Eastern District of California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dilesh Sharma, 50, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to 24 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempted online enticement of a minor for sexual purposes, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

“Today’s sentence is a warning to other online predators,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We are determined to use every legal avenue we have to identify and apprehend these criminals and protect children from harm.”

“The FBI is deeply committed to ensuring cases like these are conducted with extensive rigor to ensure the allegations are a clear statement of fact and accurately represent the behavior of the accused,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Mr. Sharma will now have decades in federal prison to consider the consequences of his actions and the threat he posed to minors.”

According to court documents, in November 2016, Sharma used the Craigslist email system and the Kik application to electronically message back and forth with a person who identified himself as an adult, but who Sharma did not know was an undercover law enforcement agent. Sharma expressed his interest in gaining access to a minor for sexual purposes, and the undercover agent told Sharma that his girlfriend had an 11-year-old daughter. Eventually, Sharma’s conversations with the undercover agent reached a point where Sharma suggested that the two meet. On March 30, 2017, they met to set up an in-person meeting where Sharma was supposed to meet the minor for a sexual purpose. The next day, Sharma arrived at the designated meeting place and was arrested. During a review of Sharma’s iPhone, seized from him at the time of arrest, law enforcement agents discovered that Sharma received and distributed child pornography on Kik with someone other than the undercover agent.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Yang and Rosanne Rust 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Melissa Saurwein, 44, of Martinez, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of making a false statement in connection with a sexual relationship she had with a victim witness in a separate federal criminal case, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Saurwein was formerly a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Northern California. While working in that capacity on the human trafficking case United States v. Job Torres Hernandez, 4:17-cr-462-JSW, Saurwein developed a romantic sexual relationship with a victim witness in the case. In preparation for Saurwein’s testimony at trial, prosecutors asked Saurwein if she had a personal relationship with any witness or victim in the case. Saurwein lied in response to the questioning in order to conceal her sexual relationship with the victim witness. The human trafficking case then went to trial and both Saurwein and the victim witness testified. The relationship between Saurwein and the victim witness did not come to light until after the trial and sentencing of the defendant in the human trafficking case were complete. Due to Saurwein’s conduct, the judgement in the human trafficking case was later vacated on the motion of the government, with the defendant having only served three years of his 103-month sentence.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility. The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District was recused from this case, which is proceeding in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Special Attorney to the Attorney General Audrey B. Hemesath is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria. Saurwein faces a maximum statutory penalty of five 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Quinten Giovanni Moody, aka Christano Rossi, 38, of Dublin, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, aggravated identity theft, and obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between June 2017 and June 2022, Moody, co-defendant Myra Boleche Minks, 44, formerly of Roseville, and other co‑conspirators generated hundreds of thousands of dollars by transporting marijuana from California to Georgia, Nevada, Texas, and other locations. Moody and others bought marijuana in California and then transported the marijuana to distributors in other states via couriers and baggage traveling on commercial airplanes and commercial shipping services. Once the marijuana was sold, Moody and others caused the proceeds of the marijuana sales to be returned to them in California by using couriers to travel on commercial airline flights carrying cash, using shipping services to ship cash, and causing others at their direction to deposit cash into bank accounts.

Moody and others also committed unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in August 2020, Moody, Minks, and co-defendant Jessica Tang, 49, of Sacramento, participated in a scheme to submit fraudulent claims of unemployment benefits through the California Department of Employment Development (EDD). As part of this scheme, on Sept. 4, 2020, Moody used a Bank of America debit card in the name of an identity theft victim to make purchases at a Cartier store and Louis Vuitton store in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Moody sought to obstruct the investigation into his activities by using faked court documents. As part of the investigation, the United States applied for seizure warrants for a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1956 Chevrolet pickup that Moody purchased with the proceeds of his criminal activities. On April 15, 2022, personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized the two vehicles in Georgia pursuant to the seizure warrants issued in the Eastern District of California. The vehicles were transported to the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office for storage. On May 8, 2022, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a flatbed truck from towing company arrived at the FBI’s Atlanta field office. The tow truck driver informed FBI security personnel that he had been directed to retrieve the vehicles from FBI’s custody. The tow truck driver gave FBI security personnel documents, including a document purporting to be an order issued by the Honorable John K. Larkins III, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. The documents purported to order the U.S. Marshal and the FBI to release the vehicles. The documents, however, were fraudulent and had been created by Moody and Minks for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining custody of the two seized vehicles.

On May 21, 2022, a tow truck from a different towing company arrived at the FBI’s Atlanta field office. Again, the driver presented a fake federal court order purporting to authorize the release of the seized vehicles. The fraudulent federal court documents had been altered from the previous attempt. FBI personnel did not release the vehicles. Shortly before the arrival of the tow truck, a co-conspirator called personnel at the FBI’s Atlanta field office and pretended to be an FBI Special Agent. While in character, the co-conspirator attempted to contact the employees assigned to the gate outside of the field office to facilitate the tow truck gaining access to the FBI property.

Charges are pending against Minks and Tang. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Moody is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on July 11, 2023. Moody faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine up to $5 million for the marijuana distribution conspiracy. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison consecutive to any other term of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the aggravated identity theft count, and he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the obstruction of justice 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 the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, California Highway Patrol, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Probation Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, Colma Police Department, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Police Department, Roseville Police Department, San Francisco Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the California Employment Development Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee, and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Tan Minh Vo, 50, of San Jose, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana that was shipped from Fresno for distribution in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in November 2018, Vo and his co-defendants Patrick Maldonado, 46, of Madera; Elias Zambrano, Jr., 43, of Fresno; Tien Van Phan, 58, of Milpitas; Halen Frazier, 36, of Kingsville, Missouri; and David Agustus McGowan, of Kansas City, Missouri, coordinated the shipment of nearly 500 pounds of marijuana to Frazier in Kansas City. The first shipment was seized from Frazier during a traffic stop after Phan, Vo’s courier, delivered 92 pounds of marijuana to him in two suitcases at a hotel in Kansas City.

Later, agents intercepted calls between Vo, Maldonado, Zambrano, and Frazier in which they discussed the shipment of another load of marijuana to Frazier in Kansas City. That load was intercepted by Arizona troopers after stopping McGowan for nonfunctioning tail lights on his truck. During a search of the trailer, troopers found 384 pounds of marijuana and $1,629 in cash in a hidden compartment.

Following these seizures, agents executed search warrants at Vo’s residence and place of business in San Jose, as well as Maldonado’s residence in Madera and Zambrano’s residence in Fresno. At Vo’s residence, agents found $24,700 and another $20,000 in cash on Vo’s person, which represented proceeds derived from drug trafficking. At his place of business, FIND-BUY-ITEMS, agents found 70 pounds of marijuana and indoor marijuana cultivation equipment. At Maldonado’s residence, agents found 4 kilograms of cocaine, 20 pounds of packaged marijuana, a firearm, and over $45,000 in cash. At Zambrano’s residence, agents found two loaded firearms, more marijuana, and an electronic money counter.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force consisting of agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sheriff’s Offices of Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties, the Fresno Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Maldonado, Zambrano, and Frazier previously entered guilty pleas to the drug conspiracy. Maldonado was sentenced to seven years in prison. Both Zambrano and Frazier were sentenced to two years and three months in prison. The charges against McGowan are pending. As to him, the charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces recent cases in the Eastern District of California that were brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) federal initiative. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat gun and gang crime. At the core of PSN is increased federal prosecution to incapacitate chronic violent offenders as well as to communicate a credible deterrent threat to potential gun offenders.

Two recent indictments

Ulises Muro-Robles, 38, of Stockton, was indicted on March 23, 2023, and charged with possession with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram of heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on May 10, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call and found Muro-Robles to be in possession of 5.1 kilograms of heroin, 280 grams of cocaine, over $50,000 in cash, and a .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun. Muro-Robles has several prior felony convictions including assault with a deadly weapon and battery with serious bodily injury and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Task Force (METRO), the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.

Arnes Krajinic, 32, of Roseville, was indicted on March 16, 2023, and charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, in January 2023, Krajinic arranged to sell fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer and arrived at the predetermined location, in possession of an assembled weapon lacking a serial number (known as a ghost gun) that was loaded with six rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Krajinic is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has five prior felony convictions, including for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of a controlled substance while armed.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service; the ATF; the Placer County Special Investigations Unit; and the Roseville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition, Krajinic faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the drug offenses, Robles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Robles faces a maximum sentence of 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.

A Project Safe Neighborhoods defendant sentenced

Jaime Alvarez, 52, of Vallejo, was sentenced on March 21, 2023, to 21 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in October 2021, two different victims—both of whom were members of a different motorcycle club that is considered a “puppet” (or subordinate) club of the Vallejo chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club —were beaten by Alvarez and other club members based on perceived infractions of the Hells Angels’ rules. On Dec. 8, 2021, law enforcement officers searched Alvarez’s home as part of the investigation into the brutal beating and found several firearms, including a Glock 27 .40 SW caliber handgun. Alvarez has prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Vallejo Police Department, the FBI,  and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron D. Pennekamp and Jason Hitt prosecuted the case.

The following two guilty pleas are part of Operation No Fly Zone, a multi-agency, months-long investigation that sought to address a rise in the number of shootings and homicides in Fresno.

Reginald Keith Cannon Jr., 24, of Fresno, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on March 22, 2022, officers observed Cannon at the Fashion Fair Mall and were aware he was on active probation. Upon being searched, officers located a Glock semi-automatic handgun with a large-capacity magazine in his pants. Cannon has prior felony convictions involving firearms offenses and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Donald Ray Phelps Jr., 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on March 18, 2022, officers learned about the presence of a firearm inside a car in which Phelps was a passenger. During a search of the car, they found a loaded, privately manufactured, semi-automatic handgun with no serial number (known as a ghost gun) under the seat where Phelps had been sitting. Phelps has a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit pandering in Orange County and is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

These two cases are the product of an investigation by the FBI, HSI, ATF, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno-area Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the California Department of Justice Special Operations Unit, the California Department of Justice Human Trafficking / Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, the California Highway Patrol, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the cases. Phelps is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2023. Cannon is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2023. They each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 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.

The cases in this press release 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Daniel Quiroz, 41, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Quiroz, acting at the direction of a Mexican source of heroin, delivered over 500 grams of heroin to a confidential source in Anaheim, in exchange for $3,070. Subsequently, Quiroz delivered over a kilogram of heroin to co-defendant Roberto Palacios-Garcia, 37, of Guerrero, Mexico, residing in California. Palacios-Garcia then sold the drug to a confidential source in Stockton for $6,080. The total amount of heroin involved was 1.5 kilograms or about 3.3 pounds.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Palacios-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and, on Jan. 19, 2021, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison.

Quiroz is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 10, 2023. Quiroz faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and 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.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Cecilia Aquino, 32, of Fresno, was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison for submitting over $300,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court records, from June through November 2020, Aquino went on a crime spree where she submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims and loan applications in seven states using stolen identities. The claims and applications contained various misrepresentations, including that the named individuals worked as strippers and owned interior design businesses, and that they lost money because of the pandemic. Aquino used the proceeds of her fraud for gambling, rent, shopping, and other personal expenditures.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Clovis Police Department. 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 three 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.

ACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dariush Niknia, 60, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today to two years and 10 months in prison, and Richard Lant, 77, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 24 months of home detention and fined $7,500 for a conspiracy to export to an embargoed country, Iran, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between May and October 2015, Niknia, Lant and others conspired to unlawfully sell and supply 500 Russian-made tank helmets to Niknia’s contact in Tehran, Iran. The helmets were to be configured for a Russian-produced T-72S battle tank and were required to have a five-pin plug, a feature that is necessary to enable a tank communication device.

In May 2015, Niknia contacted Lant, who operated R&L Ltd., a company that sold Russian items, and requested to purchase 500 T-72S tank helmets and to have the helmets shipped to Tehran. Niknia initially paid R&L to purchase sample tank helmets and to have the helmets sent from Russia to Iran. Prior to the shipment of the first sample helmet, both Lant and Niknia were told that the United States’ sanctions prohibited the shipment of items to Iran, but both nevertheless proceeded with the transaction.

Niknia’s customer rejected the first sample helmet because it did not have a rectangular five-pin plug, but approved the second sample tank helmet that was sent to Tehran. In an email communication with Niknia, Niknia’s Iranian contact discussed the fact that the helmets would be inspected by the ultimate buyer, the Government of Iran. Niknia then requested additional helmets be sent to Tehran, 50 at a time, and paid Lant money for the purchase and shipment of the first 50 helmets. However, the deal ultimately stalled because Lant’s associate could not obtain and ship the tank helmets in the quantities and timeframe Niknia required. The Russian supplier said the difficulties stemmed from the fact that it was illegal to sell large quantities of tank helmets and to send modern military items to countries such as Iran that might use them in “terroristic or any war ways.”

In May 2015, Niknia had attempted to purchase battle tank helmets from another individual who sold Russian military memorabilia online. This individual did not sell Niknia any helmets and instead reported him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The embargo on Iran, which is enforced through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, prohibits the export, sale, and supply of goods to Iran by United States persons with very limited exceptions. It also prohibits, with very limited exceptions, United States persons from engaging in any transaction or dealing related to the sale or supply of goods to Iran.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley D. Weger prosecuted the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division.

FRESNO, Calif. — Andrew Nathan Hernandez, 20, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to four months in prison for knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter, Air One, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Dec. 26, 2020, Hernandez aimed the beam of a green laser at the Sheriff’s helicopter, striking it multiple times. Hernandez was attending a street race in the area of Hughes and White Lane in Bakersfield at the time. Once he was identified, Hernandez led law enforcement ground units on a nine-minute, 11-mile high-speed chase before he was eventually apprehended. The laser strikes caused the pilot to experience significant visual interference as a result of temporary flash blindness and after images.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration website, in 2020, the FAA received 6,852 reports of laser strikes, which was up from the year before. The FAA advises that, when aimed at an aircraft, lasers can cause visual interference and incapacitate pilots. Such incidents can occur anywhere, but have been reported most frequently in the Western Pacific and Southern regions of the United States.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday against Pir Danish Ali, 43, of Pakistan, and Jason Keith Bruce, 49, of Galt, charging both defendants with conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act, to make false statements, and to smuggle goods into the United States, and charging Bruce with smuggling and violating the Endangered Species Act, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed upon Bruce’s arrest this morning.

According to court documents, Pir was the CEO of a hunting outfitter and guide company based in Pakistan, and Bruce was a recreational big game hunter who hunted as a client of Pir’s company. Beginning in February 2016, Pir and Bruce conspired to hunt a Ladakh urial, an endangered wild sheep, in Pakistan and smuggle the resulting trophy from Pakistan to the United States. (“Trophy” means a whole animal, or a readily recognizable part of an animal, that is prepared for display.) Shortly before the hunt, Pir told Bruce that a recent survey had shown a local population of only 180 animals. The defendants agreed that the export of the Ladakh urial trophy would be achieved through bribery and fraud by declaring it to Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as a different species and presenting forged documents purporting to be issued by Pakistani authorities. Bruce paid Pir $50,000 for the hunt, during which he shot a Ladakh urial.

On March 29, 2018, Bruce flew into San Francisco International Airport from Pakistan carrying eight trophies in his personal baggage, including the Ladakh urial trophy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped him and alerted the FWS. After the FWS seized the trophy, Pir and Bruce conspired together to lie and did in fact lie to the FWS agents. Further investigation revealed that, between 2013 and 2018, at least 25 hunters who had hunted with Pir’s company presented forged documents to import at least 97 hunting trophies into the United States.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the conspiracy, Pir and Bruce face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the smuggling charge, Bruce faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and if convicted of the violation of the Endangered Species Act, Bruce faces a prison term of up to one year and a fine of up to $50,000 or both. 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joshua Klomp, 48, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to 11 years and two months in prison for possession of child pornography following a prior sex offense conviction and while on supervised release for a prior child pornography conviction, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in 2018, during a probation visit, Klomp was found to be in possession of two cellphones that contained thousands of images and video files of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, of which more than 900 were identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as originating from known child pornography series. Further investigation revealed that Klomp’s devices contained nearly 3,000 internet history files associated with searches for young males engaged in sex acts.

At the time he possessed these images and video files, Klomp was on federal supervised release for a 2006 conviction for possession of child pornography. Klomp served 10 years in prison for that offense, and prior to that federal conviction, Klomp had been convicted in Butte County in 1995 of committing a lewd and lascivious act with a child.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kenneth O’Neil, 49, of Lodi, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between June 7, 2018, and June 28, 2018, O’Neil sold at least 563 grams of heroin to a co-conspirator, who then sold those drugs to an undercover agent.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.

O’Neil is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. O’Neil faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 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.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — On March 17, 2023, a three-count indictment was unsealed charging Genevra Winton, 51, and Shannon Bargas, 51, both of Fresno, with charges related to a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on March 20, 2023, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Winton’s residence and elsewhere. After the searches, Winton and Bargas were charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, Bargas was charged with distributing fentanyl pills, and Winton was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Winton was convicted of a felony in 2010 and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by FORT, a team focused on investigating fentanyl overdose cases and composed of officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Winton and Bargas face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for the fentanyl distribution conspiracy. Bargas faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for fentanyl distribution. Winton faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the felon in possession of a firearm charge. 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Luis Noe Hernandez Rojo, 34, of Orange, California, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2019, Hernandez Rojo sold approximately 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl to an undercover agent in Bakersfield. On Dec. 13, 2019, Hernandez Rojo was arrested while driving to Fresno with more than 7 kilograms of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, nearly 2 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 7 kilograms of heroin, which were slated for delivery to the same undercover agent.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.

Hernandez Rojo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 17, 2023. Hernandez Rojo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and 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.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Sarah Jo Sumpter, 30, of Fresno, was sentenced today to two years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $16,984 in restitution for mail fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Sumpter stole mail from a number of locations in California and used the stolen mail to commit multiple identity theft related fraud schemes. One of these schemes involved Sumpter stealing a victim’s driver’s license and impersonating the victim in order to purchase a vehicle. Another scheme involved Sumpter depositing stolen checks into victim accounts and then withdrawing funds from the accounts without the victim’s consent.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Madera County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Henry Z. Carbajal III prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Abraham Eduardo Navarro Mendez, 39, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in 2019, Navarro Mendez was suspected to be selling large quantities of methamphetamine from the Havana Smoke Shop in Bakersfield. On two occasions, law enforcement officers conducted two separate undercover drug transactions with Navarro Mendez, who delivered a total of 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine for $3,750.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Navarro Mendez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana Isabel de Alba on July 17, 2023. Navarro Mendez faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine up to $10 million. 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Ramon Armendariz Jr., 35, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Armendariz unlawfully obtained personally identifiable information and bank account information of a victim, which he used to open a brokerage account in the victim’s name. Armendariz used the personal bank accounts to fund the brokerage account. Armendariz listed himself as an authorized check writer on the brokerage account in order to access the funds when the transfers to the brokerage account were completed. Armendariz’s scheme unraveled when the victim discovered the unauthorized transfers and notified the bank, resulting in a freeze of the funds in the brokerage account.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandre Dempsey prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — For their roles in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, today, Charles Abieanga, 31, of Bakersfield, was sentenced to five years and five months in prison and his brother Simon Abieanga, 28, of Bakersfield, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Charles Abieanga was ordered to pay $505,695 in restitution, and Simon Abieanga was ordered to pay $326,832 in restitution.

According to court documents, Charles Abieanga was sentenced to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in three different fraud schemes. The first scheme involved submitting false claims to the California Employment Development Department and obtaining benefits associated with those claims. The second scheme involved impersonating a supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) and defrauding hospitals by selling non-existent medical supplies including surgical gowns and N-95 protective masks. The third scheme involved the sale of non-existent pets, horses, and vehicles to victims online.

Simon Abieanga was sentenced for his role in one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in two separate, but similar, fraud schemes. The first scheme involved submitting false claims to the California Employment Development Department and obtaining benefits associated with those claims. Simon Abieanga’s second scheme involved the sale of non-existent pets, horses, and vehicles to victims online.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the California Employment Development Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Joseph D. Barton are prosecuting the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment Thursday against Gabriel Mata, 29, of Fresno, charging him with escape from federal custody, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, On May 24, 2021, Mata was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was transferred to the Turning Point Residential Reentry Center in Fresno. On Dec. 28, 2021, Mata was discovered to be missing when a routine count was done at the facility. Mata did not have permission to leave the Turning Point facility and remained at large until his arrest.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Mata 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 charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday against Reyes Quinonez Jr., 42, of Clovis, charging him with possessing over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute those controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in February 2023, Quinonez was on parole for a prior felony offense. Law enforcement officers conducted parole-compliance searches of Quinonez, his residence, and a car. They found a firearm, ammunition, over a pound of methamphetamine, and over half a pound of fentanyl.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Quinonez faces a statutory penalty of between five and 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 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 defendant is 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.

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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After an 8-day trial, a federal jury found El Dorado Hills couple Brian Beland, 39, and Denae Beland, 40, guilty in an effort to circumvent paying federal income taxes, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

“When the IRS began a civil audit of Brian and Danae Beland’s taxes, the defendants tried to hide their crimes through false expenses, telling falsehoods to the civil examiner, and obstructing the IRS audit,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “This trial is an example of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to investigate and prosecute those who fail to comply with their federal tax obligations.”

“Falsifying documents and filing fraudulent tax returns is a crime,” said Darren Lian, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Oakland Field Office. “We should not forget that the ultimate victims in tax fraud cases are the people of the United States – those honest taxpayers who diligently and truthfully file tax returns each year. IRS-CI will continue to focus our investigative efforts on individuals and businesses who cheat on their taxes and do not comply with the law. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the dedication of our agents that resulted in Mr. and Mrs. Beland’s guilty verdict by the jury.”

For filing false tax returns that illegally claimed both personal expenses and fabricated expenses as tax deductions, Brian Beland has been found guilty of three counts of a filing false tax return for tax years 2011, 2012, and 2013. Brian Beland and Denae Beland were both found guilty of corruptly impeding their tax audit.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Brian Beland was a mortgage broker for Wells Fargo and then Bank of America from 2011 through 2013. He claimed business expenses in excess of $800,000 for all three years, effectively paying only a 2% tax on the more than $1.1 million he earned. Denae Beland is an attorney licensed by the California State Bar. When the IRS began a civil audit of their taxes, Brian and Denae Beland tried to hide their crimes by falsely claiming that personal expenses were business expenses, telling falsehoods to the civil examiner, and obstructing the IRS audit by not providing requested documents.

For the IRS audit, the Belands, claiming their business records had been shredded or lost, recreated spreadsheets of their business expenses that listed various items as business expenses that were actually personal expenses, including travel to Europe, the Eiffel Tower, Hawaii and Cancun; wine racks and a personalized wine bottle in their wine cellar; a California king bed; patio furniture; automated tiki torches; birthday party and baby shower expenses; home gym exercise flooring; and other items. In June 2016, the IRS executed a search warrant at their house in El Dorado Hills. In addition to finding many pieces of furniture and household goods that had been claimed as business expenses, agents also found tax records and receipts, despite the Belands’ claims that all records and receipts had been destroyed.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Lee S. Bickley are prosecuting the case.

Brian and Danae Beland are scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2023, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Brian Beland faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for each count of filing a false tax return. Brian and Denae Beland each face a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for corruptly endeavoring to impede the tax audit. 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Miguel Castellanos Huitron, (aka Efrain Tavarez Lopez) 52, of Stockton, was sentenced today to 16 years and six months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Huitron operated a drug trafficking organization in the Stockton-Tracy area. At Huitron’s direction, members of the conspiracy distributed more than 4 kilograms of methamphetamine to confidential sources between April 2009 and December 2009. Huitron employed at least five people to deliver methamphetamine on his behalf. In late 2009, Huitron left the United States to spend the Christmas holiday in Mexico and remained there until 2017. Huitron continued directing and receiving money from the organization while in Mexico, until his drug trafficking organization was ultimately dismantled in 2010. He was arrested in September 2017.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Trayvon Smith, 32, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday to six years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, law enforcement officers received a report of two individuals possessing a firearm in a hotel parking lot. When the officers responded to the parking lot, they located the suspected car and activated their emergency lights. Edward Page, 33, of Fresno, and Smith exited the car. Smith initially fled, but both were eventually detained. The officers then searched the car and found two loaded semi-automatic firearms, one of which had a corresponding a high-capacity magazine attached. Page and Smith are both prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of their criminal history.

 On Jan. 17, 2023, Page was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Firle, 53, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for a four-year embezzlement scheme of over $1.9 million from his employer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Firle was the Chief Financial Officer of a holding company that managed several vehicle dealerships. From January 2016 through September 2019, Firle misappropriated over $1.9 million from the company. He carried out his embezzlement scheme in multiple ways, including by using company credit cards to pay for over $750,000 in personal expenses. The unauthorized charges included tickets to sporting events and purchases at several retail stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, Hermès, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co. Firle also initiated over 30 unauthorized wire transfers from the company to a family member. Those transfers totaled over $500,000. Additionally, Firle issued over 30 unauthorized company checks to himself that totaled over $165,000, and he withdrew more than $50,000 from a company account without authorization. Finally, Firle issued himself excess bonus payments totaling almost $160,000.  

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen prosecuted the case.

Firle was also ordered to pay $1,937,706 in restitution to his former employer and to forfeit $1,652,269 to the United States.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Agustin Cruz-Sanchez, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the United States for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and depredation of public lands and resources, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, from April to August 2018, Cruz-Sanchez lived and worked at an illegal marijuana grow site in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, along with co-defendant Abraham De Los Santos-Sanchez. Beginning on Aug. 17, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search of the grow and eradicated 6,575 marijuana plants, a marijuana processing area, and harvested marijuana. The marijuana had an estimated street value of more than $1.5 million. Cruz-Sanchez and Santos-Sanchez expected to share in those profits, along with the off-site leader of the operation, Fidel Sanchez-Cruz.

During the search and reclamation of the grow site, law enforcement found a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun with an obliterated serial number, pellet rifles, a loaded Smith & Wesson magazine, and a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition cartridge in front of Cruz-Sanchez’s tent. The handgun was found along the route that Cruz-Sanchez fled from law enforcement during the search of the grow site, before he was apprehended and arrested. Photographs and videos found on Cruz-Sanchez’s cellphone showed him and Santos-Sanchez posing with the handgun and pellet rifle in the marijuana fields and touting their ability to protect the grow with the weapons.

The environmental damage to the forest was analyzed and documented by Integral Ecology Research Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems that has examined over 100 public land marijuana grow sites.

According to the report of the investigation filed with the court, environmental scientists found and documented extensive environmental damage, including the use and disposal of bottles of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. The hazardous wastes found at the grow site included carbofuran, a toxic pesticide that is banned in the United States. The environmental assessment concluded that the carbofuran and other pesticides and fertilizer at the grow site likely posed a significant direct risk to a number of endangered and threatened species, including the northern spotted owl, the foothill yellow-legged frog, and coho salmon. Makeshift reservoirs and a large network of plastic irrigation lines were also found and eradicated. The environmental assessment concluded that more than 14.25 million gallons of water were illegally diverted at the grow site.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice – North State Marijuana Investigation Team, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office, the Corning Police Department, and the Red Bluff Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.

Santos-Sanchez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and on June 18, 2020, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

On May 19, 2022, Fidel Sanchez-Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, and depredation of public lands and resources. Sanchez-Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Sanchez-Cruz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Clayton Howard, 47, of Stockton, was sentenced today to seven years and two months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on April 10, 2020, a search warrant executed at Howard’s residence found him to be in possession of 13 different types of ammunition, spent shell casings, various firearm parts, bulletproof vests, firearm silencers, and 11 grams of methamphetamine. Howard, who had previously been convicted of 16 felonies, was prohibited from possessing ammunition.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Ramonchito Racion, 52, of Merced, was sentenced today to seven years and one month in prison for one count of attempted sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to evidence presented at trial, Racion, who was working as a cook for a private company in Yosemite in the summer of 2019, sexually assaulted his roommate while the roommate was sleeping. Racion was found guilty by a federal jury after a six–day trial.

This case was the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael G. Tierney and Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma, 20, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison for unlawful dealing and manufacturing firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Tuma used Snapchat to advertise narcotics and guns for sale. Law enforcement used undercover officers and a confidential informant to buy guns from Tuma. Tuma was 19 and could not legally purchase a gun in the state of California. Instead, Tuma ordered kits from the internet, including from a company called Polymer 80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.

Co-defendant Juan Manriquez pleaded guilty to unlawful dealing in firearms and is set to be sentenced on May 16, 2023.

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 United States Attorneys, who collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (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.

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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Andras Daniel Lee, 33, of Visalia, was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in March 2017, Lee was convicted in Tulare County, of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Shortly after his release from prison, Lee moved to Liberal, Kansas. In March 2018, Lee moved back to California and intentionally did not register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) as was required as a result of his prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

On Feb. 20, 2020, Lee committed a lewd act upon a child in Tulare County while in a failure-to-register status. On Dec. 20, 2021, Lee was convicted in Tulare County of two counts of committing a lewd act upon a child.

This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Angulo, 36, of Woodlake, pleaded guilty today to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, a team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into a group of Tulare County Sureños. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Angulo and his co-defendant Jonathan Gallegos were traveling to Southern California and into Mexico to obtain illegal drugs, including kilograms of cocaine. On Oct. 26, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped Angulo and Gallegos as they were traveling northbound in Kern County in a pickup truck. Inside the truck they found over 9 kilograms of cocaine and a stolen, loaded firearm.

The case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tulare County Area Regencies Gun Enforcement Team, the Visalia Police Department, the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.

Angulo is set for sentencing on June 12, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba. Angulo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. 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 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Jonathan James Rodriguez, 40, of Modesto, was sentenced today 14 years and two months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for receiving and distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2014 through January 2020, Rodriguez was found to have received and/or distributed on a laptop computer over 500 video files depicting minors, some as young as infants and toddlers, suffering various acts of sexual abuse.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian W. Enos 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

FRESNO, Calif. — Ruben Chavez III, 37, of Merced, was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison for credit card fraud and related identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between April 2021 and March 2022, Chavez used, or attempted to use, more than 20 victims’ credit cards to make over $60,000 in fraudulent purchases at retail stores, including home appliances. He also changed the victims’ mailing addresses to his own address and created fake identification cards in their names to help further his fraud.

This case was the product of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Wes Parker McDaniel, 53, of Merced, was sentenced today to 10 years and five months in prison for maliciously destroying property by means of explosive materials and manufacturing bombs, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court records, between Feb. 1, 2021, and June 22, 2021, McDaniel made 12 destructive devices or bombs made with illegal fireworks that he had purchased in Nevada, ammunition, shrapnel, fire starting material, and other items. He deployed six of the bombs at two residences in Merced and one in Lemoore in retaliation against three intended victims.  his McDaniel deployed three of the bombs at a residence where he mistakenly thought one victim  resided. One of the bombs hit the wall of the house, exploded, and destroyed the fence, which was shared with a neighboring property. Shrapnel emitted from the device created pock marks on the wall of the house, and a propane tank was badly burned. McDaniel placed two bombs near the car of another victim and threw a bomb at the residence of the third victim.

Following these incidents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McDaniel’s residence where they found six bombs, bomb-making material, a .22‑caliber rifle, and boxes of ammunition. As a convicted felon, McDaniel is prohibited from possessing firearms, including destructive devices, and ammunition.

U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba ordered the forfeiture of the destructive devices, rifle, and ammunition and ordered McDaniel to pay $2,180 in restitution to cover the loss of the fence.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Merced Police Department, the Lemoore Police Department, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Carlos Perez, 46, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to assaulting a federal contractor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on June 21, 2021, Perez attempted to bypass security at the Robert E. Coyle Fresno Federal Courthouse. When a court security officer attempted to stop him, Perez swung his arm at the officer, striking the officer in the face.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Perez faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison. 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Former Navy couple, Marquis Hooper, 32, and Natasha Chalk, 39, of Selma, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy where they hacked a database that contained personally identifiable information (PII) and sold it on the dark web for $160,000 in digital currency, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Hooper also pleaded guilty to underlying wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.

According to court records, when Hooper was a chief petty officer and Chalk was a reservist in the Navy, Hooper opened an account with a private company that maintains a database containing PII for millions of people. The company restricts access to the database to businesses and government agencies that have a demonstrated, lawful need for the PII. Beginning in August 2018, Hooper opened an online account with the company by falsely representing that the Navy needed him to perform background checks on sailors. After Hooper opened his account, he added Chalk. The couple used Hooper’s access to the company’s database to obtain the PII of over 9,000 people. They then sold the PII on the dark web for $160,000.

At least some of the individuals to whom Hooper and Chalk sold people’s PII used it to commit further crimes. For example, one individual used the PII to create a driver’s license using a victim’s information and then tried to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account. The bank declined the transaction.

In December 2018, Hooper’s account was closed for suspected fraud. Thereafter, Hooper and Chalk enlisted an unindicted co-conspirator to regain access to the database. Under Hooper’s direction and with the promise of $2,500 for each month that the account was opened, the co-conspirator tried to open an account. Hooper created a fake contract that identified a further identity theft victim as a Navy supply officer authorizing the transaction, and when the company asked for verification, Hooper provided a fake driver’s license for the victim and a fake letter from a commanding officer approving the transaction. In the end, the company decided not to open the account.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

Hooper and Chalk are scheduled to be sentenced July 24, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. They face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the conspiracy convictions. Hooper also faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the wire fraud conviction, and two years in prison, consecutive to other counts, for the aggravated identity theft conviction. 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Derrick Dewayne Gage, 41, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on April 23, 2022, law enforcement officers were on patrol at the Plaza Motel on Union Avenue in Bakersfield when they saw Gage inside a room with a firearm and what appeared to be drugs. The officers searched the room and seized a loaded Sarsilmaz 9 mm semi-automatic handgun as well as cocaine. Gage is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has prior felony convictions for domestic violence, participation in a criminal street gang, and sales of cocaine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio, Kimberly A. Sanchez, and Laurel J. Montoya are prosecuting the case.

Gage is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Gage faces five years to life 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 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hee Soung Oh, 47, a Korean national residing in Southern California, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between January 2017 and September 2017, Oh participated in a nationwide check kiting “bust out” scheme in order to obtain cash from banks. The scheme’s participants obtained a real Republic of Korea passport that was altered to bear a new photograph and name, which they used to open bank accounts with a small amount of cash. The accounts were dormant until a time the participants believed the bank would allow the account holder to deposit a check and make withdrawals before the check actually cleared. At that time, the participants wrote checks from a different bank account with non-sufficient funds, deposited those checks into the dormant account, and then withdrew cash from the dormant account before the checks cleared. The participants would access funds by purchasing a money order and then deposit the money order into yet another bank account associated with the scheme.

Oh is associated with opening source accounts or draining victim accounts. These bust-outs resulted in an actual loss of $273,800 to the banks, and a total intended loss of $466,318 based on additional, unsuccessful bust-out attempts.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey B. Hemesath is prosecuting the case.

Oh is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Oh faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years. 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.

Korean nationals Jong Eun Lee, 48, and Kyung Min Kong, 55, were sentenced respectively to 22 months and seven years and nine months in prison. Charges are pending against Ki Jang and Bon Soke Hong, who were indicted on Oct. 21, 2021. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jairo Leonidas Raymundo-Cua, 33, of Guatemala, was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on multiple occasions in February 2022, Raymundo-Cua distributed powder fentanyl and counterfeit oxycodone M-30 pills containing fentanyl to an undercover officer on behalf of the leader of the conspiracy, Carlos Calel. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Raymundo-Cua’s Sacramento residence in March 2022, they found over 20,000 M-30 pills containing fentanyl and over a kilogram of fentanyl-laced heroin in Raymundo-Cua’s backpack, along with a fraudulent green card in Raymundo-Cua’s name.

This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer prosecuted the case.

Carlos Calel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on Oct. 27, 2022.  Calel is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Calel faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 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.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal magistrate judge issued an arrest warrant based on a complaint for Angel Uriarte, 35, of Visalia, charging him with assault on a federal officer involving a weapon, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

“The shots fired at the ATF agents executing the search and arrest warrants in this case underscore the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement face,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We are forever in the debt of the federal agents who willingly serve and protect us every day. Those who attempt to use deadly force against a federal officer engaged in his or her duties should expect to face a federal prosecution that employs the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice.”

“The FBI is committed to thoroughly investigate any assault on a federal officer, a violation of federal law that falls within our jurisdiction,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Assaults on federal agents and/or task force officers are serious crimes that deserve our full attention. We appreciate the support of all investigative agencies involved to ensure a thorough investigation in pursuit of justice.”

“Personnel with the ATF San Francisco Field Division and ATF’s Special Response Team 4 were serving a search and arrest warrant for a defendant connected to the recent six-person homicide in Goshen,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “During service of these warrants, the defendant responded by shooting at ATF agents. Our team responded with an appropriate level of force and professionalism to disarm and take the defendant into custody, and protect the community from further harm. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the community from violent crime and hold those accountable who choose to commit violent crime.”

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux stated, “As the Sheriff of Tulare County, I am thankful that all aspects of the Goshen mass shooting are being identified, and the egregious felony acts, including this shooting at agents, are being addressed.”

According to court documents, on Feb. 3, 2023, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in serving warrants related to a January 2023 murder in Goshen in which six victims were killed. One of the warrants was for the arrest of Angel Uriarte on murder charges arising from those murders. The other was for a residence in Visalia where evidence showed Uriarte was located.

The ATF Special Response Team (SRT) began efforts to serve the warrant. Prior to making entry into the residence, the SRT announced their presence over a public address system and directed that the residents come out with their hands up. Several residents exited the residence, but Uriarte was not one of them. After a period of time passed, agents began to prepare to make entry into the residence. As this occurred, Uriarte ran through the yard and fired a gun in the direction of the home and ATF agents. He then fired three rounds at an ATF agent, who returned fire striking and wounding Uriarte. Agents rendered medical aid.

Agents found a Bersa .380 semi-automatic pistol near where Uriarte fell. Uriarte has a 2014 felony conviction for assault with a firearm on a person for which he had been sentenced to seven years in prison.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the ATF, the FBI, the DEA, and other agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio J. Pataca and Stephanie M. Stokman are prosecuting the case.

If convicted of assault on a federal officer, Uriarte faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence and a fine of up to $250,000, and if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces 15 years in prison and a fine of 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 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —  Julio Adrian Jimenez-Sevilla, 35, formerly of Sacramento, presently residing in Oregon, pleaded guilty today to distributing at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Oct. 26, 2016, and December 1, 2016, Sevilla distributed methamphetamine to a buyer. In the October deal, Sevilla sold a buyer approximately 226 grams of 85% pure methamphetamine, and in the December deal, Sevilla sold a buyer approximately 226 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine. On Jan. 23, 2017, Sevilla illegally sold a buyer an AR-15 rifle.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.

Sevilla is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2023, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Sevilla faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and 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.

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.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Ray Brewer, 66, of Porterville, and Sheridan, Montana, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft charges for running a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme where he purported to turn cow manure into green energy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court records, from March 2014 through December 2019, Brewer stole $8,750,000 from investors by claiming to build anaerobic digesters on dairies in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, as well as other counties in California and Idaho. Anaerobic digesters are large machines that use microorganisms to breakdown biodegradable material and turn it into methane. The methane can then be sold on the open market as green energy. The methane also produces Renewable Energy Credits (REC), which represent the property right to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through green energy creation. RECs are commonly purchased by companies to meet green energy regulatory, contractual, and initiative requirements or commitments. Brewer’s investors were supposed to receive 66% of all net profits as well as tax incentives.

Brewer made various misrepresentations to his investors. Brewer took the investors on tours of dairies where he said that he was going to build the digesters and sent them forged lease agreements with the dairy owners. He also sent the investors altered agreements with banks that made it appear as though he had obtained millions of dollars in loans to build the digesters. Finally, he sent the investors forged contracts with multinational companies that made it appear as though he had secured revenue streams. None of this was true.

After Brewer received the investors’ money, he transferred the funds to multiple other bank accounts that he opened in the names of different entities, his family members, and an alias. He used false descriptions for the transfers. He did so to conceal the location, source, ownership, and control of the money before using it for personal expenditures. These expenditures included two plots of land that were 10 or more acres each, a 3,700 square foot custom home, and new Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

Brewer subsequently told his investors that the digesters were progressing when that was not the case. He did so by sending them fake construction schedules, fake invoices for project-related costs, fake power generation reports, fake RECs, and fake pictures.

In some instances, Brewer purported to refund investors all or some of their money. The refunds, however, came from newly received money from other investors who had not authorized Brewer to use their money in this way. When Brewer’s investors realized the fraud and obtained civil judgments against him, he moved to Montana and assumed a new identity. He later claimed to have been wrongfully arrested before admitting who he was.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton, Henry Z. Carbajal III, and Alyson A. Berg are prosecuting the case.

Brewer is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Brewer faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the wire fraud conviction. He also faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine a of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved for the money laundering conviction, whichever is the greater. Finally, he faces a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to other counts, for the aggravated identity theft conviction. 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, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday against Anthony Jair Demedeiros, 23, of Weaverville, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Feb. 9, 2021, law enforcement received a report of Demedeiros boarding a bus, carrying a duffel bag believed to contain a firearm. Demedeiros was on searchable Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) from a prior conviction in Tehama County for carrying a concealed firearm when having been previously convicted of a felony, and also had prior arrests for violent crimes.

Officers located the bus they suspected Demedeiros had boarded and followed it. When it came to a stop, officers boarded the bus and detained Demedeiros. Next to Demedeiros’ seat, officers saw a bag matching the description of the reported duffel bag. Demedeiros denied the bag was his and no other party on the bus claimed it as theirs. Officers seized the bag and inside it found a Bushmaster Carbon-15 .223-5.56 caliber rifle, with a telescope, partially disassembled (making it more readily concealable). All parts were present to reassemble a complete and operational rifle. The rifle had a round in the chamber and a 10-round magazine loaded with four rounds. A records check of the rifle’s serial number indicated that it had been reported stolen from an address in Trinity County.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Redding Police Department, and the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Demedeiros 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. 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Stefan Niels Weiste Kirkeby, 59, of San Rafael, pleaded guilty to domestic violence within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 4, 2022, Kirkeby and his wife got into a verbal confrontation that resulted in park visitors having to intervene due to the yelling as well as the threats of harm being made by Kirkeby. The victim reported she was forcibly grabbed by her wrist and both fell to the ground. Kirkeby was threatening to kill her then kill himself during the altercation. The victim sustained bruising, pain to her wrist, and scratches.

This case is the product of an investigation by the National Park Service with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.

Kirkeby is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Kirkeby faces a maximum statutory penalty of five 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Randy Edward Martin, 40, of Roseville, was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison for distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between July 6, 2020, and Sept. 14, 2020, Martin distributed child pornography using the Kik Messenger app. Martin used a smartphone, the internet, and Kik Messenger to distribute videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct to a person in Oregon.

“Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant will stay far away from minors for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “But cellphones and messaging apps have increased the ability of predators to sexually abuse children. We need parents, educators, and other responsible community members to be aware of the danger and join the law enforcement effort to protect innocent children from predators who try to exploit them.”

“Safeguarding children from being victimized by predators is a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations,” said HSI San Francisco (NorCal) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI appreciates the assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Sacramento County Probation, and the Roseville Police Department on this investigation; and appreciates the prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. HSI also reminds parents and caregivers of the dangers children face on the internet and encourages close oversight and vigilance when online.”

This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Denise N. Yasinow 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act against Joel Nolen, the owner and operator of rental properties in Lassen County. The lawsuit also names as defendants Shirlee Nolen and Nolen Properties LLC, the co-owners of Susanville area rental properties at the relevant times. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that Joel Nolen sexually harassed female tenants since at least 2011. According to the complaint, Nolen offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their permission, subjected female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual acts, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.

“The sexual harassment and retaliation alleged in today’s complaint violates our federal fair housing laws and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “Landlords and other housing providers who engage in such conduct will be held accountable to ensure that individuals feel safe and comfortable in their homes.”

“No one should ever feel unsafe or suffer sexual harassment in their home, especially at the hands of their housing provider,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the Fair Housing Act and holding landlords and housing providers accountable when they sexually harass their tenants.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination.

The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The initiative, which is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 27 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $9.7 million for victims of such harassment.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joel Nolen, Shirlee Nolen, or Nolen Properties LLC, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select 1 for English, and select option number 2, then option number 7 to leave a message. Individuals may also email the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online. Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.

FRESNO, Calif. — Margarita Aispuro-Camacho, 46, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to illegally selling morphine and contributing to the death of her co-worker at the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court records, Aispuro-Camacho was a clerk at the IRS in Fresno. In May 2020, she sold morphine pills that she had been prescribed to one of her co-workers. The co-worker died the next day from an overdose of the morphine that Aispuro-Camacho had provided and other prescription drugs that the co-worker obtained from other sources.

Aispuro-Camacho had previously sold morphine and other drugs she had been prescribed to the co-worker on at least five occasions. She profited a few thousand dollars from the sales.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

Aispuro-Camacho is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Aispuro-Camacho faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawrence Macken, 45, of Stockton, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Dec. 12, 2019, law enforcement officers stopped Macken’s vehicle and found a Bersa Firestorm .380 semi-automatic handgun in the dash compartment near the vehicle’s driver’s seat. Macken has several prior felony convictions—including two felon-in-possession-of-a-firearm convictions, two assault convictions, and multiple vehicle-theft convictions—which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.

This case was the product of an investigation by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office; the Stockton Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Michael Carlsen, 49, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in July 2022, Carlsen possessed child pornography. At the time he possessed these images, Carlsen was on federal supervised release for a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.

Carlsen is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on May 23, 2023. Carlsen faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison up to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

FRESNO, Calif. — Alma Sanchez, 50, of Alpaugh, pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Sanchez distributed methamphetamine on two occasions to a co‑conspirator, who then immediately resold the methamphetamine. On June 16, 2021, Sanchez distributed 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and on Jan. 31, 2022, she distributed 2 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coalinga Police Department, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit (HIDTA), and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on May 30, 2023. Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Alphonso Jimenez, 31, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in 2021, a team of local and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Jimenez and co-defendant Erik D. Mendoza-Contreras, 33, of Stockton.

During the investigation and on multiple occasions, confidential sources working with law enforcement purchased several pounds of narcotics from Mendoza and Jimenez. On Feb. 23, 2022, Jimenez delivered 28 pounds of methamphetamine to Mendoza for further distribution to a customer. A subsequent search of Jimenez’s home recovered over 31 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 28 kilograms of cocaine, over 6 kilograms of heroin, over 350 grams of counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl, approximately $297,000 in cash, and a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

Charges are pending against Mendoza; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on May 30, 2023. Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life in prison. 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.