud to work with the DEA and our other law enforcement partners to dismantle these drug organizations by tracing, disrupting, and seizing the flow of their money,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.
The investigation in this case was conducted by agencies participating in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The lead agencies were the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Additionally, we would like to recognize the Government of Mexico for their assistance with the extradition and the Office of International Affairs for their assistance in this case. The prosecution was handled by Keith Vercauteren and Krissa Lanham, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
NUMBER: CR-18-0001-PHX-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-019_Trujillo
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former Director of Phoenix VA Hospital Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 1, 2016, Sharon M. Helman, 45, of Surprise, Ariz., the former director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center, pleaded guilty to making a false financial disclosure to the federal government.
“I commend the FBI and the VA Office of Inspector General for their thorough investigation concerning the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, which revealed that the Center’s director had received, but failed to report, tens of thousands of dollars of gifts from a lobbyist,” stated U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Based on their thorough investigation, we do not intend to pursue any additional criminal charges at this time.”
“The FBI recognizes and appreciates the tremendous sacrifice and service our veterans have made for our country. With this in mind, we conducted a thorough and extensive investigation of the allegations surrounding the Phoenix VA. Our investigation revealed that the former director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center failed to report gifts as required under federal law,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Cwynar. “Although this plea agreement calls for a term of probation, making a false financial disclosure to the federal government is a felony and will permanently attach to Ms. Helman’s legacy.”
Michael E. Seitler, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northwest Field Office, stated: “VA executives have an obligation to clearly disclose any potential conflicts of interest. By providing false information to VA, Ms. Helman concealed her financial relationship with a senior employee of a consulting firm. That firm advised large corporations seeking to expand their VA business. This prosecution holds Ms. Helman accountable. We hope it will deter any other government executives who may be tempted to conceal this type of information.”
Helman was director of the Phoenix VA hospital from February 2012 to December 2014. Federal law required Helman to annually complete and file a financial disclosure report and to disclose, among many other things, gifts received during the applicable calendar year. In her plea agreement, Helman admitted that, in March 2014, she submitted a financial disclosure in which she falsely reported that she received no gifts during 2013. That report was false because during 2013 Helman had, in fact, received gifts totaling more than $19,300. The gifts included an automobile, a check for $5,000, concert tickets, and two round-trip airline tickets.
Helman also acknowledged that she filed a false report for 2012, failing to report four gifts of a total value of more than $2,000. Furthermore, although she did not file a financial disclosure report for 2014, Helman agreed that between January 2 and July 1 of that year, she received six gifts valued at more than $27,700.
All of the gifts were from a single source, a person identified in court as a former high-level VA employee who from 2005-2009 served as Helman’s supervisor. During the 2012-2014 time period, that person was an executive consultant, and later vice president, of a consulting and lobbying firm that assisted companies in expanding their business with the VA. Helman acknowledged that, had she properly reported the gifts and their source, the VA would have done a conflict-of-interest analysis to determine whether her acceptance of the gifts was permitted under applicable laws and regulations.
Although a conviction for making a false statement to a government agency carries a maximum penalty of five years, Helman’s plea agreement provides for a term of probation.
Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Steven P. Logan on Monday, April 25, 2016.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the VA Office of Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Frank T. Galati, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: WI-1600074-PHX-SP
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-018_ Helman
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Marana Man Sentenced for Saguaro Damage at Ironwood Forest National MonumentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, John Samuel Rahe, 50, of Marana, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie A. Bowman to one year of probation and ordered to pay $10,000 to the Bureau of Land Management for damaging vegetation and soil at Ironwood Forest National Monument. Rahe previously pleaded guilty to resource damage and littering.
In March 2015, Rahe drove his utility vehicle illegally off road within National Monument boundaries, running over and destroying two small Saguaros, a Palo Verde tree, and over thirty more cactuses and shrubs. When his vehicle became stuck, he attempted to free it by attaching its winch to an eight-foot Saguaro, resulting in the toppling of that cactus.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Land Management. The prosecution was handled by Brian R. Decker and Sarah B. Houston, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-961-TUC-LAB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-017_ Rahe
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
76-Year-Old Navajo Nation Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– Today, Rex Damon Begay, Sr., 76, of Ganado, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to 10 years in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Begay had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a minor less than 12-years-old. Begay will also have to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought to the attention of law enforcement after Arizona Child Protective Services alerted their counterparts on the Navajo Nation that a teenage Navajo girl had reported being sexually abused, several times, by Begay. Through a collaborative effort across multiple jurisdictions, investigation revealed that Begay had sexually mistreated several other female Navajo young members spanning many decades.
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 the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Rachel Reames Stoddard, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8137-PCT-PGR (BSB)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-015_Begay
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 139 Months in Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Howard James Sawyer, 41, of Iowa City, Iowa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 139 months in prison. Sawyer had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer.
On February 2, 2015, Sawyer was incarcerated in the federal penitentiary in Tucson, Ariz., because of a conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. When informed that his request for a housing reassignment was denied he became angry and punched a Corrections Officer in the eye. The attack caused the officer to suffer permanent vision impairment.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Jesse Figueroa, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00897-CKJ-EJM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-013_Sawyer
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.