Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Kings County Man Charged in Operation Red Reaper Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Louie Molina, 52, of Hanford, was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in March 2019, various agencies partnered in Operation Red Reaper, an investigation into the Nuestra Familia prison gang and the Norteño street gang in Kings County. During the investigation, recorded interceptions on a wiretap revealed that Molina was supplying methamphetamine to a codefendant, who was a target of the investigation. On May 3, 2019, Molina delivered about a half a pound of methamphetamine to his codefendant. Law enforcement officers then attempted a to conduct a traffic stop on his car, but Molina sped off and led them on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Molina tossed the additional pound of methamphetamine out of his car. After apprehending Molina, the officers recovered the methamphetamine.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Kings County Gang Task Force, Agents of the Special Operations Unit which is a team of agents from the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the FBI, the Kings County District Attorney's Office, and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. The DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations all assisted with the takedown. Assistant United States Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 56 Months for Burglarizing Two Firearms StoresRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Justin Ernest Breitwieser, 56, of Fresno, was sentenced yesterday to 56 months in prison and ordered to pay over $2,700 in restitution for burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2022, Breitwieser broke into firearms dealer #1 and stole six firearms, ammunition, and other items. Then, on Oct. 29, 2022, Breitwieser broke into firearms dealer #2 and stole an AR-15 upper assembly, a Glock conversion kit, and a tactical bullet proof vest. A search of Breitwieser’s residence recovered evidence from the burglaries. Additionally, agents located two firearms and approximately 900 rounds of ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Bakersfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Antonio Munoz, 26, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a federal drug search warrant at a stash house in Bakersfield following an undercover purchase of 4 pounds of methamphetamine from co-defendant Ramon Maldonado, 32, of Bakersfield. During the execution of the search warrant, Munoz was found in the living room in possession of firearm. Maldonado was found in one of the bedrooms of the residence where officers also located a large quantity of controlled substances and another firearm. Munoz is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a loaded firearm without registration.
Maldonado is scheduled for a status conference on May 29, 2024. The charges against Maldonado are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 29, 2024. Munoz faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
South Lake Tahoe Man Indicted for Impersonating a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment on Thursday against Anton Andreyevich Iagounov, 38, of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with falsely impersonating a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Iagounov pretended to be a federal law enforcement agent by creating false investigative documents, which purported to be sent by a federal agent, in an attempt to obtain government documents and other sensitive information. On July 5, 2022, Iagounov sent a search warrant that he created to the U.S. Capitol Police, falsely claiming it was signed by a Special Agent of the NASA Office of the Inspector General (NASA-OIG) and appearing to be authorized by the Chief District Judge for the District of Columbia. On July 11, 2022, Iagounov again pretended to be a NASA-OIG agent, created a fake search warrant, and emailed it to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He sent it from an email address with an internet domain that he owned and had named to look like a government agency’s internet domain. On July 18, 2022, Iagounov again sent the fake search warrant, purporting to be signed by the same fictitious NASA-OIG agent, and sent it to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia.
Finally, on July 24, 2022, Iagounov faxed a letter, under the name of a real NASA employee, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, claiming that an exigent circumstance required a judge’s signature on a non-existent search warrant immediately. The letter included an email address for the agent that belonged to Iagounov. All these documents were identified as suspicious by the courts and federal agencies to which they were sent.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the NASA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Iagounov faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, per count of conviction. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fresno Man Indicted for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On May 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Timothy Austin Panuco, 34, of Fresno, charging him with receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed following his arrest today.
According to court documents, between Feb. 1, 2023, and March 22, 2024, Panuco received material depicting at least one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Panuco faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Project Safe Neighborhoods News for April 2024Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases.
Indictments
Billy Fobbs, 24, of Sacramento, was indicted on April 4, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2023, Fobbs possessed 39 rounds of 300 caliber BLK ammunition. Fobbs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has prior felony convictions, including convictions for evading a police officer, assault, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted domestic violence. This case is the product of an investigation by ATF, with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.
Jeremy Goodwin Jr., 22, of Fresno, was indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on March 2, 2024, Goodwin was found in possession of a 9 mm gun and 9 mm ammunition. Goodwin is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has a prior felony conviction for carrying a loaded firearm in public. This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
Tionte Beard, 25, of Fresno, was indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on Nov. 7, 2023, Beard possessed a handgun, an assault-style rifle, and several rounds of ammunition in his Fresno residence. Beard posted photographs of some of the firearms to his Instagram account. Beard is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because he has prior felony convictions for illegal possession of a firearm and domestic violence. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
Monte Shepherd, 53, of Rio Linda, was indicted on April 11, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2024, Shepherd was found to be in possession of a stolen Ruger KP89 9 mm handgun. Shepherd has five prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Cárdenas is prosecuting the case.
The penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Guilty Plea
Sophondara Hun, 28, of Stockton, pleaded guilty on April 25, 2024, to being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a prowler at an apartment complex. The caller advised there was a man inside her apartment and that he possibly entered through a window. When officers arrived they saw an open window and observed Hun sleeping on a bed in the apartment. Officers arrested Hun and upon searching Hun, noticed a .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of Hun’s leg. Two .22 caliber bullets were found in Hun’s pocket and an additional .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of Hun. Hun is prohibited from possessing ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions, including assault on a person with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon with force–possible great bodily injury, vandalism, and evading law enforcement in a vehicle. This case is the product of an investigation by the Stockton Police Department and ATF, with assistance from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case. Hun is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 1, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta.
Sentencings
Michael David Punzal Jr., 41, of Fairfield, was sentenced on April 9, 2024, to three years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 21 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release in a prior felon-in-possession case, for a total consecutive sentence of five years and three months in prison. According to court documents, in August 2022, Punzal was serving a term of supervised release for a prior federal felon in possession conviction. On August 30, 2022, a lawful search was executed at Punzal’s apartment in Fairfield. In it, law enforcement officers found a Model 22 Glock, .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number between the box spring and mattress in Punzal’s room. Punzal is prohibited from possessing firearms due to seven prior felony convictions. This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI, ATF, and the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau prosecuted the case.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fairfield Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Steven Daniel Miller, 48, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in October 2018, Miller used another person’s social security number to complete a credit application with a bank in order to purchase a 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat at a car dealership in Yuba City. Based on the false information on the credit application, the bank approved the loan and paid approximately $75,754 to the car dealership. Miller left the dealership with the vehicle, and it was subsequently seized by law enforcement.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Rocklin Police Department, the Gilroy Police Department, and the Fairfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Aug. 8, 2024. Miller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine on the bank fraud count. He faces a two-year mandatory prison sentence on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any sentence received on the bank fraud count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Three Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Members Convicted of Murder in Aid of Racketeering, RICO Conspiracy, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Following a nine-week trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang were found guilty of racketeering activity that included murder and drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
A federal jury found California State Prison Sacramento inmate Ronald Yandell, 61, guilty of one count of murder in aid of racketeering for the murder of Hugo Pinell, conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity; five counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering for the murders of Kenneth Johnson, James Mickey, Paul Diaz, Michael Trippe, and Doug Maynard; two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin; five counts of distribution of heroin; and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
The jury found California State Prison Sacramento inmate Danny Troxell, 71, guilty of conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering for the murder of James Mickey.
The jury found California State Prison inmate Billy Sylvester, 55, guilty of murder in aid of racketeering for the murder of Ronald Richardson, conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and distribution of methamphetamine.
“Today’s convictions further our effort to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The Aryan Brotherhood controlled its members, associates, and others both inside and outside prison walls, ordering multiple murders and running a drug trafficking operation that spanned counties and states. We will continue to use every law enforcement tool to protect the communities plagued by the violence and criminal activities of the Aryan Brotherhood.”
“Prior convictions and lengthy prison sentences didn’t alter the defendants’ disrespect for the law and public safety. They continued to commit brutal murders and other heinous crimes from behind bars, all while coordinating the distribution of drugs into the community for financial gain,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. “These convictions deal a significant blow to the Aryan Brotherhood leadership and underscores our commitment to tackle violent criminal enterprises from the top down.”
“The outcome today reflects the successful coordination among the law enforcement agencies involved in this effort to combat the dangerous influence of prison gangs,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “I appreciate the hard work and dedication of each of the agencies and am proud of the expertise CDCR staff provided throughout the investigation.”
On June 6, 2019, a criminal complaint was unsealed that charged 16 members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood (AB), a prison-based gang, following a long-running investigation into drug trafficking and murders inside and outside of California’s prisons.
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, between 2011 and 2016, AB members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, committing multiple acts involving murder, conspiracies to murder, and drug trafficking crimes. Yandell and Sylvester oversaw a significant heroin and methamphetamine trafficking operation from their shared cell. Using smuggled-in cellphones, Yandell and Sylvester directed murders, drug trafficking in Sacramento and other California cities, and other criminal acts, while controlling the membership of the AB. Troxell was a leader of the AB and had significant authority over the enterprise, including resolving disputes among members and approving the murder of current or former members.
At the outset of this investigation, the following defendants were prison inmates with Yandell, Troxell, and Sylvester, serving life sentences:
- Travis Burhop, 51, pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2022, and is awaiting sentencing.
- Brant Daniel, 49, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison on Dec. 20, 2023.
- Pat Brady, 53, pleaded guilty on Jan. 3, 2024, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 13, 2024.
- Jason Corbett, 52, pleaded guilty on Jan. 17, 2024, and is scheduled for sentencing on July 15, 2024.
Additional individuals charged in the case include the following:
- Donald Mazza, 53, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 6, 2024.
- Samuel Keeton, 45, of Menifee, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2020, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 13, 2024.
- Jeanna Quesenberry, 57, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty on Dec. 11, 2023, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 13, 2024.
- Kristin Demar, 49, of Citrus Heights; pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 13, 2024.
- Justin Petty, 42, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty and on Oct. 16, 2023, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison.
- Charges are pending against Kevin MacNamara, 44, of La Palma, and Kathleen Nolan, 69, of Calimesa. A status conference for these defendants is set for June 24, 2024. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Two previously charged defendants are deceased.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Vallejo Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, Ross Pearson, and David Spencer are prosecuting the case.
Yandell, Troxell, and Sylvester are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller at a date to be set in the future. Defendants Yandell and Sylvester face mandatory life sentences based upon their convictions for murder in aid of racketeering. Defendant Troxell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison based upon his RICO conspiracy conviction.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andrew Satariano, 43, of Modesto, was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2021, police tried to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle Satariano was driving. Satariano stopped briefly, let a female out of the car, and then took off at a high rate of speed reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Satariano collided with several vehicles and the vehicle was disabled. Satariano fled from the car and hid nearby, after which police found and arrested him. Satariano had two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen and had a high-capacity magazine attached. He also had over 850 grams of pure methamphetamine that he was selling. Satariano’s sentence was affected by his extensive criminal history starting in 2001, which included prior convictions for evading police.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Passing Counterfeit Savings BondsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ronnie Douglas Fleming, 38, of Keyes, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for one count of passing counterfeit obligations of the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on 10 occasions between March and May 2022, Fleming passed 11 counterfeit United States savings bonds at banks in the Counties of Stanislaus, San Joaquin and other California counties. Fleming received $134,784 for the savings bonds.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.
Sacramento County Man Indicted for Fraud in Connection with Medical Device SalesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment on April 25, 2024, against Michael Andrew Scott, 38, of Fair Oaks, charging him with wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed today following Scott’s arrest.
According to court documents, between June 2018 and June 2022, Scott devised a scheme to defraud investors in his company, Trusted Medical Partnership. Scott told investors that either he or Trusted Medical Partnership received purchase orders from various health care providers in Northern California for medical devices but lacked the capital to fulfill the orders. Scott solicited and obtained loans from these investors, and, in exchange, promised them substantial returns in a relatively short time with zero risk. In order to convince some of his victims to lend him money, Scott sent them fabricated copies of these purchase orders. Scott’s victims lent him money on the basis of his false statements, including the fraudulent purchase orders, however, they received little to no returns on their investments. Instead, Scott spent the money on gambling, personal expenses, and payments to prior investors in order to keep the scheme running.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Scott faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Russian National Residing in Sacramento Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Murat Kurashev, 37, a Russian national who resided in Sacramento, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
“This sentence holds Kurashev accountable for attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Kurashev’s attempts to provide that material support were not isolated. They took place over a substantial period of time and his intent with those financial transfers was clear. We appreciate the court’s thoughtful consideration of this case and its recognition of the seriousness of Kurashev’s offense. Working with our investigative partners, we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to provide material support to terrorist organizations.”
“The FBI’s mission is clear – to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. Anyone who provides support to a terrorist organization is a threat to the safety and security of all Americans, both here and abroad,” said Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “I am grateful for the tireless dedication of FBI and U.S. Attorney’s personnel who are deeply committed to our partnership and ensuring all cases like these are thoroughly investigated and fairly prosecuted.”
According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey, usually in increments of $1,000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev during some of the transactions.
Social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser made clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS. Kurashev stated that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. As their conversations showed, Kurashev and the fundraiser believed that providing money in support of the HTS fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad.
According to court documents, Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts, which included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. Forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Madera County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Caused Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Elias Soliz, 26, of Madera, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 3, 2023, Soliz knowingly distributed one fentanyl pill to J.M. in Madera. J.M. suffered a fatal overdose just a few hours later. Law enforcement searched Soliz’ phone under a warrant and found that Soliz had deleted communications with the victim that had been found on the victim’s phone. Law enforcement also located additional evidence of drug dealing.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Madera Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Clovis Businessman Sentenced to Prison for $1.4 Million COVID-19 Relief Money TheftRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Ruben Mireles, 48, of Clovis, was sentenced today to one year in prison for stealing $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief money, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Mireles owned and operated a farm labor contracting business in Kings County. His business initially went by the name Vista Pacific Labor Solutions Inc. (VPLS) and then changed its name to Calzona Ag Management Inc., doing business as Vista Pacific Farm Management (CAM).
In January 2021, after VPLS changed its name to CAM, Mireles caused CAM to apply for and receive a COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for $1.4 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Then, in April 2021, Mireles caused VPLS to apply for and receive another PPP loan for $1.4 million from the SBA based on false information.
In the second loan application, Mireles falsely represented to the SBA that VPLS was a separate company from CAM when, in fact, VPLS and CAM were the same company. Mireles also falsely represented that he had not received any other PPP loans, even though he had previously received CAM’s loan. Finally, Mireles falsely represented that he was not subject to any pending criminal charges when he was actually facing state fraud charges.
Based on Mireles’ representations, VPLS’s loan application was approved and the $1.4 million, to which he was not entitled, was deposited into his bank account.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the SBA Office of Inspector General with assistance from the California Department of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Foreign National Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Mexican national made his initial appearance in federal court in Sacramento on Friday, April 19, 2024, to face charges for fentanyl-pill, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On March 3, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Luis Felipe Lopez Zamora, aka Gordo, 28, formerly of Tijuana, Mexico, and 13 co-defendants, charging them with a variety of fentanyl-pill, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering crimes. Lopez Zamora was arrested by Mexican authorities on Jan. 2, 2024, on a warrant based on an extradition request, and he remained detained in Mexico pending his extradition. He was extradited from Mexico to the United States on April 18, 2024.
According to court documents, Lopez Zamora was a Tijuana-based source of supply and organizational leader of a Sacramento-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). The leader of the DTO in Sacramento was Lopez Zamora’s brother, co-defendant Jose Lopez-Zamora. From at least May 2019 until January 2021, the DTO was responsible for importing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone “M-30” pills from Mexico and distributing them in northern California and elsewhere. The DTO also distributed cocaine and methamphetamine.
Lopez Zamora is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, and at least 50 grams of methamphetamine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl; and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Eight defendants have pleaded guilty and six have been sentenced as follows:
- Rudi Jean Carlos pleaded guilty and, on Oct. 11, 2022, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison.
- Jason Lamar Lee pleaded guilty and, on Oct. 11, 2022, was sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison.
- Javier Hernandez pleaded guilty and, on Nov. 8, 2022, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
- Christopher Kegan Williams pleaded guilty, and on Dec. 14, 2021, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
- Baudelio Vizcarra Jr., pleaded guilty, and on Jan. 24, 2023, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
- Mateo Elias Guerrero-Gonzales pleaded guilty and, on Oct. 11, 2022, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
- Alejandro Tello pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3, 2024.
- Christian Anthony Romero pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2024.
Charges are pending against the following defendants: Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Zamora, Leonardo Flores Beltran, Joaquin Alberto Sotelo Valdez, Erika Gabriela Zamora Rojo, Jose Luis Aguilar Saucedo, Rosario Zamora Rojo, and Sandro Escobedo. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force (NET‑5), the California Highway Patrol, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the West Sacramento Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Mexican authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Lopez Zamora. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez Zamora faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison on each of the drug trafficking counts and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Dallas Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography from Butte CountyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cameron Andrew Garcia, 30, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and $5,000 in victim restitution for two counts of receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in 2014-2015, Garcia formed an online relationship with a minor victim from Butte County and instructed the minor victim to send him sexually explicit photos and videos, which the victim did. In 2020, Garcia sent Instagram messages to the same victim, threatening to post sexually explicit images and videos of the victim to public websites unless the victim produced new sexually explicit images and videos for him and sent him money. Garcia also used the Instagram app and the internet in 2020 to communicate with a second minor victim whom he knew was under the age of sixteen and solicited and received multiple videos of that victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. When this second minor victim was not forthcoming with an additional picture, Garcia again resorted to extortion by threatening to post explicit content of the victim publicly.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Possessing Heroin with Intent to Distribute in BakersfieldRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Antonio Beltran-Chaidez, 54, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in January 2022, Beltran recruited his brother Jose Beltran-Chaidez, 66, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, to deliver approximately 2 pounds of heroin to Jorge Calderon-Campos, 43, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, for distribution to Calderon-Campos’s customers. However, when Calderon-Campos was unable to sell the drug, Jose Beltran-Chaidez retrieved it from Calderon-Campos and was in possession of the heroin when stopped by a law enforcement officer for a traffic violation.
Beltran is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Beltran faces a mandatory statutory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, along with a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Calderon-Campos, Jose Beltran-Chaidez, and two other co-defendants are currently scheduled for a status conference on May 13, 2024. They are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the CHP, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Kern County Sheriff's Office, the Kern County Probation Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeremy Michael Benner, 40, of San Diego, was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully dealing in firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between September 2022 and August 2023, Benner sold firearms to a confidential informant on four separate occasions in Vallejo. One of the firearms had previously been reported stolen, and three of them came with extended magazines. Benner did not have a license as a firearms dealer, and as a previously convicted felon would not be qualified to obtain a license.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
The Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is one of five cross-jurisdictional strike forces launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2021 to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Each strike force is led by designated U.S. Attorneys, who collaborate with the ATF and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. The strike forces use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes, and are an important part of the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy.
Stanislaus County Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation Offenses Against a MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Thursday against Christian Ceja, 27, of Turlock, charging him with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Aug. 27, 2023, and Jan. 3, 2024, Ceja transported a minor victim from the Eastern District of California to Idaho with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In addition, Ceja received images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ceja faces a mandatory statutory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for the most serious charged count, and a $250,000 fine per count, plus up to a lifetime of supervised release. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David Tran, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to money laundering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Oct. 18, 2022, and Jan. 11, 2023, Tran conducted multiple financial transactions involving funds he believed to be proceeds of cocaine trafficking. Tran’s belief was based on representations of a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The transactions involved the confidential informant giving Tran purported trafficking proceeds in cash in exchange for cashier’s checks payable to a fake company. Tran retained 10% of the cash as a commission. In total, the confidential informant gave Tran $90,000 in cash and Tran gave the confidential informant $81,000 in cashier’s checks. Tran engaged in the transactions intending to conceal or disguise the nature and source of the purported drug trafficking proceeds.
As part of his plea agreement, Tran agreed to pay the U.S. Small Business Administration approximately $240,000 as restitution for payments he received based on fraudulent applications for funds under the Paycheck Protection Program.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case.
A sentencing date for Tran has not been set. Tran is scheduled for a status hearing regarding sentencing before U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Aug. 1, 2024. Tran faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Mexican National Indicted for Possessing over 200,000 Fentanyl Pills with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Miguel Obed Romero Reyes, 25, of Sinaloa, Mexico, charging him with possessing over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Romero conspired with another individual to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. Romero was pulled over by law enforcement officers while driving north on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. Deputies seized a large duffel bag containing 48 pounds (21.8 kilograms) of blue counterfeit M-30 pills in 20 separate 1-gallon Ziploc bags. In total, Romero was transporting over 200,000 fentanyl pills in his car.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Romero faces a statutory minimum of 10 years with a statutory maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Kidnappers Who Abducted 6-Year-Old to Peru IndictedRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The grand jury today indicted Edwin Alonso Cuadros Bravo, 54, and Yulisa Alexsandra Guevara Wintong, 49, both formerly residing in Sacramento, charging them with interstate and international kidnapping and kidnapping conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in November 2021, Cuadros Bravo and Guevara Wintong abducted their six-year-old grandchild from Sacramento and took the victim to Peru. Despite pleading from the mother, Cuadros Bravo and Guevara Wintong did not return the victim to the United States. Cuadros Bravo and Guevara Wintong were initially charged by criminal complaint in February 2022. In December 2022, the victim was returned to Sacramento as a result of government intervention. On April 10, 2024, Cuadros Bravo appeared for the first time in federal court in Sacramento.
Cuadros Bravo was detained following his first appearance and he remains in custody. Guevara Wintong has not yet appeared to answer the charges against her.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Cuadros Bravo and Guevara Wintong face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Wayne Lee Hauzer, 59, of Tracy, was sentenced today to 29 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in April 2022, Hauzer engaged in a private chat via Kik messenger with an undercover federal agent who Hauzer believed to be a 13-year-old girl. During the conversation, Hauzer sent the undercover agent videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hauzer was a registered sex offender at the time of this offense and is subject to an enhanced statutory penalty because he had prior federal convictions for enticement of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, and distribution of child pornography.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shelley D. Weger and Jessica L. Delaney prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Yolo County Insurance Broker Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Robert Kirby Wells, 64, of Woodland, was sentenced today to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Wells served as an insurance broker for a company located in Denver, Colorado, that owned multifamily and commercial properties throughout the United States. Wells was responsible for obtaining several types of insurance coverage for the company’s properties, including umbrella liability coverage. Wells fraudulently represented to the company that he obtained umbrella coverage for properties when, in fact, he did not. Wells then invoiced and was paid for purported premiums associated with the umbrella liability policies that he had never obtained.
At times, after Wells received full payment for premiums associated with coverage he obtained for the company, as well as umbrella coverage he did not obtain, Wells secured loans purportedly to pay for the same premiums. He did so by falsely representing that he was financing the premiums on the company’s behalf and using the identities of a managing principal and employee of the company without their authorization.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case.
Sacramento Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Louis Donald Mendonsa, 61, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to distributing child pornography over the dark web, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, beginning by 2021 and continuing until his arrest on Nov. 29, 2022, Mendonsa was a global moderator or administrator on at least four Tor (The Onion Router) websites dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children and the dissemination of child pornography. As a moderator or administrator, Mendonsa created new topics and forums within the websites, managed and commented on other users’ posts, shared and enforced the rules, and distributed child pornography by uploading images and videos within the websites. When law enforcement officers arrested Mendonsa in Sacramento he was found to be in possession of an external hard drive containing over 11,000 images and videos of child pornography.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Homeland Security Investigations, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau are prosecuting the case.
Mendonsa is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on July 18, 2024. Mendonsa faces a minimum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison each for count of distributing child pornography, and between 10 and 20 years in prison for possession child pornography. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Former California Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Stephen Joseph Crittenden, 44, of Suisun City, pleaded guilty today to bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Crittenden was a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation correctional officer at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville. From 2021 through 2023, he accepted bribes, totaling more than $45,000, from inmates to smuggle cellphones into the California Medical Facility.
Crittenden is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Crittenden faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.
Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Charles Dean Good, 55, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Good stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in postage stamps from the U.S. Postal Service by passing counterfeit checks in the names of identity-theft victims. He passed the bad checks at numerous post offices in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. In connection with the postage-stamp-theft scheme, Good possessed and used the name and California Driver’s License number of at least one identity-theft victim. Between Feb. 2, 2012, and Jan. 18, 2019, he passed at least 1,326 bad checks, for a total loss to the U.S. Postal Service of at least $252,631.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.
Good is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Sept. 10, 2024. Good faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for the theft of government property count, a mandatory consecutive two-year term in prison for the aggravated identity theft count, and up to a $250,000 fine for each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Sacramento County Sex Offender Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Campbell, 49, of Citrus Heights, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in February 2023, Campbell engaged in an online chat with an undercover officer whom Campbell believed was a 13-year-old girl. As a result of the conversations, law enforcement search Campbell’s residence and seized his iPad and cellphone, which contained approximately 517 images and 45 videos of child pornography. Law enforcement also searched Campbell’s Mega cloud storage account, which contained approximately 169 videos of child pornography, including depictions of toddlers and other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Campbell was subject to an enhanced statutory penalty for possession of child pornography because he had a prior conviction relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily G. Sauvageau and Dhruv Sharma prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Superseding Indictment Charges Former Non-Profit Leader with Embezzling from Two Additional Non-ProfitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Thursday, a federal grand jury returned a 16-count superseding indictment against Richard Alan Abrusci, 45, of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of monetary transactions with proceeds of specified unlawful activity, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the initial indictment in the case, from 2016 through 2021, Abrusci embezzled approximately $1.4 million from a non-profit organization that operates a chain of retail stores in California and Nevada. He did so while occupying leadership positions at the non-profit.
The superseding indictment adds charges for two additional victim non-profits. According to the superseding indictment, during the summer of 2022, Abrusci became the president of the Sacramento chapter of a national non-profit organization that pairs children with adult mentors. From October 2022 to December 2022, Abrusci embezzled nearly $50,000 from this non-profit.
In the fall of 2022, Abrusci was the chairperson of the board of directors of a non-profit organization that acts as an umbrella organization for non-profits across California that connect community members with public services. From December 2022 to January 2023, Abrusci embezzled approximately $100,000 from this non-profit.
For each of the three victim non-profits, Abrusci embezzled funds in essentially the same manner. He caused the non-profits to pay Resolution Arrangement Services (RAS) for a variety of services that RAS purportedly performed. In fact, RAS provided none of these services. Instead, RAS consisted of nothing more than a fictious business name that Abrusci registered in 2008 and a bank account he opened the same year. The payments from the non-profit organizations to RAS went into this bank account, which Abrusci controlled.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Abrusci faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the 12 counts of wire fraud. Additionally, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the three counts of monetary transactions with proceeds of specified unlawful activity. Finally, he faces a consecutive two years in prison for the count of aggravated identity theft. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sacramento Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment today against Antoine Lamar Davis, 27, of Sacramento, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from January 2023 until March 2024, Davis conspired with another individual to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Davis distributed at least 40 grams of fentanyl to another person on five occasions and distributed 400 grams of fentanyl on at least one occasion. Davis was found to be in possession of three firearms. Davis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, obstructing a public official, and carrying a concealed firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Davis faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
12 Members of Smog Inspection Cheating Ring IndictedRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Twelve people have been charged by federal indictment for a conspiracy to cheat California smog inspections using a sophisticated device known as the “OBDNator,” in violation of the Clean Air Act. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrests of the defendants who are alleged to have manufactured, distributed, and used OBDNators to cheat smog checks across the state.
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, Acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Bahney of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, Region 9, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement today.
According to court documents, between October 2015 and March 2024, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to cause polluting vehicles to pass California’s smog checks. Smog checks are typically performed by plugging smog inspection equipment, known as a Data Acquisition Device (DAD), into a vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics port (OBD). To cheat smog tests, the conspirators plugged the smog inspection equipment into the OBDNator device instead. The OBDNator would then make it look like a vehicle had passed the smog check regardless of the true condition of that vehicle’s emission control system. While the defendants’ roles in the conspiracy varied, all of them used the OBDNator devices.
The following defendants are charged with conspiracy and making false statements pursuant to the Clean Air Act:
- Hossam “Sam” Hemdan, 54, of Hawthorne, owned and controlled several smog stations in Hawthorne and elsewhere. He designed, manufactured, and sold the OBDNator devices.
- Javier Salguero, 47, of Inglewood, owned and controlled several smog shops, including one in Bell and two in Maywood.
- Oscar Gomez, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, ran a school for automotive technicians in Rancho Cucamonga.
- Guillermo Tovar, 35, of Fontana, worked at multiple smog stations.
- Arwa Harb, 53, of Redondo Beach, owned and controlled smog stations, including one in Wilmington and one in South Gate.
- Minh Truong, 45, of San Jose, operated out of smog stations owned by Thong Truong.
- Thong Truong, 40, of San Jose, owned and controlled smog stations, including two in Long Beach.
- Michael Nguyen, 38, of National City, operated out of a smog station in Spring Valley.
The following defendants are charged with conspiracy:
- Yehia Harb, 36, of Hawthorne, owned and controlled a smog shop that was formerly in Venice and presently is in Hawthorne.
- Khaled Hamdan, 31, of Hawthorne, worked at businesses owned by Hemdan.
- Jeremy Earls, 37, of Lakewood, owned and controlled smog stations, including two in Long Beach.
- Nas Meshal, 30, of La Palma.
“For many years, California’s Smog Check Program has successfully reduced the amount of pollution in the air we breathe by identifying polluting vehicles and requiring them to be repaired or retired,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The developer and users of the OBDNator smog check cheating devices who are charged in the indictment unsealed today polluted the air we breathe for their own profit and harmed the health of Californians. Anyone who may be tempted to utilize a device to cheat on smog checks should consider that they too could face federal criminal charges and possible prison time. My office will continue to prioritize cases like this that protect our residents’ health and the environment.”
“Vehicle emissions testing is fundamental to protect air quality,” said EPA Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent in Charge Bahney. “The individuals ran a scheme to undermine the Clean Air Act ultimately at the expense of public health and the environment.”
“The FBI is deeply committed to investigating environmental crimes and the individuals and networks who seek to circumvent regulations for their own gain,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge, Mark Remily. “This case is a perfect example of law enforcement coordination to ensure the interests and safety of the American people are protected.”
According to court documents, Hemdan developed the OBDNator device and its accompanying software program. Hemdan sold and distributed OBDNator devices for as much as $18,000. After plugging the smog inspection equipment into the OBDNator, the conspirators would use the OBDNator to convey false smog check information to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). The OBDNator provided the Vehicle Identification Number and passing “answers” to the smog inspection equipment’s queries in the exact format that a passing vehicle of the same make, model, and year would provide. In order to provide those false answers, the defendants and others maintained collections of “clean” vehicle profiles that they would use to make it look like other, different vehicles had passed. The latest version of the OBDNator could pass a vehicle without the vehicle even being present at the smog station. During the conspiracy, some of the defendants organized classes to teach how to use the OBDNator and communicated through chat groups about how to avoid detection by authorities.
The defendants’ fraud was widespread. OBDNators are believed to be the most common and successful type of simulator devices used to cheat smog test in California. The devices, when used skillfully with the latest software updates, have at times advanced beyond BAR’s ability to detect cheating with its current equipment. However, when a user of the OBDNator performs a fraudulent smog imperfectly, BAR can often detect “tells” in the data conveyed to BAR in the course of the smog inspection. In the approximately six-month period preceding this indictment, BAR detected the use of a smog cheating device in more than 0.5% of total smog inspections. This is likely an undercount because many successful attempts are not detected.
The OBDNator devices have harmed California’s air quality and endangered the health of California residents. California’s Smog Check Program has made great progress at ensuring the vast majority of vehicles are compliant with emissions standards and improving California’s air quality. The defendants’ smog-cheating scheme undermines those efforts. A comparison between the failure rates of vehicles inspected in 2023 by BAR at random roadside checkpoints (13.5%) and by smog stations (7%) indicates how undetectable smog cheating leads to polluting vehicles being driven on California’s roads. The dirtiest vehicles – which could not pass smog inspections legitimately and which could not be registered without cheating – have an outsize impact on the air. For example, according to research presented by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the highest 1% of emitting light duty vehicles are responsible for approximately 42% of the total hydrocarbon emissions from all light-duty vehicles. BAR and CARB estimate that if all smog check stations in California operated as effectively as high-performing stations, that would have the impact of reducing approximately 56 additional tons per day of exhaust emissions.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the California Bureau of Automotive Repairs, and Homeland Security Investigations San Diego. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine T. Lydon and Shea J. Kenny are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the count of false statements in Clean Air Act documents, the defendants face a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
hemdan_et_al_obdnator_indictment.pdfStockton Beekeeper Charged with Conspiring to Receive and Sell Smuggled Illegal PesticidesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Paulo Perez-Mendoza, 44, of Stockton, charging him with conspiring to receive and sell smuggled pesticides into the United States and the unlawful distribution and sale of unregistered pesticides, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Jan. 1, 2019 and March 18, 2024, Perez recruited another individual to smuggle illegal pesticides into the United States from Mexico and deliver them to Perez at his residential business, Perez Generation Honeybee Ranch, in Stockton. Between Sept. 9, 2020, and July 12, 2022, Perez purchased the Mexican pesticides 1,000 to 1,500 liters at a time and paid a total of approximately $476,680 for the banned product. Perez resold the pesticides to beekeepers in other states, including Oregon, Washington, Georgia, and Florida.
Only pesticides registered with the EPA may be imported or sold in the United States. They must bear their EPA registration number on their labels, preceded by the phrase “EPA Registration No.” or “EPA Reg. No.” In addition, all required information on a label must appear in the English language. The pesticides involved in this conspiracy were primarily Taktic and Bovitraz, which contain the active ingredient amitraz at an emulsifiable concentration of 12.5%, which, in this form, is an unregistered pesticide in the United States.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Perez is scheduled for arraignment on March 29, 2024. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Perez faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted of the unlawful sale and distribution of pesticides. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
San Francisco Man Sentenced for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rondell Cramer, 45, of San Francisco, was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully dealing in firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2022, while driving in Fairfield, Cramer was pulled over for driving a vehicle without a license plate. The officer arrested Cramer, who was then wanted on two outstanding felony warrants. A search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of a Glock 9 mm caliber firearm, as well as a bill of sale for another firearm and stolen merchandise, much of which still had antitheft tags on them. Cramer is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition because he has previously been convicted of six felony offenses, including a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A search of Cramer’s phones revealed multiple conversations showing that Cramer was buying firearms in Arizona under an alias, and then selling them in California. Follow-on investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) confirmed that Cramer had been trafficking firearms since at least August 2020.
This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
The Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is one of five cross-jurisdictional strike forces launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2021 to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Each strike force is led by designated U.S. Attorneys, who collaborate with the ATF and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. The strike forces use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes, and are an important part of the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy.
Eleventh and Twelfth Defendants Plead Guilty in Large-Scale Sacramento Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Maurice Bryant, 53, of Antelope, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to traffic at least 5,000 grams of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base, and Steven Hampton, 64, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Bryant and Hampton are among the 15 federal defendants arrested in 2021 and charged in a 45-count indictment for trafficking narcotics as part of a DEA-led multi-agency operation targeting cocaine and heroin traffickers in North Sacramento. Bryant was intercepted during wiretaps in 2018 and 2019 trafficking kilograms of cocaine and cocaine base and was arrested in possession of two firearms and a bullet proof vest. Hampton was intercepted trafficking cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin, and arrested in possession of 949 grams of heroin, 567 grams of cocaine, and 34 grams of cocaine base.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.
Bryant and Hampton are scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Bryant faces at least 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Hampton faces at least five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Five defendants have already been convicted and sentenced for crimes related to the conspiracy: Jason Tolbert, 45, of Sacramento; Charles Carter, 36, of Sacramento; Michael Hampton, 57, of Vallejo; Arlington Caine, 48, of Rio Linda; and Bobby Conner, 51, of Sacramento.
Five more defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing in April and May 2024: Andre Hellams, 40, of North Highlands; Jerome Adams, 56, of North Highlands; Dwight Haney, 52, of Sacramento; Tyrone Anderson, 43, of Sacramento; and Mark Martin, 63, of Sacramento.
Charges remain pending against the following defendants: Yovanny Ontiveros, 41, of Sacramento; Alex White, 61, of North Highlands; and Wilmer Harden, 52, of Elk Grove. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.
Second Kern County Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing ExplosivesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Michael Roy Anglin, 22, of Wofford Heights, entered a guilty plea today to distributing explosives to a non-licensed person, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2023, Vigneault and Michael Roy Anglin, 21, of Wofford Heights, sold and delivered six full boxes and one partial box of Hydromite 880, an explosive, weighing approximately 350 pounds to a non-licensed person. Neither Vigneault, Anglin, nor the buyer were licensed to handle or transport explosives as required by federal law. Anglin knew that the Hydromite 880 was stolen from Austin Powder West LLC. The boxes containing the explosives were labeled “Explosive, Blasting, Type E” and “Blasting Agent.” The sticks of Hydromite 880 were also individually labeled “Danger” and “Explosive.” Hydromite is a high explosive containing ammonium nitrate and is used as a blasting agent.
Austin Powder West LLC, a licensed explosives manufacturer, confirmed that 295 sticks of Hydromite, weighing 702 pounds, went missing from its Lake Isabella storage facility sometime in May 2023. The missing explosives included the boxes that Anglin and Vigneault sold. The value of the unrecovered explosives is $7,603.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Anglin is scheduled for sentencing in federal court on July 29, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. Vigneault previously entered a guilty plea and is scheduled for sentencing on May 20, 2024.
Kern County Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for $850,000 Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Miguel Leyva, 36, of Wasco, was sentenced today to five years and five months in prison and ordered to pay $693,614 in restitution for conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a long-running credit card fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, between February 2016 and August 2022, Leyva and his partner and co-defendant, Karina Arceo, stole the personally identifiable information (PII) for more than 125 victims. They stole much of the PII from patient files at health care providers in Kern County where Arceo worked.
According to court documents, Leyva and Arceo used the stolen PII to open thousands of fraudulent credit cards in the victims’ identities. They used false identification documents to open the credit cards and provided billing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses so that any communications related to the credit cards would go to them instead of the victims. They then made hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases on the credit cards in Kern County and elsewhere. The fraudulent purchases included home appliances, automobile accessories, designer clothing, tickets to concerts and sporting events, and travel, among other items.
Often times, Leyva and Arceo resold the items that they fraudulently purchased for cash and reaped a windfall because they did not actually pay for the items. They also used checks that had been stolen from companies in Kern County to access the companies’ bank accounts and make fraudulent payments towards the credit cards so as to keep their scheme going. Altogether, their scheme caused a loss of more than $825,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Arelis Clemente are prosecuting the case.
Charges are pending against Arceo. The charges are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Jorden Booth-Hall, 32, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Booth-Hall took two images of a minor victim and sent them to other users of a messaging app. On his phone were multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The U.S. Justice Department Seeks Court Order to Stop CDCR from Requiring Correctional Officers to Violate Religious BeliefsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Justice Department today challenged the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on its denial of religious accommodations for correctional officers of various faiths, including Sikhs and Muslims, who wear facial hair as an expression of their faith. CDCR generally prohibits correctional officers from wearing beards, and the action seeks a temporary court order allowing these officers to wear beards while CDCR fully assesses options for providing them with religious accommodations while complying with California safety regulations.
“Our district is one of the most diverse in the country, with communities of many different faiths practicing customs that are central to their beliefs. The action brought today is an important use of the federal civil rights laws to protect this religious expression,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “My office will continue to work hand in hand with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that individuals of all faiths can receive due consideration for appropriate religious accommodations at workplaces in this District.”
“Sikhs, Muslims and employees of other minority faiths should not be forced to choose between the practice of their faith and their jobs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Religious freedom and religious accommodation are bedrock principles of our democracy. We are taking action to ensure that the rights of employees of minority faiths are respected and accommodated in the workplace. As faith communities celebrate Ramadan and other important holidays across religions in the coming weeks, the Justice Department will continue to combat religious discrimination in the workplace.”
The department’s action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that although many officers had performed their jobs successfully for years while wearing facial hair, CDCR implemented a revised facial hair policy last year and, since then, has repeatedly denied religious accommodation requests, forcing officers to shave their beards or lose their jobs. The affected officers have been forced to violate core tenets of their faiths and have suffered shame and humiliation among their religious communities, including being shunned from houses of worship and denied participation in religious ceremonies, such as family weddings.
Since CDCR implemented its revised facial hair policy, numerous officers have filed charges of religious discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Because the EEOC’s investigation remains ongoing, the department is seeking relief in its requested court order only until the EEOC finishes its full investigation or until CDCR can otherwise show the court it has met its religious accommodation obligations under Title VII. The department’s complaint alleges that CDCR has failed to meaningfully consider the range of options proposed by the charging parties or those used by other correctional institutions to accommodate officers’ religious beliefs while meeting safety requirements. The department asks the Court to order CDCR to stop enforcing its facial hair policy against officers who request to wear a beard because of their religious beliefs and engage in good faith discussions with officers about possible reasonable accommodations that would allow officers to safely do their jobs and adhere to their religious beliefs.
Employees with complaints of religious discrimination can report them to their local EEOC office or their state or local fair employment practices agencies. The contact information for each local EEOC office can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/field-office">www.eeoc.gov/field-office.
Trial Attorneys Alicia Johnson and Sharion Scott of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Fuentes for the Eastern District of California are handling the case.
The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the Employment Litigation Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/ and www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
usa_v_cdcr_complaint_3-25-24.pdfMexican National Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Orlando Torres Angulo, 29, of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distributing methamphetamine, and use of a cellphone in aid of racketeering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in February 2021, Torres Angulo conspired with other individuals in both Mexico and California to distribute methamphetamine in pound quantities. Torres Angulo arranged for the delivery of 4 pounds of methamphetamine to a customer, who was in fact an undercover officer in Fresno. Torres Angulo later delivered another 2 pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover officer in Roseville. While discussing this deal, Torres Angulo told the undercover officer that he would set aside 15 pounds of methamphetamine if the undercover officer came to his place in Tulare.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Torres Angulo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on July 8, 2024. Torres Angulo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison on the methamphetamine conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution counts and a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for his use of a cellphone in aid of racketeering. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Justice Department Seeks Court Order to Stop California Department of Corrections from Requiring Correctional Officers to Violate Religious BeliefsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today challenged the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on its denial of religious accommodations for correctional officers of various faiths, including Sikhs and Muslims, who wear facial hair as an expression of their faith. CDCR generally prohibits correctional officers from wearing beards, and the action seeks a temporary court order allowing these officers to wear beards while CDCR fully assesses options for providing them with religious accommodations while complying with California safety regulations.
“Sikhs, Muslims and employees of any faith should not be forced to choose between the practice of their faith and their jobs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Religious freedom and religious accommodation are bedrock principles of our democracy. We are taking action to ensure that the rights of employees of all faiths are respected and accommodated in the workplace. As faith communities celebrate Ramadan and other important holidays across religions in the coming weeks, the Justice Department will continue to combat religious discrimination in the workplace.”
“Our district is one of the most diverse in the country, with communities of many different faiths practicing customs that are central to their beliefs,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “The action brought today is an important use of the federal civil rights laws to protect this religious expression. My office will continue to work hand in hand with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that individuals of all faiths can receive due consideration for appropriate religious accommodations at workplaces in this district.”
The department’s action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that although many officers had performed their jobs successfully for years while wearing facial hair, CDCR implemented a revised facial hair policy last year and, since then, has repeatedly denied religious accommodation requests, forcing officers to shave their beards or lose their jobs. The affected officers have been forced to violate core tenets of their faiths and have suffered shame and humiliation among their religious communities, including being shunned from houses of worship and denied participation in religious ceremonies, such as family weddings.
Since CDCR implemented its revised facial hair policy, numerous officers have filed charges of religious discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Because the EEOC’s investigation remains ongoing, the department is seeking relief in its requested court order only until the EEOC finishes its full investigation or until CDCR can otherwise show the court it has met its religious accommodation obligations under Title VII. The department’s complaint alleges that CDCR has failed to meaningfully consider the range of options proposed by the charging parties or those used by other correctional institutions to accommodate officers’ religious beliefs while meeting safety requirements. The department asks the court to order CDCR to stop enforcing its facial hair policy against officers who request to wear a beard because of their religious beliefs and engage in good faith discussions with officers about possible reasonable accommodations that would allow officers to safely do their jobs and adhere to their religious beliefs.
Employees with complaints of religious discrimination can report them to their local EEOC office or their state or local fair employment practices agencies. The contact information for each local EEOC office can be found at www.eeoc.gov/field-office.
Trial Attorneys Alicia Johnson and Sharion Scott of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Fuentes for the Eastern District of California are handling the case.
The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the Employment Litigation Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/ and www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Clovis Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Attempted Online Coercion of a ChildRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Paul Joseph Espinosa, 56, of Clovis, was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for attempted online coercion of a child, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2021, Espinosa noticed an Instagram profile that was controlled by an undercover agent. Espinosa initiated communications, and the undercover agent told Espinosa that she was 15 years old. Nonetheless, Espinosa continued to send her direct messages and call her using Instagram audio. Espinosa asked the purported 15-year-old for explicit pictures and asked multiple times to meet up with her to “cuddle,” to “enjoy each other’s company at least for a night,” among other things. Espinosa asked the purported 15-year-old to send him a picture for his eyes only and sent her three sexually explicit photos of females as part of that conversation.
According to court documents, on June 26, 2021, Espinosa traveled from Clovis to Fresno to meet up with the intended victim because he wanted to engage in various forms of sexual activity with her. When Espinosa arrived, he was placed under arrest. On Sept. 25, 2023, Espinosa pleaded guilty.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany M. Gunter and Christina McCall prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Superseding Indictment Adds New Charges for Viva Grocery Store Owner and Adds New Defendants in Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a 58-count superseding indictment Thursday adding new charges for Shahrir “Sean” Loloee, 53, of Granite Bay, and charging Sacramento residents Mirwais Shams, 36, and Ahmad “Shah” Shams, 29, for their participation in the fraud conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Loloee is the owner of the Viva Supermarkets chain of grocery stores, and Karla Montoya, 42, of Sacramento, is the general manager. Mirwais Shams was the controller and financial auditor of the Viva Supermarkets, and Ahmad Shams held various positions, including as the human resources director.
In December 2023, Loloee and Montoya were charged in the original indictment with conspiracy, obstruction of Department of Labor proceedings, and possession and use of false immigration documents. They are alleged to have employed a labor force with many workers who lacked employment authorization, to have reduced labor costs through unlawful means including by failing to pay overtime wages, and to have obstructed Department of Labor investigations into their employment practices. Loloee was additionally charged with falsification of records and a pandemic relief fraud scheme.
Thursday’s superseding indictment additionally charges Loloee with conspiracy to defraud the IRS, willful failure to collect or pay over withheld taxes, three counts of filing a false tax return, and three counts of money laundering. Mirwais Shams and Ahmad Shams are each charged with conspiracy to defraud the IRS and two counts of filing a false tax return. Ahmad Shams is additionally charged with two counts of perjury. According to court documents, beginning in November 2017, Mirwais Shams and Ahmad Shams used various methods to manipulate employee time data to lower Loloee’s on-the-books payroll, overtime pay, the federal payroll tax obligation, and the labor costs overall. At the direction of Loloee, Mirwais Shams and Ahmad Shams modified the number of hours of Viva Supermarkets employees recorded on the time clock in tens of thousands of instances, representing a significant percentage of all punch-clock recorded worker time. This deprived employees of overtime pay and deprived the IRS of the payroll tax obligation that Loloee would bear if true hours were reported. Loloee and both Shams also filed their own false tax returns that underreported their own income, and Ahmad Shams is charged with two counts of lying to a federal grand jury about taxes and off-the-books payments.
The superseding indictment further charges Loloee with three counts for money laundering fraudulently obtained COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. According to court documents, in May 2021 Loloee fraudulently applied for $2.2 million in COVID-19 relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program (RRF) and received $1.2 million. After receiving the $1.2 million, Loloee initiated the laundering of funds with 10 checks all bearing the same issue date of June 18, 2021, moving the money through multiple accounts that he controlled. Loloee completed the laundering with three bank transfers that moved $949,900 into a trust account in the name of one of his family members.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath, Matthew Thuesen, and Kevin Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated with the assistance of the Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy (TRUE) Task Force includes the California Department of Justice, the California Employment Development Department, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the Franchise Tax Board, the IRS Criminal Investigation and HSI. The TRUE Task Force was created to ensure multi-agency collaboration and to combat wage theft, tax evasion, and other crimes in the underground economy.
If convicted, the defendants face these maximum sentences for each count of the following charges: five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for conspiracy to defraud the Department of Labor, to commit immigration document fraud, and to obstruct justice; 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for conspiracy to defraud the IRS; 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for possession of false immigration documents; five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for possession, acceptance and receipt of false immigration documents; 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for obstruction of agency proceeding; 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for falsification of records; five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for willful failure to collect or pay over tax; three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for a false tax return; 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for wire fraud; 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for money laundering; and five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for perjury.
Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
loloee_superseding_indictment.pdfFour Indicted in Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Thursday against Tracy Arnett, 38, of Los Angeles; Daniel Hooker, 35, of Los Angeles; Sandro Duval, 36, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Shelina Bissett, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, charging them with conspiracy to commit money laundering and charging Arnett and Hooker with additional counts of money laundering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from August 2023 through March 2024, Arnett, Hooker, Duval and Bissett conspired to launder purported drug trafficking proceeds, utilizing their personal bank accounts or commercial bank accounts they operated to wire the funds to controlled accounts. By wiring the proceeds, they intended to conceal their unlawful nature and source. In total, the co-conspirators received approximately $940,000 in purported drug trafficking proceeds. Of that amount, the co-conspirators laundered approximately $811,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Thuesen and Whitnee Goins are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering for the conspiracy count. Arnett and Hooker face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine for each count of money laundering. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Recidivist Sacramento Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Joseph Taylor, 39, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to two counts of distributing child sexual abuse material and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in 2022 and 2023, Taylor used Reddit and Facebook Messenger to distribute multiple images depicting the sexual exploitation of children. During this same period, Taylor also possessed images and videos depicting child sexual abuse in two Google Drive accounts that he controlled. At the time he engaged in this criminal conduct, Taylor was on federal supervised release in Sacramento following a 2021 conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. Taylor was previously convicted in Oregon state court for attempted sexual abuse of a minor.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, which includes the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on June 27, 2024. Taylor faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison on each distribution count, as well as a maximum of 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison on the possession count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Bakersfield Man Charged with Laser Strikes of Police HelicopterRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Jesse Torres-Alonso, 35, of Bakersfield, charging him with aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2023, Torres struck a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter (Air One) 12 times with a dangerously bright green laser beam. The laser strikes interfered with the pilot’s ability to see and avoid other aircraft and effectively monitor the aircraft instrument panel. Law enforcement officers were able to locate and seize the laser device, which bore a prominent warning label, stating, “DANGER,” and warned against shining the light in the eyes.
The Federal Aviation Administration received 13,304 reports of laser strikes from pilots last year, marking a 41% increase over the 9,457 reported during 2022 and setting a record for the growing hazard.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Torres faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charge is only an allegation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Six Defendants Added in Catalytic Converter Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A superseding indictment has been unsealed today, charging six additional individuals to the case first brought in November 2022, with conspiracy to transport stolen catalytic converters from California to New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, thieves steal catalytic converters from vehicles for the precious metals the core contains, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium, some of which are more valuable per ounce than gold. The black-market price for certain catalytic converters from California can be above $1,000 each. Three California defendants and six New Jersey defendants were charged in the original indictment, including brothers Navin Khanna and Tinu Khanna of New Jersey. The Khanna brothers operated DG Auto and purchased stolen catalytic converters from California for over $38 million. After the Khanna brothers were arrested, their mother Anita Khanna, 63, of Holmdel, New Jersey; their father Nirmal Khanna, 73, of Holmdel, New Jersey; and their older brother Michael Khanna, 42, of Eatontown, New Jersey, continued DG Auto’s business of purchasing stolen catalytic converters.
The Khannas and other DG Auto employees sold the precious metal powders extracted from the stolen catalytic converters to employees at a New Jersey metal refinery, including Alfredo Mejia, 40, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, and Vishnu Chintaman, aka Vasheem, 54, of Levittown, Pennsylvania. These metal refinery employees knew they were receiving powder extracted from stolen catalytic converters. The metal refiner paid DG Auto over $621 Million. The Khannas used a third party, Ricky Vega, 39, of Hopewell, New Jersey, to broker the transactions between DG Auto and the metal refinery.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, the Davis Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, the Livermore Police Department, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Cesar Rivera-Giraud of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
If convicted, the newly added defendants in the superseding indictment face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $78 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Operation SLO Ride” Dismantles Major Drug Trafficking Organization in Tulare CountyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Operation SLO Ride has resulted in the dismantling of a criminal organization operating in Tulare County, charging 28 individuals with drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Announcing the results of Operation SLO Ride today are U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Director John Martin, Tulare Police Chief Fred Ynclan, Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar, and Porterville Police Chief Jake Castellow.
In the course of the operation, law enforcement seized more than 936 pounds of methamphetamine, 8.6 pounds of cocaine, 5.5 pounds of heroin, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl, more than $600,000 in currency, and 50 firearms.
“The drug and gun activities in this case presented a real danger to multiple communities in the Eastern District of California, including in Tulare County,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The targets of this operation ranged from dealers to the Mexican source of supply. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to do all we can to disrupt these unlawful activities.”
“Dedicated law enforcement officers built this case from the ground up, using old fashion police work, following every lead that ultimately led to the destruction of a deep-rooted drug distribution network operating in the Central Valley,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “A case of this magnitude is like a puzzle, and it takes thousands of hours to put all the pieces together. More importantly, it takes strong relationships between law enforcement agencies to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and maximize resources. These partnerships have proven to be invaluable as we work together to save lives.”
According to court documents, beginning in July 2023, investigators gathered evidence regarding individuals involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics in Tulare County using investigative tools that included confidential sources, surveillance, and wiretaps. As the investigation progressed, investigators developed evidence that the group was engaged in drug and firearm trafficking, including the following individuals now charged:
Alberto “Beto” Alvarado, 53, of Mexico, is alleged to be the Mexico-based source of supply who directed the importation and transportation of methamphetamine, cocaine, as well as other controlled substances in Tulare County and elsewhere. He is currently a fugitive from justice.
Alfonso Ortiz, 37, of Tulare, is alleged to be a large-scale methamphetamine distributor in Tulare County, who distributed methamphetamine with the assistance of his sister Angelica Flores.
Angelica Flores, 32, of Tulare, is alleged to be a methamphetamine distributor and transporter who operated at the direction of her brother, Alfonso Ortiz.
Yerlly Vega, 41, of Orisi, is alleged to be a poly-narcotic source of supply and transporter who operated at the direction of Alvarado. On Dec. 20, 2023, Vega was arrested while transporting approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine for Alvarado.
Roberto Soria-Cuevas, 64, of Yettem, is alleged to be a poly-narcotic source of supply and transporter who operated at the direction of Alvarado. On Feb. 25, 2024, Soria-Cuevas was arrested while transporting approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine for Alvarado.
Jose Maria Medina Franco, of Yokuts Valley, is alleged to be a drug stash house operator and transporter who operated at the direction of Alvarado. On Mar. 6, 2024, Medina was arrested while transporting approximately 266 pounds of methamphetamine for Alvarado.
Anthony Ochoa, 40, of Orosi, and Vega’s cousin, is alleged to be involved in transporting and distributing methamphetamine that belonged to Alvarado. On Dec. 16, 2023, a vehicle Ochoa was driving was stopped resulting in the seizure of approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Jorge Avila Perez, 49, of Orosi, is alleged to be Alvarado and Soria-Cuevas’ transporter and distributer of methamphetamine. On Feb. 23, 2024, a vehicle Perez was driving was stopped resulting in the seizure of approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Lorraine Renteria, 39, of Tulare, and Ortiz’ girlfriend, is alleged to have used her vehicle and residence to aid in Ortiz’s distribution of methamphetamine. On Dec. 18, 2023, Renteria purchased a new cellphone for Ortiz after Ortiz informed Renteria that he was being monitored by law enforcement.
Carlos Fernando Macias Manzo, 41, of Rancho Cordova, is alleged to be a poly-narcotic source of supply and transporter who supplied Ortiz with methamphetamine. On Feb. 19, 2024, Macias was seen at Ortiz’s residence, unloading three large duffle bags into Ortiz’ garage. On the same date, Macias was stopped by law enforcement, and investigators seized approximately $65,040 in U.S. currency.
Francisco Garcia, 28, of Tulare, is alleged to have supplied methamphetamine to Hicks on Dec. 23, 2023, which resulted in the arrest of Hicks and the seizure of the methamphetamine. On Feb. 20, 2024, Ortiz and Flores allegedly supplied Garcia with 10 pounds of methamphetamine, which was seized from Garcia during a subsequent stop, and Garcia was found to be illegally in possession of a firearm.
Cory Jay Donaldson, 46, of Tulare, is alleged to have distributed methamphetamine and firearms to a confidential source during controlled purchases. Donaldson has been intercepted multiple times distributing methamphetamine or obtaining methamphetamine from Ortiz.
Adam Sahagun, 44, of Tulare, allegedly sold firearms and ammunition to a confidential source.
Joshua Brock, 42, of Exeter, allegedly ordered methamphetamine multiple times and was arrested on Oct. 1, 2023, after obtaining methamphetamine from Flores.
Alejandro Hernandez Diarte, 21, of Dinuba, is alleged to be a methamphetamine transporter. On Oct. 17, 2023, Hernandez was arrested with approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine while transporting the drugs from a known stash house in Orange Cove.
Cornell Hicks, 45, of Tulare, is alleged to be a methamphetamine customer and transporter who was arrested on two occasions during this investigation. On Oct. 21, 2023, Hicks was supplied with methamphetamine by Flores and subsequently stopped and arrested with the drugs. On Dec. 23, 2023, Hicks purchased methamphetamine from Garcia and was arrested again. During the second arrest, Hicks was illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Landon Jones, 43, of Tulare, is alleged to be a pound-level methamphetamine customer of Ortiz, as well as a methamphetamine distributor in Tulare County.
William Bosma, 52, of Visalia, was arrested on Oct. 24, 2023, after fleeing from police with multiple pounds of methamphetamine previously purchased by Jones from Ortiz.
Arnold Huerta, 37, of Visalia, is alleged to be a methamphetamine and illegal firearms distributor who consistently ordered pound quantities of methamphetamine from Ortiz. Arnold Huerta was also found to be illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Jennifer Huerta, 44, of Visalia, was arrested on Dec. 29, 2023, while transporting methamphetamine obtained from Ortiz to Arnold Huerta.
Edgar Robles Amezquita, 41, of Hanford, is alleged to be a methamphetamine customer and transporter who was consistently supplied by Ortiz. On Feb. 13, 2024, Robles was arrested with the methamphetamine and was found illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Priscilla Pitts, 37, of Ivanhoe, is alleged to be a methamphetamine customer supplied by Ortiz. On Feb. 19, 2024, Pitts ordered a pound of methamphetamine from Ortiz and was stopped and arrested with the drugs after departing Ortiz’s residence.
James Earl Melo, 51, of Visalia, is alleged to be a poly-narcotic distributor. On Jan. 25, 2024, Melo was arrested after methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin were seized at his residence.
Jesus Marin, 39, of Fontana, is alleged to be a methamphetamine source of supply and transporter who was arrested on Jan. 6, 2024, with approximately five pounds of methamphetamine that was supplied by Ortiz.
Marie Quaadman, 49, of Corcoran, allegedly sold methamphetamine to a confidential source. She has also been intercepted multiple times ordering various quantities of methamphetamine from Ortiz.
Jose Ramon Mayorga, 30, is alleged to have purchased approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine from Alvarado and distributed by Medina and Vega.
Freddy Alvarado, 45, of Cutler, is alleged to have conspired with his brother, Alberto Alvarado, to receive approximately 266 pounds of methamphetamine from Medina.
Derrick Wallen, 33, of Tulare, is alleged to have maintained a drug stash house for Alfonso Ortiz and possessed more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Tactical Narcotics Team, which is a part of Central Valley California HIDTA, the Tulare Police Department, the Visalia Police Department, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, the Porterville Police Department, the Woodlake Police Department, the Clovis Police Department, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Tulare County District Attorney. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of sentences from 10 years in prison to life in prison, and some face mandatory minimum sentences of five and 10 years for drug trafficking offenses. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Silk Road Drug Trafficker Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds through CryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment today against Matthew Gillum, 40, formerly of Loomis, charging him with engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Gillum was convicted in the Eastern District of California in 2014 with a federal drug trafficking offense. Gillum used the Silk Road website to solicit drug orders and receive payment in Bitcoin. After Gillum completed service of his 108-month prison sentence, he subsequently attempted to launder the drug trafficking proceeds through the legitimate financial system.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gillum faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money laundered. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 6 Individuals on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment, which was recently unsealed, charging Fresno residents Jose Duenas, 32, Hector Duenas, 26, Anthony Varela, 43, and Eduardo Mendoza Sanchez, 33, as well as a Los Angeles resident Adolfo Santa Cruz Alvarez, 22, and Mexican national Francisco Santa Cruz Alvarez, 26, with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in July 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hector Duenas’s residence in Fresno and seized a loaded firearm as well as over 5.5 pounds of methamphetamine, almost a pound of fentanyl, and 7 ounces of cocaine. Several months later, in September 2023, officers stopped two cars traveling in tandem occupied by Hector’s brother, Jose Duenas as well as two of his associates, Varela, and Mendoza Sanchez. From the two cars, the officers seized a loaded firearm and over 40 pounds of methamphetamine. Then, in January 2024, Adolfo Alvarez and Francisco Alvarez possessed more than 1 pound of cocaine with intent to distribute it to Jose Duenas. And in February 2024, Jose Duenas and Hector Duenas trafficked 14 ounces of fentanyl and more than a pound of methamphetamine. Additionally, they illegally possessed several firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) (a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno and Clovis Police Departments), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties and fines including maximums of 20 years, 40 years, and life in prison as well as fines between $250,000 and $10 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Tulare County Man Pleads Guilty to Falsely Marketing Products as Effective in Treating Medical Conditions Including COVID-19Read the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Huu Tieu, 61, of Porterville, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three counts of introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Tieu was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Sunrise Pharmaceutical Inc. and Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical Inc. (collectively, “Golden Sunrise”). Golden Sunrise manufactured, marketed, and sold products that claimed to effectively treat a variety of medical conditions.
According to court documents, beginning on March 30, 2020, Tieu began selling a set of herbal mixtures he called the “Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care” as a COVID-19 treatment. The treatment consisted of a box containing various vials of Golden Sunrise drug products, including one called “Imunstem,” together with an “Emergency D-Virus Plan of Care” information sheet. Tieu mailed the products to various practitioners, public officials, and other individuals both inside and outside of California.
According to court documents, the labeling for the drugs, including the information sheet that accompanied the drugs, was false and misleading and stated that ImunStem and other Golden Sunrise products were “uniquely qualified to treat and modify the course of the virus epidemic in China and other countries.” Tieu falsely claimed the products had been the first dietary supplement in the United States to be approved as a prescription medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the COVID-19 virus. In fact, the drugs were not FDA approved, and no Golden Sunrise product had ever been approved by the FDA for any purpose.
This case is the product of an investigation by FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Emilia P.E. Morris are prosecuting the case.
Tieu is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe on June 12, 2024. Tieu faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine on each of the three counts. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.