District of Arizona
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pascua Yaqui Brothers Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Assaults on the Pascua Yaqui Indian NationRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 10, 2016, Steven Gabriel North, 33, of Tucson, Ariz., and a member of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to serve 63 months in prison for aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon. On February 18, 2016, Antonio Ruben North, 30, also of Tucson, Ariz., and a member of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Nation, and brother and co-defendant of Steven Gabriel North, was sentenced by Judge Soto to serve 28 months in prison for aiding and abetting his brother in committing aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon. Both defendants had previously pleaded guilty to these offenses.
On July 25, 2014, Steven Gabriel North stabbed four victims with a knife during an altercation. Antonio Ruben North aided his brother in committing the stabbings by physically fighting with the victims. When fleeing from the scene after the altercation, the defendants ran over one of the victims with their vehicle. All four victims suffered injuries from the assault, which occurred on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Nation. One of the victims is also a member of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-0266-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-012_North
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Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced to Eight Years for Receiving Bribes and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TUCSON– Yesterday, Johnny G. Acosta, 38, of Douglas, Ariz., was sentenced to eight years in prison by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson. Acosta was previously employed as a United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the Douglas, Ariz. Port of Entry, where he began working in 2008. Acosta previously pleaded guilty to felony charges of conspiracy to import more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and accepting bribes as a public official.
U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo stated, “As a port of entry inspector, Acosta served at the front line of America’s effort to keep illicit drugs from flowing into our country. He broke the public trust by succumbing to greed. Corrupt officials like Acosta degrade the public’s faith that their government employees will faithfully execute the laws of the United States. It is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to vigilantly protect the integrity of our government. The successful prosecution of Acosta was due to the hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity over the last three years of the Cochise Border Corruption Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Professional Responsibility, CBP Internal Affairs, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Douglas Police Department.”
“Those in law enforcement capacities are supposed to uphold our nation’s laws, not willingly break them,” said acting special agent in charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility - Western Region, Martin Suarez. “It’s always difficult when the actions of a single officer stain the honor and integrity of law enforcement officers who choose to put their lives on the line in order to uphold the law. Guarding against illegal or unethical behavior is not an option; it’s an obligation we have to the people we serve.”
“This sentencing demonstrates the continued commitment of the FBI and its law enforcement partners to identify and root out corrupt public officials. The FBI takes all allegations of corruption seriously as we hold our public officials to the highest levels of integrity,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas G. Price.
Acosta, a lifelong resident of Douglas, spent his entire career with CBP at the Douglas Port of Entry. The investigation led to the indictment of Acosta and five other individuals on an array of drug-related charges. On October 20, 2015, Acosta was arrested by the FBI at the International Border in Nogales, Ariz., as he attempted to flee into Mexico to avoid prosecution.
Two of the co-defendants in the case have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the conspiracy to import marijuana into the United States. One of those defendants, Ricardo Peralta-Cuevas, was previously sentenced to 37 months in prison. The other defendant is pending sentencing. A third defendant is scheduled to enter a guilty plea on February 22, 2016. The remaining two defendants in the Indictment remain fugitives.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace H. Kleindienst in the Tucson Office.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00775-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-011_Acosta
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Tohono O’odham Man Receives 71 Month Sentence for Aggravated Assaults on the Tohono O’odham Indian NationRead the Press Release
TUCSON – Yesterday, Juan Joe Valenzuela, 22, of the Village of Cowlic, Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 71 months’ imprisonment on three counts of assault with the use of a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury to which he previously pleaded guilty. The defendant is a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
Valenzuela stabbed a female in the leg with a pocket knife in an altercation and later stabbed and assaulted a man on the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation. Both victims are members of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raquel Arellano and Brian Decker, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-14-01517-TUC-JGZ
CR-15-00904-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-010_ Valenzuela
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Dilkon-Area Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Attack on Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Earlier this week, Mark Benally, Jr., 29, of Indian Wells, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 51 months in prison. Benally previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
The investigation revealed that on May 17, 2015, Benally entered the home of his elderly female victim, also a member of the Navajo Nation, near Dilkon, Ariz. There, he struck her on the face, neck, and throat, causing visible injuries. The assault occurred on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Benally’s sentence was increased because his elderly victim was particularly vulnerable.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Alexander W. Samuels and Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8168-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-009_Benally
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Two Men Receive Multi-Year Sentences for Brutal Beatings on Navajo ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Ray Manygoats, 26, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 70 months’ imprisonment after Manygoats previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Judge Snow previously sentenced co-defendant, Lee Bighorse Reed, 23, also of Tuba City, Ariz., to 84 months’ imprisonment on the same charges. Both defendants and victims are members of the Navajo Nation.
The defendants admitted searching for and then beating the two unarmed and unsuspecting victims with a wooden dowel and a metal bar on the Navajo Nation Reservation. The assault resulted in permanent injury to the victims.
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-15-08126-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-008_Reed_Manygoats
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Phoenix Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - Today, Abram Kyle O’Bannon, 31, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 14 years’ incarceration, to be followed by a 20 year term of supervised release. O’Bannon previously pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of children.
“My office places a high priority on investigating and prosecuting human traffickers, who prey on the weak and vulnerable for financial advantage,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “I am hopeful that today’s fourteen-year sentence will send a strong message that such conduct will be punished severely.”
O’Bannon was responsible for the sex trafficking of a juvenile in Phoenix, Ariz., during a four-day period in October 2014. On October 15, 2015, the Phoenix Police Department Vice Enforcement Unit recovered the juvenile victim during an undercover operation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Robert Brooks and Christine Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-CR14-1530-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-007_O’Bannon
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Attorney General Lynch to Travel to Phoenix as Part of National Community Policing TourRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch will travel to Phoenix in the coming months as part of her national Community Policing Tour. In this phase, the Attorney General will visit six jurisdictions around the country that have excelled in each of the six pillars discussed in the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing final report: (1) Building Trust and Legitimacy; (2) Policy and Oversight; (3) Technology and Social Media; (4) Community Policing and Crime Reduction; (5) Officer Training and Education; and (6) Officer Safety and Wellness. The Attorney General is kicking off her tour Thursday, February 11, and Friday, February 12, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, to highlight Pillar 1-Building Trust and Legitimacy. In addition to Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Phoenix, Attorney General Lynch will also visit Portland, Oregon; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Los Angeles, California. The stop in Phoenix will highlight Pillar 5-Officer Training and Education.
“One of my top priorities as Attorney General is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “During the second phase of my community policing tour, I will be highlighting some of the innovative efforts underway around the country to build trust, foster cooperation, and enhance public safety. I look forward to meeting with law enforcement officers, local leaders, and residents in the weeks and months ahead to discuss how we can ensure that every American benefits from neighborhoods that are supportive, safe, and strong.”
“Arizona’s law enforcement agencies have made great strides in implementing the principles of community policing, and we are honored that the Attorney General has chosen to highlight Arizona during her national tour,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo of the District of Arizona. “We take pride in being a leader in officer training and education.”
The Attorney General’s national Community Policing Tour builds on President Obama’s commitment to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing final report. The first phase of the tour launched on May 19, 2015, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also included visits to Birmingham, Alabama; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; East Haven, Connecticut; Seattle, Washington; and Richmond, California.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-006_Natl Policing Tour
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Developer Sentenced to 10 Years for Investment and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, John Keith Hoover, age 64, of Mohave Valley, Ariz., was sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton. His wife, Deborah B. Hoover, also 64, of Mohave Valley, Ariz, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud and was sentenced to one year of home confinement followed by five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney John Leonardo stated, “This investment fraud was particularly reprehensible because it targeted a number of widows and other friends of the defendants who trusted the defendant’s investment and legal advice. Defendants also violated the integrity of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court by shielding assets from victim creditors who were entitled to them by law. This prison sentence imposes accountability on the defendants for their crimes and sends a message to others who would engage in such fraudulent misconduct at the expense of others.”
"This investigation highlights the need for consumers and investors to do their homework before entering into business arrangements and not simply take the word of someone who may be out to steal their hard-earned money. If something seems too good to be true, it almost always is. I want to thank the IRS and the United States Attorney’s Office for their important role and partnership in this investigation. At its most basic level, this is a case about greed and the abuse of trust. The subjects took advantage of trusted relationships to persuade the victims to invest in staged real estate ventures which were supported by lies and false documents,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas G. Price.
"Mr. Hoover financed his lavish lifestyle by swindling investors. IRS Special Agents will continue to investigate investment fraud schemes in order to deliver justice to victims and protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Defendant’s plea, and other filings, John Hoover was a homebuilder in Fort Mohave and surrounding areas. Hoover created nearly two dozen companies that he used to solicit money from Arizona and California investors for bogus real-estate developments beginning in 1997. Several investors were widows who gave Hoover control of the bulk of their estates based on his friendship with their families and because of the trust he developed as an attorney. Hoover told investors their money would go to specific real-estate developments and then diverted the money for his own personal use. In some cases, Hoover told investors that their money had been placed in secure loans while he actually used it to invest in his own high-risk, speculative real-estate ventures in Arizona.
Hoover encouraged investors to liquidate retirement accounts, life-insurance policies, mutual funds and securities, and Social Security death benefits to fund their investments with him. Hoover then used investor money to pay his living expenses. Among those expenses were a multimillion-dollar Newport Beach, Calif. home and a condominium; an apartment in Paris; a $200,000 Bentley Flying Spur and other high-end automobiles; jewelry; artwork; furnishings; high end hotels and restaurants; and lavish expenditures for family members living in Paris, France. Hoover also took vacations disguised as business trips to Hawaii, China, South America, and Europe.
When Hoover ran out of money, he refinanced properties with false representations about salary, assets, liabilities, employment, and sources of down payments. Then, he and his wife filed bankruptcy while hiding assets. When the Hoovers were arrested, agents located numerous assets that had been concealed from the Bankruptcy Court.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer A. Giaimo.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-CR-00554-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-005_Hoovers
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Leader of Mexican Heroin Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Carlos Ramon Castro-Rocha, 42, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to over 11 years in prison. Castro-Rocha previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute.
“The sentencing of Carlos Ramon Castro-Rocha sends a powerful message to drug traffickers that they cannot escape justice. They will pay for the destruction they cause in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “DEA will never relent in our efforts to protect the American people from predators like Castro-Rocha.”
Castro-Rocha was the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for growing, processing, importing, and distributing massive quantities of heroin. Between October 2008 and April 2009, law enforcement seized approximately 48 pounds of heroin, over $150,000 in currency, numerous vehicles, and a firearm from Castro-Rocha’s organization. Castro-Rocha was indicted in November 2009, arrested in Mexico in May 2010, and extradited to the United States in October 2012 with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Phoenix Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Wickenburg Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs. The prosecution was handled by Jonell L. Lucca, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR 09-1464-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-004_Castro-Rocha
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Gila River Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Dec. 10, 2015, Delphine Corrine Morgan, 37, of Blackwater, Ariz. and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 92 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Morgan previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2015, Morgan sold less than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine to an undercover officer at her residence located on the Gila River Indian Community. Morgan had sold methamphetamine to this same undercover officer on one prior occasion.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-2015-0330-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-121_Morgan
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Tucson Man Sentenced to 65 Years for Murder, Assault of Pascua Yaqui MembersRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Joseph Edward Camargo, 30, of Tucson, Ariz., a non-tribal member, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Raner C. Collins to 65 years’ imprisonment. Camargo was found guilty of second degree murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses, by a federal jury on March 17, 2015.
“This sentencing demonstrates that this type of violent, malicious crime will not be tolerated in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partner agencies, will continue to prosecute these cases to the full extent of the law.”
The evidence at trial showed that on Sept. 30, 2011, Camargo went to a residence on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, armed with a handgun. Camargo provoked a fight with a male victim in the front yard of the residence. After the victim fled into the home, Camargo pursued him, firing four shots into the house. Three bullets struck the victim, killing him. The final bullet struck another male at the house, who was treated at a local hospital. Both victims were members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pascua Yaqui Police Department, with assistance provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Office of the Medical Examiner. The prosecution was handled by Jesse J. Figueroa and Matthew C. Cassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-4021-TUC-RCC-DTF
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-120_Camargo
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Gila River Man Sentenced to 14 YearsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Joseph Troy Williams, 38, of Coolidge, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Tuchi to 168 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Williams had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor. All victims were members of varied Indian Communities and the abuse occurred on the Gila River Reservation.
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 and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-1584-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-119_Williams
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $9.3 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2015Read the Press Release
PHOENIX - U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona collected $9,334,911 in fiscal year 2015. These recoveries were split nearly equally between criminal actions ($4,603,192) and civil actions ($4,731,718). Additionally, the District of Arizona worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $2,200,808 in jointly-pursued cases and collected an additional $7,856,523 in asset forfeiture actions.
“We are very pleased to have collected millions of dollars on behalf of crime victims and taxpayers in the past year. We and our law enforcement partners take seriously our responsibility to enforce such obligations,” stated U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo.
"The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work.”
In addition, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015. The more than $23.1 billion in collections in FY 2015 represents more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the Justice Department’s combined appropriations for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. Restitution is paid to the victim while criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights, and environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Education.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-118_FY15Collections
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Bookkeeper Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Nov. 23, 2015, Deanna Kay Frader, 66, of Mesa, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake to 30 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for evading income tax on nearly $1.7 million she embezzled from Ardent Sound, Inc., where she had been employed as an office manager and bookkeeper. Frader previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
“The United States Attorney Office will vigorously prosecute those who commit this type of serious and repeated abuse of financial trust,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Frader’s actions were harmful to her employer and to taxpayers, and it is hoped that this well-deserved sentence will deter others from similar fraudulent activity.
Frader was the sole office manager and bookkeeper for Mesa-based Ardent Sound for more than 20 years, until April of 2012. Her embezzlement was discovered during an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit of Frader Endeavors, LLC, a company that Frader owned with her son and that was the beneficiary of a large portion of the stolen funds. In an effort to hide the embezzlement and evasion during the audit, Frader created a fictitious loan agreement with Ardent Sound and forged the signature of its prior president. In the plea agreement, Frader admitted that she stole funds from Ardent Sound on nearly 400 occasions and then altered the company’s records to conceal the theft. She also admitted that she knew of her obligation to pay taxes on the funds and purposefully did not do so. As part of her sentence, Frader was ordered to pay restitution to Ardent Sound and to the IRS for the full amount of the respective losses.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Monica Klapper, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-219-PHX-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-117_Frader
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Gila River Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for StabbingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Jeremy Lee Thompson, 33, of Sacaton, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R Bolton to 144 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
On Feb. 28, 2015, Thompson confronted another member of the Gila River Indian Community and slashed him across the face with a knife. Thompson obstructed the investigation by encouraging his friends to threaten witnesses in the case, and the Court took that into account in imposing the sentence. Thompson was on federal supervised release at the time of the stabbing
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan and Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00297-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-116_Thompson
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Pinon Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Nov. 2, 2015, Leland Sam Buckinghorse, 31, a member of the Navajo Nation, of Pinon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 210 months’ imprisonment. Buckinghorse previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
On Dec. 11, 2014, Buckinghorse engaged in an argument with the victim outside of Buckinghorse’s house on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Buckinghorse went inside his house and located a .22 caliber rifle, loaded the rifle, went back outside, and shot the unarmed victim once in the chest area. The victim, also a member of the Navajo Nation, died as a result of his injuries.
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-15-8001-PCT-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-115_ Buckinghorse
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Former Tucson Resident Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, former Tucson resident April Escobedo, 43, of Las Vegas, Nev., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 27 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $255,189 in restitution to the United States Treasury. Escobedo previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Between January, 2010, and June, 2013, Escobedo filed approximately 265 false federal income tax returns claiming false refunds in the amount of approximately $472,351. As a result, the United States Treasury issued false income tax refunds in the total amount of approximately $255,189.
Between January 2010 and June 2013, Escobedo filed approximately 265 false federal income tax returns claiming refunds in the amount of approximately $472,351. As a result, the United States Treasury issued false income tax refunds in the total amount of approximately $255,189. In order to obtain the false tax refunds, Escobedo used the names and social security numbers of other individuals along with false wages and withholding on the false income tax returns she filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Escobedo obtained the names and social security numbers by various means, including 1) offering to pay some people a portion of the false income tax refund obtained with their personal information; 2) using the names and social security numbers from employment applications of individuals who applied to work for Escobedo’s boyfriend; and 3) obtaining names and social security numbers of others from her daughters. Escobedo deposited portions of the fraudulent proceeds in her bank account and she directed her daughters to open bank accounts to distribute other false tax refunds.
Escobedo deposited portions of the fraudulent proceeds in her bank account and she directed her daughters to open bank accounts to distribute other false tax refunds.
The daughters, Cassandra Grijalva and Rachel Grijalva, both of Tucson, previously plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. They were sentenced to five and three years’ probation respectively.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Jane L. Westby, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-01644-RCC-1
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-114_Escobedo
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Navajo Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Murder in Fort DefianceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Oct. 19, 2015, Corbert Goldtooth, 43, of Window Rock, Ariz. and a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 360 months’ imprisonment. Goldtooth was previously found guilty by a federal jury of second degree murder.
The evidence at trial showed that, in the early morning hours of July 31, 2011, Goldtooth and two other men went to the home of the victim, who was also Navajo, in Fort Defiance, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. All three men were armed. Goldtooth stabbed the victim sixteen times, resulting in the victim’s death. Goldtooth had previously been convicted in 2003 for a robbery in Fort Defiance. Goldtooth was a member of the Cobras street gang.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Tracy Van Buskirk and Abbie Broughton Marsh, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-8073-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-101_Goldtooth
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Mexican National Sentenced to over 43 Years in Prison for Aggravated Assault of U.S. Forest Service OfficerRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Oct. 19, 2015, Jesus Eder Moreno-Ornelas, 31, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 520 months in prison. Moreno-Ornelas was previously found guilty by a federal jury, of aggravated assault of a federal officer, use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, two counts of attempted robbery of government property, and illegal re-entry after deportation.
The evidence at trial showed that on Aug. 23, 2014, when Moreno-Ornelas and another individual were approached by a U.S. Forest Service officer who was working in the Coronado National Forest area near Douglas, Ariz., Moreno-Ornelas attacked the officer and took his gun, physically assaulting the officer and firing several shots before the officer regained control of the weapon. Moreno-Ornelas also unsuccessfully attempted to steal the officer’s patrol vehicle. At sentencing, Judge Jorgenson found that the evidence at trial had established premeditated intent to kill the victim and that Moreno-Ornelas had attempted to obstruct justice by threatening a witness prior to trial. Moreno-Ornelas was a convicted felon who was illegally present in the United States after having been previously deported.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista, with the help of the United States Forest Service, United States Border Patrol, Cochise County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Carin C. Duryee and Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-1568-TUC-CKJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-100_Moreno-Ornelas
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Property Managers and Sisters Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Renting to CriminalsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Marycela Rivas, 36, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 33 months’ imprisonment. Her sister, Leticia Montano, a.k.a. Leticia Rivas, 42, of Phoenix, was previously sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Both women had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.
Between 2008 and 2013, Montano, a licensed realtor, managed 279 residences through several companies she owned and operated: Sol Realty, Metro North Realty, and AZ Home Property Management. The evidence presented at sentencing revealed that Montano and her employees, including her co-defendant and sister Rivas, would-in return for extremely high fees-assist certain renters in concealing their true identities from the property owners and law enforcement. These renters would, in turn, use the properties to facilitate criminal activity such as drug smuggling and alien smuggling.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Glendale and Phoenix Police Departments. The prosecution was handled by Lisa E. Jennis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-00388-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-099_Montano et al
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Serenity Hospice and Palliative Care to Pay $2.2 Million to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Serenity Hospice and Palliative Care, a hospice operating in Phoenix, Ariz., has agreed to pay $2.2 million to resolve civil allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false bills to Medicare for hospice services.
“The Medicare hospice benefit is intended for terminally ill patients who need end-of-life care,” said United States Attorney John S. Leonardo. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to use all legal means at its disposal to ensure that this benefit is not misused for anything other than providing hospice care for qualified patients at the appropriate level of care.”
“Being a hospice provider in the Medicare program is a privilege, not a right. Hospice providers and executives that seek to boost profits by providing hospice services to Medicare beneficiaries whose medical condition does not warrant hospice care compromise both the health of its patients as well as the integrity of Medicare,” said Christian J. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Our agency will continue to hold such hospice providers accountable for their actions.”
The Medicare hospice benefit is available for patients who elect palliative care (medical care focused on providing patients with relief from pain, symptoms, or stress) for a terminal illness and who have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illness runs its normal course. When a Medicare patient is admitted to hospice, that individual is no longer entitled to Medicare coverage for care designed to cure his or her illness. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Serenity knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicare for hospice patients. In addition to agreeing to pay $2.2 million, Serenity agreed to enter a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. Finally, Ruth Siegel, a former nurse and the founder and former president of Serenity, also agreed to be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs for five years, effective immediately.
The settlement is neither an admission of liability by Serenity nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in February 2014 by Cheryl Sifford under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery obtained. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and is captioned United States ex rel. Sifford v. Serenity Hospice and Palliative Care (CV-14-00225-PHX-GMS). Ms. Sifford will receive a share of the settlement payment that resolves the qui tam suit she filed.
The case was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
Individuals with information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse related to Medicare or other federal programs are encouraged to file a complaint with the United States Attorney’s Office through the office’s website, http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/, or by calling (602) 514-7500.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-097_Serenity
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Arizona Women’s Education and Employment Receives $1,000,000 in Federal Grant Money to Promote Community Based Reentry EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $1,000,000 in grant funds have been awarded to Arizona Women’s Education and Employment to promote effective and successful reentry into the community by those who are being released from custody. These efforts include support with housing, employment, substance abuse counseling, and mental health assistance to high risk female offenders to assist them in becoming contributing members of the community and avoiding reincarceration. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-098_AZ_ED_EMPLY_ GRANT (2015-CY-BX-0018)
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Southern Arizona Receives Nearly $1.5 Million in Federal Grant Funds to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that nearly $1.5 million in federal grant funds have been awarded to two Southern Arizona recipients to support efforts to combat human trafficking. The two recipients are CODAC Behavioral Health Services of Pima County (grant 2015-VT-BX-K006) and the City of Tucson (grant 2015-DE-BX-K048). The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
“These are very significant grants and they will go a long way in supporting efforts to combat human trafficking in Southern Arizona,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo.
Information on BJA can be found at: https://www.bja.gov/programs.aspx
Information about OJP can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-095_Human Trafficking Grants
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13 Members of Willcox Marijuana Trafficking Ring Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 28, 2015, Alma Escalante, the last of thirteen members of a Willcox drug trafficking conspiracy, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow. Luis Cruz, 41, Escalante’s husband and the leader of the organization, was previously sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment. All 13 defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges based on their involvement in an organization responsible for the importation and distribution of marijuana from Mexico through the Willcox area.
The evidence showed that Cruz coordinated with marijuana scouts and backpackers to illegally traffic marijuana across the border from Mexico and then arranged for its transportation to large-scale distributors in Phoenix. Those distributors, including Carlos Antonio Garcia-Hurtado, 33, then arranged for the further shipment of marijuana to East Coast and Midwestern locations. Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Border Patrol, seized more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana as part of the investigation. Law enforcement also seized and forfeited two pieces of real estate, firearms, and numerous bank accounts linked to Cruz and Garcia-Hurtado, who both pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in addition to drug trafficking crimes.
Judge Snow sentenced Garcia-Hurtado to 168 months’ imprisonment and Cruz’s stepchildren, Felipe Escalante-Reyes, 24, and Carime Itsel Reyes-Escalante, 20, received sentences of 42 and 40 months’ imprisonment, respectively. Other members of the drug trafficking organization were also sentenced as follows:
Robert Torres Luong, 27, received a sentence of 97 months’ imprisonment.
Carlos Ramirez Jr., 43, received a sentence of 57 months’ imprisonment.
Sergio Adan Garcia-Morales, 34, received a sentence of 46 months’ imprisonment.
Jeremiah Woolsey, 26, received a sentence of 30 months’ imprisonment.
Frank Ramon Hernandez, 64, received a sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment.
Sergio Robert Ramos-Moreno, 20, received a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment.
Maxine Carter, 27, received a sentence of 13 months’ and 1 day imprisonment.
Trevon Bondae, 20, received a sentence of 8 months’ imprisonment, adjusted to account for additional time in Arizona Department of Corrections custody.
This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and its Tactical Unit (BORTAC), U.S. Marshal’s Service, Graham County Attorney’s Office, National Drug Intelligence Center Document and Media Exploitation (DOMEX) , and SWAT Teams from the Mesa Police Department, Apache Junction Police Department, Tempe Police Department, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Krissa Lanham, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-1709-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-096_Cruz et al
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Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe Receives over $200,000 in Federal Grant Money to Enhance Tribal Justice SystemRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $202,098 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe in support of its tribal justice system. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-089_YAVAPAI_PRESCOTT_INDIAN_GRANT (2015-AC-BX-1007)
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Unified Solutions Tribal Community Development Group Receives Nearly $2,000,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $1,999,957 in grant funds have been awarded to the Unified Solutions Tribal Community Development Group, Inc. to provide resources and coordination to increase American Indian/Alaskan Native tribal communities’ ability to provide comprehensive and culturally appropriate services to victims, their families, and the community. The grant funds were awarded by the Office for Victims of Crimes (“OVC”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
Information about OVC and its programs can be found at: http://www.ovc.gov/
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-093_UNIFIED_SOLUTIONS_TRIBAL_GRANT (2015-MU-GX-K074)
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Hualapai Tribe Receives Nearly $600,000 in Federal Grant Money to Reduce Alcohol/Substance Abuse CrimesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $574,808 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Hualapai Tribe to assist efforts to prevent and reduce alcohol- and substance abuse-related crimes within tribal jurisdiction. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-090_HUALAPAI_TRIBE_GRANT (2015-AC-BX-0003)
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Gila River Indian Community Receives over $300,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Juvenile Offenders and At-Risk YouthRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $314,975 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Gila River Indian Community’s juvenile drug court – an alternative program for juvenile offenders and at-risk youth. The grant funds were awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“OJJDP”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Information on OJJDP can be found at: http://www.ojjdp.gov/about/about.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-091_GILA_RIVER_GRANT (2015-DC-BX-0114)
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Colorado River Indian Tribes Receive Nearly $500,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Juvenile Offenders and At-Risk YouthRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $487,578 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Colorado River Indian Tribes to reduce juvenile offender recidivism on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. The grant funds were awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“OJJDP”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Information on OJJDP can be found at: http://www.ojjdp.gov/about/about.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-092_COLORADO_RIVER_INDIAN_GRANT (2015-TY-FX-0004)
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Pima Prevention Partnership Receives Nearly $500,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Reentry Services to Latino YouthRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $483,334 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Pima Prevention Partnership to support Latino youth who are re-entering their communities. The grant funds were awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“OJJDP”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
“I am very pleased with this significant grant funding to the Pima Prevention Partnership to provide reentry services to Latino youth to help them transition back into the community from secure confinement, including out-of-home placements. These services are designed to reduce the risk of re-traumatizing young people who have often been the victims of abuse and neglect,” said Leonardo.
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Information on OJJDP specific: http://www.ojjdp.gov/about/about.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-086_PIMA_PREV_GRANT (2015-CZ-BX-0020)
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Parker Man Sentenced to Nearly 25 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Sonnett Alexander Williams, 47, a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 293 months in prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty on April 7, 2015 to abusive sexual contact with a minor.
Between Aug. 1, 2010 and Aug. 7, 2011, within the Colorado River Indian Tribes Indian Reservation, Williams sexually abused the victim who was under the age of 12 and also a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-0931-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-088_Williams
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Arizona Law Enforcement Agencies Receive over $1.3 Million in Federal Grant Funds to Support Body-Worn Camera ProgramRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $1,333,998 in federal grant funds have been awarded to four Arizona law enforcement agencies to support the use of body-worn cameras by patrol officers. Such cameras are intended to enhance public and officer safety and improve police-community relations. The four recipient agencies are the Phoenix Police Department (grant 2015-WY-BX-0004), the City of Peoria (grant 2015-DE-BX-K020), the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (grant 2015-DE-BX-K052), and the City of Glendale (grant 2015-DE-BX-K060). Additionally, the Phoenix Police Department received a separate federal grant of $392,842 (grant 2015-MC-FX-K027) to support its work on the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (“AZ ICAC”).
These grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“OJJDP”), which are components of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information on BJA specific: https://www.bja.gov/Programs/VRN.html
Information on OJJDP specific: http://www.ojjdp.gov/about/about.html
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
For additional information about the BWC Pilot Implementation Program, visit
http://www.bja.gov/bwc/pdfs/BWCPIP-Award-Fact-Sheet.pdf
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-087_BODY_WORN_CAMERAS
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U.S. Department of Justice Provides Nearly $3.4 Million to Arizona Law Enforcement Agencies to Create 27 New PositionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (“COPS”) will be awarding a total of $3.375 million in federal funds to two Arizona police departments: Phoenix and South Tucson. These funds are intended to create and protect 27 law enforcement positions in Arizona and are part of a $107 million nationwide funding effort.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
“This is great news for the district. The addition of #27 officers in these communities helps build trust in law enforcement, reduce violence and protect our schools, which significantly increases overall public safety in our District.” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “I am very pleased that this Department of Justice - Law Enforcement Grant was awarded to these two communities allowing them to maintain their community policing efforts at peak efficiency.”
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
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RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-085_ COPS_AWARDS
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Scottsdale Man Found Guilty of Premeditated Murder of Tribal Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Earlier this week, Elijah Loren Arthur, Sr., 34, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was found guilty by a federal jury of first-degree murder and using a firearm in a crime of violence resulting in death. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan from Sept. 1-16, 2015. The defendant is being held after trial. Sentencing is set before Judge Logan on Nov. 30, 2015.
“The verdict in this case represents the culmination of an intensive investigation following the tragedy that took Officer Cabrera away from his family and his Salt River Police Department colleagues,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Our office is determined to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who threaten, menace, or harm tribal law enforcement officers.”
“While the outcome of these proceedings does not change the fact a police officer was killed while performing his official duties, it will hopefully bring closure to the family and friends of Officer Jair Cabrera. The FBI remains committed to bringing justice to those responsible for senseless crimes such as these,” stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael V. Caputo.
“Now that the verdict is in and the case has run its course through the criminal justice system, my department can begin to start the healing process. The verdict will never bring back our beloved fallen comrade but at least we know that the suspect in this case will not be able to do any harm to anyone else. On behalf of the men and women of the Salt River Police Department, and the supportive members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Police Department, we thank the Community for their continual support throughout this process and we especially thank the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and all of the surrounding agencies that assisted the SRPD with the prosecution of this case. Please keep the parents and significant others of Officer Jair Cabrera in your prayers.” stated Chief Patrick R. Melvin.
The evidence at trial showed that on May 24, 2014, Arthur used an AR-15 to shoot and kill Salt River Police Officer Jair Cabrera following a traffic stop on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation. The evidence at trial also showed that Arthur’s affiliation with the East Side Bloods gang may have been a motivating factor for the killing. The driver of the vehicle that was stopped, Joey Michael Thomas, 22, of Scottsdale, Ariz., previously pled guilty to second degree murder and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6, 2015.
A conviction for first degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment, and a conviction for using a firearm in a crime of violence resulting in death carries a consecutive punishment of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Tracy Van Buskirk and Thomas Simon, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-848-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-082_ Arthur
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Hopi-Tewa Women’s Coalition Receives over $300,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $312,608 in grant funds have been awarded to the Hopi -Tewa Women’s Coalition to End Abuse to increase awareness of domestic violence, enhance the response to violence against Indian women, and develop and promote policies and best practices among the tribes. The grant funds were awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
“This Justice Department grant will fund critical programs to enhance the safety and economic security of the victims of domestic violence in Northern Arizona, which includes the Hopi Reservation and extends over Coconino and Navajo Counties.” said U.S. Attorney Leonardo. “We encourage all agencies to be proactive and apply for future grant funding through our Office on Violence Against Women.”
Information about OVW and its programs can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/ovw.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-085_HOPI_TEWA_GRANT (2015-IW-AX-0012)
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DNA People’s Legal Services Receives $400,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $400,000 in grant funds have been awarded to the DNA People’s Services to continue providing legal services, case evaluation, and representation to low-income victims. The grant funds were awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
“This funding will provide important, comprehensive legal services in support of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in and around the Navajo Nation.” said U.S. Attorney Leonardo. “We encourage all agencies to be proactive and apply for future grant funding through our Office on Violence Against Women.”
Information about OVW and its programs can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/ovw.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-083_DNA_PEOPLES_LEGAL_SVCS GRANT (2015-WL-AX-0031)
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Northern Arizona University Receives over $500,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of Domestic Violence in Santa Cruz CountyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $550,000 in grant funds have been awarded to Northern Arizona University to encourage and build innovative and collaborative safety and accountability networks among stakeholders in Santa Cruz County. The grant funds were awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
“This significant amount of Justice Department funding will enhance awareness of and prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural communities, and increase the services available to the victims of those offenses.” said U.S. Attorney Leonardo. “We encourage all agencies to be proactive and apply for future grant funding through our Office on Violence Against Women.”
Information about OVW and its programs can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/ovw.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-081_N._AZ_UNIV_GRANT (2015-WR-AX-0033)
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Justice Department Awards over $97 Million to Improve Public Safety and Victim Services for American Indians and Alaska NativesRead the Press Release
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS OVER $97 MILLION TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND VICTIM SERVICES FOR AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES
LOCAL ARIZONA TRIBAL AWARDS
WASHINGTON, DC. – The Department of Justice today announced 206 awards, totaling more than $97 million, to American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal consortia and tribal designees. The announcement was made at the 2015 Tribal Leader Briefing, sponsored by the National Congress of American Indians, and included Tribal leaders, members of Congress and Administration officials.
DISTRICT AWARDS:
Colorado River Indian Tribes $915,168
Gila River Indian Community $1,311,992
Hualapai Detention and Rehabilitation Center $1,037,227
Navajo Nation $299,408
Quechan Indian Tribe $436,260
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community $511,080
San Carlos Apache Tribe $884,547
Tohono O'odham Nation $570,042
Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe $202,098
Since then, more than 1,400 grants totaling more than $620 million have been provided to enhance law enforcement practices, victim services, and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts in nine purpose areas; public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.
American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disproportionate rates of violence and victimization and often encounter significant obstacles to identifying and accessing culturally relevant services. CTAS funding helps tribes to develop and strengthen tribal justice systems’ response to crime, while significantly increasing programs and services available to them.
“The awards made to tribes in the District of Arizona today recognize the critical need to support our Indian Communities,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “The $6.1 million in federal grant monies will support our on-going effort to build safer communities by funding much needed services for community policing, public safety, tribal youth programs, violence against women prevention, and alcohol and substance abuse treatment.”
“For the past five years, the CTAS program has helped tribes develop their own comprehensive approaches to making their communities safer and healthier,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery. “CTAS grants have funded hundreds of programs to better serve crime victims, promote community policing, and strengthen justice systems. This year’s awards also support efforts to reduce domestic and dating violence, and promote wellness and healing for tribal youth, among many other programs.”
A listing of today’s awards is available at www.justice.gov/tribal/.
A fact sheet on CTAS is available at /media/791821/dl?inline.
Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
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RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-080_ CTA_2015_Grants
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Sacaton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 15, 2015, Basil Edwin Williams, 20, of Sacaton, Ariz, a member of the Gila River Indian Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 102 months in prison, followed by a term of 15 years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty on July 15, 2015 to aggravated sexual assault.
On Sept. 4, 2014, within the Gila River Indian Community, Williams sexually assaulted the victim, also a member of the Gila River Indian Tribe, by choking and beating her to engage in a sexual act.
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-14-1416-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-077_Williams
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Peach Springs Woman Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 14, 2015, Grace Carol Dashee, 44, of Peach Springs, Ariz., a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake to 41 months in prison. Dashee pleaded guilty on May 19, 2015 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
On Nov. 7, 2014, within the Hualapai Indian Community, Dashee, who was intoxicated, became enraged with the victim, also a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, and struck him in the head with an axe. The victim sustained permanent and life threatening injuries as a result of the assault.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hualapai Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-8223-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-078_Dashee
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Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona Receives $600,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $600,000 in grant funds have been awarded to the Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona to continue providing immigration legal advice, case evaluation, and representation to victims residing in a five county service area in southern Arizona. The grant funds were awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
“This Justice Department grant will fund vital legal services to enhance the safety and economic security of the victims of domestic violence in Southern Arizona for a 36 month period.” said U.S. Attorney Leonardo. “We encourage all agencies to be proactive and apply for future grant funding through our Office on Violence Against Women.”
Information about OVW and its programs can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/ovw.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-076_CATHOLIC_COMM_SVC GRANT (2015-WL-AX-0030)
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Arizona Department of Public Safety Receives over $40 Million in Federal Grant FundsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $40,786,191 has been awarded to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. These funds will, among other things, be used to provide direct services to crime victims. The funds were awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime (“OVC”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
“The Arizona Department of Public Safety is one of our key law enforcement partners, and we are pleased that the Department of Justice has allocated over $40 million in federal funds to supplement its important work in Arizona,” said Leonardo. “We encourage all agencies to be proactive and apply for future law enforcement grant funding through our Office of Justice Programs.”
"As the state's designated recipient of federal Victims of Crime Act Grants, the Arizona Department of Public Safety realizes that this year’s funding will surpass any level of funding that the agency has ever seen. Our employees also understand the responsibilities associated with this funding and are working hard to distribute these funds to service those most in need” said Col. Frank Milstead, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Additional information about OVC and its programs is available at: http://www.ovc.gov/.
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Learn more about the Arizona Department of Public Safety link: http://www.azdps.gov/.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-079_AZ _Dept_Pub_Safety (2015-VA-GX-0032)
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White Mountain Apache Tribe Receives Nearly $290,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Sex Offender Registration and Notification EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $282,014 in additional grant funds have been made available to the White Mountain Apache Tribe to support, maintain, and refine jurisdiction-wide programs and functions under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). These funds will assist in improving victim notification services, providing educational services, and increasing service capacity. The grant funds were awarded by the Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (“SMART”) Office, which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-071_WHITE MTN GRANT (2015-AW-BX-0017)
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Pascua Yaqui Tribe Receives Nearly $260,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Sex Offender Registration and Notification EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $257,011 in additional grant funds have been made available to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to support, maintain, and refine jurisdiction-wide programs and functions under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). These funds will assist in improving victim notification services, providing educational services, and increasing service capacity. The grant funds were awarded by the Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (“SMART”) Office, which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-072_PASCUA GRANT (2015-AW-BX-0020)
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Hopi Tribe Receives Nearly $180,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Sex Offender Registration and Notification EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $175,270 in additional grant funds have been made available to the Hopi Tribe to support, maintain, and refine jurisdiction-wide programs and functions under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). These funds will assist in improving victim notification services, providing educational services, and increasing service capacity. The grant funds were awarded by the Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (“SMART”) Office, which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-073_HOPI TRIBE GRANT (2015-AW-BX-0013)
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Former Union Treasurer Sentenced to 18 Months for Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Sept. 14, 2015, Richard Wayne Johnson, 49, of Surprise, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Campbell to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling nearly $275,000 from a local union for which he served as treasurer. In June, Johnson pleaded guilty to embezzlement, forgery, and false reporting charges stemming from the embezzlement and its attempted concealment.
“The United States Attorney Office will vigorously prosecute those who abuse positions of trust within unions to steal from its members,” said United States Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Johnson’s actions were harmful to the hard-working members of the union and to this community, and they are deserving of a prison sentence.”
Richard Johnson, formerly a bus driver, served as the financial secretary and treasurer for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 for seven years, ending in January of 2012. The union consists of bus and light rail operators, mechanics, and service workers in Arizona; and the union is funded by dues collected from its members. For several years, Johnson embezzled funds from the union for his personal use. He pleaded guilty to using the union debit card for an abundance of personal purchases, such as a home theater system, and for cash withdrawals. He also admitted to forging union checks written to himself or to family members. To conceal the embezzlement, Johnson doctored the union’s financial records and then provided those false records to the U.S. Office of Labor-Management Standards in periodic reports. As part of his sentence, Johnson was also ordered to pay restitution of $273,489 – the amount of the embezzled funds.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Monica Klapper, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00653-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-075_Johnson
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California Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Multi-State Fraud Against United States Post OfficesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Kaleb Matias Wiewandt, 36, of Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced by United States District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 51-months in prison and ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution. Wiewandt previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for conspiring with others to steal several million postage stamps from the United States Postal Service.
“The defendant’s elaborate scheme to steal postage stamps from dozens of post offices was a significant offense that warranted a lengthy prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney John S Leonardo.
"The health and success of the Postal Service depends upon strong and aggressive revenue protection," said Robert Wemyss, Inspector in Charge, Los Angeles Division. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to identify and pursue criminals who deliberately avoid proper payment of postage."
Between May 2013 and April 2015, Wiewandt actively participated in a conspiracy to steal large numbers of postage stamps from various post offices in the United States. To execute the fraud, Wiewandt would set up a fictitious business by renting temporary office space, developing a business name and insignia, and creating a variety of business related documents such as business checks, invoices, and business cards. In nearly every case, the fictitious business invoice was transmitted to the post office to convey the false impression that a local business was seeking to purchase postage stamps in an amount that was between a few thousand dollars to approximately $21,000. If the post office accepted the invoice, Wiewandt would send a third-party courier to the post office with a fictitious business check. Postal clerks who called the phone numbers on the fictitious business invoice or check would be assured of the legitimacy of the transaction by Wiewandt or some other co-conspirator.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Services. The prosecution was handled by Raymond K. Woo, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-0633-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-074_ Wiewandt
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Nigerian Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Operating Sophisticated $13 Million Internet Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Alex Sualim, 44, of Toronto, Canada, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 12.5 years (150 months) in prison and ordered to pay over $13 million in restitution. Sualim previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their diligence during this multi-year investigation, which resulted in the successful identification, arrest, and prosecution of a foreign national who was using advanced technological tools to prey on American victims,” stated U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “We remain committed to aggressively prosecuting those who would engage in fraud and cyber-crime.”
“The defendant operated a sophisticated, international fraud scheme that spanned four continents and swindled millions of dollars from more than a dozen victims. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the severity of his egregious crimes. IRS-CI will continue to work with its international law enforcement partners to investigate transnational organized crime,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.
“The defendant wrongly believed being outside the United States gave him the freedom to carry out his criminal activities. The FBI remains committed to pursue these criminals wherever they may hide. This case is a fine example of the partnership the FBI has with our international law enforcement partners through our legal attaches, as well as with domestic law enforcement agencies-all working together to bring justice on behalf of our citizens.” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Price.
Between 2009 and 2013, Sualim helped operate a fraud scheme that spanned four continents and duped more than a dozen victims out of more than $13 million. The scheme’s details were unusually sophisticated. First, Sualim would create a website for a Canadian company that purported to manufacture semiconductor chips. Next, Sualim would create passports, email accounts, and toll-free phone numbers for the Canadian company’s supposed employees. And next, Sualim would send millions of solicitation emails—on behalf of the supposed Canadian employees—to Americans whose email addresses he’d purchased from a spam vendor. These emails would explain that the Canadian company needed a product called “silicon germanium” to manufacture its semiconductor chips, that the company wished to enlist an American distributor to obtain the product from China, and that the Canadian company would cover the entire upfront cost of the product. If a victim expressed interest in this seemingly risk-free arrangement, he would be sent a series of additional emails accompanied by professional-looking purchase orders, proposed contracts, and other documents designed to give the transaction a veneer of legitimacy. Finally, on the eve of the first shipment from China, the victim would be told that the Canadian company’s financing had unexpectedly fallen through and that the American distributor needed to supply some of the upfront cost, after all.
If a victim agreed to this new arrangement, he’d be told how to wire his portion to an overseas bank account (typically located in Cyprus, Greece, Hong Kong, or China). Next, Sualim would arrange for a supposed employee of the Chinese manufacturer (who, in reality, was one of Sualim’s co-conspirators) to call or email the victim and explain that his company had just been purchased by a new parent company that required a larger minimum order. These victims were told they needed to wire more money to the overseas bank account in order to complete the first order. Many victims fell for this ruse and sent more money (sometimes several times). Finally, in the last iteration of the scheme, Sualim would arrange for large packages to be shipped to victims, who were told the packages contained the silicon germanium but were cautioned not to open the packages because silicon germanium is a highly-unstable material that can only be handled in a sterile laboratory environment. In fact, the packages were filled with worthless filler material. Nevertheless, some victims fell for the ruse, believed they were receiving the contracted-for product, and kept wiring more money to the designated overseas bank account in the hope of obtaining more shipments. Once victims discovered they were being scammed and demanded answers, their supposed Chinese and Canadian counterparts would simply stop responding to emails and phone calls.
During the operation of the scheme, Sualim—a college-educated electrical engineer who hails from Nigeria—lived in a multi-million dollar waterfront home in Toronto and had a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a Porsche, a Mercedes, and a Tesla that cost more than $100,000. Under his plea agreement, Sualim agreed to liquidate, for the benefit of victims, more than $2 million of Canadian assets.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The prosecution was handled by Dominic Lanza and Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-1515-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-070_Sualim
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Yuma Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, David Peter Calik, Jr., 55, of Yuma, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 96 months in prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release. Calik pleaded guilty on May 1, 2015 to distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2013, Calik distributed two images of child pornography. During the investigation it was discovered that Calik possessed 13,180 images and 347 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, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-1631-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-069_Calik
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City of Tucson Receives over $300,000 in Federal Grant Money to Promote Law Enforcement EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $339,277 in additional grant funds have been made available to the City of Tucson in support of law enforcement programs, which include personnel, overtime, and equipment, with the goal of reducing crime and increasing officer and public safety. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-068_CITY_OF_TUCSON (2015-DJ-BX-0945)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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