Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Defendant in Yosemite National Park Sexual Assault Case Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Charles Porter, 32, formerly of Pomona, was sentenced today to 12 years and four months in prison for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse, assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and assault by striking or wounding, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to evidence presented at trial, on April 14, 2020, in Yosemite National Park, Porter, an Aramark employee working and residing in Yosemite Valley, entered the victim’s cabin in employee housing at night while the victim was asleep and began to sexually assault the victim, biting and punching him during the attack. The victim fought back, and during the struggle, Porter attempted to penetrate the victim. The victim was able to reach the door of his one-room cabin to call for help. Nearby neighbors heard his call for help, and they responded and physically removed Porter. On April 6, 2022, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Porter guilty of all charges.
This case was the product of an investigation by National Park Service Special Agents and Law Enforcement Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Names District Election Officer to Oversee the Handling of Complaints of Election Fraud and Voting Rights Abuses in the November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of California in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 8 general election. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, DC.
In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott will serve as the National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS) and is tasked with preparing for and responding to digital election threats.
Counties in the Eastern District are: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
U.S. Attorney Talbert said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 8, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEO Khasigian will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at: (916) 554-2700 and (916) 554-2723.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI can be reached by the public in the Eastern District of California at (916) 746-7000 or at tips.fbi.gov.
Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at: 800-253-3931, and also can submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Three Fresno Residents Indicted as Part of a Counterfeit Check Cashing RingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — An eight-count indictment, returned on Oct. 20, 2022, has been unsealed, charging Fresno residents Jeffrey Michalk, 43; Steve Gomez, 40; and Michael Dugan, 48, with conspiracy, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from June 2020 through at least January 2022, the defendants worked together to cash counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks throughout the Central Valley. These checks were cashed at various locations and were often written to appear to be in the names of other individuals. The defendants combined to cash or cause to be cashed at least 295 counterfeit Treasury Checks worth over $500,000 during this window.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandre Dempsey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge, a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the theft of money charge, and a mandatory minimum consecutive two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charges. 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 Sex Offender Indicted for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Jason Michael Carlsen, 49, of Sacramento, charging him with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in July 2022, Carlsen was found to be in possession of 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.
If convicted, Carlsen faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting 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.
Merced County Doctor Indicted for Multimillion Dollar Disability Insurance Fraud Scheme, Money Laundering, and Unrelated Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Oct. 20, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Sohail Mamdani, 46, of Los Banos, with mail fraud and money laundering in connection to a disability insurance fraud scheme, and unlawful use of a DEA registration number and fraudulently obtaining possession of a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) runs a Disability Insurance program that offers worker-funded benefits to people who meet certain requirements and have had those requirements verified by their physician or medical practitioner. Mamdani was a medical doctor operating a clinic called Walk-In Medical Clinic in Los Banos.
According to court documents, between February 2020 and March 2022, Mamdani submitted over 6,000 initial claims to EDD for disability insurance payments despite having never seen or treated the majority of the claimants. As part of the fraud, Mamdani would charge the purported patient a fee for both the initial disability claim and any supplemental claims. In addition, in order to avoid federal reporting requirements, Mamdani structured financial transactions. The investigation reveals potential intended losses to EDD of up to $99 million dollars with potential actual losses of over $53 million.
Mamdani is separately charged with unlawfully using another doctor’s DEA registration number for the purpose of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances. Additionally, Mamdani wrote a number of fraudulent prescriptions in the names of other individuals in order to obtain controlled substances himself.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Employment Development Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Michael Tierney are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of mail fraud, Mamdani faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or up to twice the gross gain or gross loss caused by the fraud. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to twice the value of property involved in the transactions or up to $500,000 if convicted of the money laundering charges. He also faces a maximum statutory penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the drug related charges. 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.
Fairfield Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Michael David Punzal Jr., 40, of Fairfield, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 30, 2022, Punzal was found to be in possession of a firearm. Punzal is prohibited from possessing firearms due to seven prior felony convictions, including a 2014 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Punzal faces a maximum statutory penalty 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 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.
West Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kimberly Acevedo, 52, of West Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and March 2021, Acevedo and co-defendant Philip Rich, 50, of West Sacramento, perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and unlawful possession of dozens of stolen bank cards. Generally, Acevedo and Rich obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of victims and used that information to apply for new credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks, and other financial instruments to be sent to the victims’ real home addresses. The defendants then submitted change-of-address requests to the U.S. Postal Service at www.usps.com using the victims’ PII. These change-of-address requests rerouted the victims’ mail to defendants’ shared home address, where they would open the mail and use its contents to make fraudulent purchases and cash fraudulent checks.
When federal agents executed a search warrant at defendants’ residence on Oct. 14, 2020, they seized dozens of notebooks filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of identity-theft victim PII. The notebooks were scattered throughout the house, though mainly located in defendants’ shared bedroom. In addition, agents recovered an envelope, labeled “ID Templates,” in the bedroom containing approximately 10-15 fake California driver’s licenses in the names of various victims, but featuring Acevedo and Rich’s photographs and fake authentication features. Agents also recovered the tools required to construct the fake IDs as well as a magstripe device. Further, agents recovered over 50 credit and debit cards in the home as well as approximately 40 checkbooks in victims’ names as well as in the names of Rich and Acevedo. In total, defendants’ scheme caused over $110,000 in actual and intended loss.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
On Oct. 4, 2022, Rich, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. Acevedo is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on March 28, 2023. Acevedo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
West Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rudy Tafoya, 54, of West Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 3, 2021, law enforcement officers pulled Tafoya over for traffic violations. Officers found Tafoya had a loaded handgun in his left front pants pocket. Tafoya is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has six prior felony convictions, including a 2019 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tafoya was serving a term of supervised release on his prior federal case when he violated supervision by again possessing a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Sacramento Police Department; and the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.
Tafoya is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Jan. 31, 2023. Tafoya faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is 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 Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Desmond Divine, 21, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday to four 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 Nov. 8, 2021, after Divine was approached by law enforcement officers, he fled on a scooter, dropping a loaded handgun. At the time, Divine was on parole and had prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger 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.
Fairfield Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Reginald Lamont Thomas, 47, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison and ordered to pay $132,685 in restitution for nine counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between April 2018 and September 2019, Thomas used a victim’s personally identifiable information (PII) to take over the victim’s checking and savings account at Wells Fargo. Thomas convinced Wells Fargo bank representatives to change the address information on the victim’s accounts to an address associated with Thomas and to ship a new debit card to Thomas at the new address. Thomas then used the debit card to make various unauthorized transactions, including buying a used car at a dealership in Solano County and paying for a subscription to the dating service Plenty of Fish. Thomas incurred approximately $112,874 in debit card charges and an additional $20,000 loss by making other payments from the victim’s Wells Fargo bank accounts and applying for and using a Costco Citibank credit card in the victim’s name. These amounts are reflected in the restitution order.
All of the conduct in this case occurred while Thomas was on a term of federal supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Roger Yang prosecuted the case.
Bakersfield Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Hundreds of Pounds of Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Omar Alberto Navarro, 40, of Arvin, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Sept. 1, 2020, and March 26, 2021, Navarro conspired with others to acquire methamphetamine and fentanyl in Mexico, transport it to the Eastern District of California, unload the narcotics, store, sell and distribute the narcotics to others. In November 2020, Navarro, while in Mexico, coordinated the loading of a vehicle with approximately 132 pounds of pure methamphetamine that he had obtained from a Mexican-based supplier. On another occasion in December 2020, Navarro arranged for a vehicle to be loaded with 41 pounds of methamphetamine in the gas tank and then driven across the border. On both occasions law enforcement stopped the vehicles and seized the methamphetamine.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Shafter Police Department, the Kern County Probation Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.
Navarro is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Navarro 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.
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.
“Coyote” Arrested in Yolo County Pleads Guilty to Illegal Transportation of NoncitizensRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mateo Gomez Gonzalez, 29, of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to unlawful transportation of noncitizens without status in the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2022, a concerned resident of Sacramento called law enforcement to report that his relative and a friend were being held over a payment dispute in a human smuggling operation with the human smuggler (also known as a “coyote”). The reporting party conveyed that the driver of a vehicle involved in the transport of Mexican citizens to the United States was threatening to drop the relative and family friend at an unknown stash house rather than to the awaiting family members if additional payment was not made. Acting on the tip, law enforcement met the vehicle at a gas station, discovered four passengers in the vehicle who did not have lawful status in the United States, and arrested the driver, Gomez.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Denise Yasinow are prosecuting the case.
Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Gomez faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison per individual smuggled. 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.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possessing Crack Cocaine for DistributionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lewis Clarence McCutcheon, 51, of Vallejo, was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 20, to nine years in prison for possessing crack cocaine for distribution, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on June 15, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at McCutcheon’s home in Vallejo and seized over 1.83 kilograms of powder cocaine and 1.56 kilograms of crack cocaine packaged for sale, as well as two digital scales and packaging materials.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Berkeley Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau with assistance from the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer 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.
Stockton Resident Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. – Daniel Peralta 31, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Peralta used the messaging application Skout to engage in sexually explicit chats with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old female. On July 26, 2020, he traveled from Stockton to Fresno to meet the purported minor for sexual activity.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Derick Louangamath, 33, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2019, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle that Louangamath was driving and found a Glock 26, along with loaded 10-, 15-, and 33-round magazines. Louangamath has several prior felony convictions — including convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.
Louangamath is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Louangamath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is 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.
Final Defendant Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Defrauding the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darron Dimitri Ross, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced today to six years in prison and $696,912 in restitution for conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
“Ross and his co-defendants committed a brazen fraud scheme that targeted over 200 people receiving Social Security benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will not tolerate exploitation of government benefit programs.”
“Mr. Ross conspired with a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee and others to use personally identifiable information stolen from SSA records to commit identity theft against beneficiaries to obtain their funds. This was an egregious crime, and his role was unconscionable,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “This sentence holds him accountable for his actions and for restitution to those harmed. We will continue to protect the integrity of SSA programs from those who seek to defraud taxpayers. I thank the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and the FBI for their valuable assistance in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
According to court documents, between November 2015 and October 2018, Ross and co‑defendants Eric Lemoyne Willis, 46, of West Sacramento, and Joshua Bilal George, 39, of San Diego, conspired to commit fraud and steal public money from the Social Security Administration (SSA). During the conspiracy and fraud scheme, Willis worked as an SSA Operations Supervisor in Sacramento and Lodi. George was a federal law enforcement officer with the Federal Protective Service and was responsible for coordinating security at various federal buildings in California including some used by the SSA. Ross resided in Charlotte, North Carolina, and knew George because they were childhood friends.
According to court documents, Willis used his authority as an SSA employee to access the confidential Social Security records of numerous Social Security beneficiaries. These records contained personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, account numbers, family information, and benefit payment amounts. Willis would seek out PII for beneficiaries who used direct deposit for payment of large benefits. Under the terms of the defendants’ conspiracy, Willis then transferred this PII to Ross who in turn transferred some of it to George for use in the fraud scheme.
Ross and George’s roles in these crimes included calling numerous SSA field offices across the country and using the stolen PII to impersonate the beneficiaries. Ross also opened at least 44 online bank accounts under fraudulent identities to receive diverted SSA benefit payments. If Ross succeeded in convincing an SSA representative that he was the beneficiary, he would request that the beneficiary’s direct deposit account be changed to one of the conspirators’ fraudulent accounts. The SSA then deposited benefit payments into the fraudulent account. The defendants then withdrew the funds at ATMs and spent additional funds using debit cards associated with the accounts. Ross also transferred much of the stolen proceeds to co‑conspirators for their participation in these crimes. Once the SSA became aware that a particular victim was the target of this fraud, it stopped depositing benefit payments to the fraudulent account.
The SSA has identified more than 200 beneficiaries nationwide who were targeted by these crimes, and it suffered at least $696,912 in losses caused by the defendants’ offenses. The defendants spent the proceeds of their crimes on, among other things, vacation trips and luxury items.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz prosecuted the case.
On July 6, 2022, Willis was sentenced to four years in prison, and on Aug. 22, 2022, George was sentenced to six months in prison to be followed by 12 months of home confinement.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Flying to the Philippines with the Intention of Engaging in Sexual Conduct with a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Balbino Sablad, 81, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $3,500 for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in 2019, Sablad flew to the Philippines with the intention of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16. Using Facebook, Sablad had engaged in sexual chats with a person he believed was the intended minor victim and he sent the intended minor victim over $2,000 prior to his travel to the Philippines. Before he arrived, he also discussed with a co-conspirator his plan to sexually abuse the intended minor victim in the Philippines.
“Today’s sentence reflects the disturbing lengths the defendant was willing to go to engage in sexual acts with a child,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Our office is committed to doing everything we can to help ensure that children are protected from future crimes by predators like the defendant.”
“The FBI works very closely with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to investigate perpetrators like Sablad and bring them to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to individuals who exploit our society’s most vulnerable that no matter how far they travel to commit these reprehensible crimes, they are not beyond the reach of law enforcement.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Fairfield Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return Causing Loss of More Than $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Myrna Kawakami, 70, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to making and subscribing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Kawakami ran a tax preparation business in Fairfield called K.I.M. Tax Book Services where she assisted taxpayers in preparing fraudulent federal income tax returns. The returns claimed thousands of dollars in itemized deductions based on ineligible expenses, resulting in fraudulent tax refunds. The total amount lost by the Internal Revenue Service as a result of Kawakami’s fraudulent preparation of 1,035 tax returns between tax years 2012 and 2015 is approximately $1,561,815.
Further, Kawakami also submitted fraudulent tax returns on her own behalf, significantly underreporting the income from her tax business and claiming education credits based on ineligible expenses. By underreporting her income and claiming false education credits on her tax returns for tax years 2013 and 2014, she reduced the amount of tax she owed for 2013 and 2014 by approximately $40,390.
This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.
Kawakami is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Feb. 23, 2023. Kawakami faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 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.
Stockton Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Possession of Unregistered Firearms SilencersRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alan Alfredo Garcia, 26, of Stockton, was sentenced Monday to three years and five months in prison for possession of unregistered silencers, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Garcia’s residence in Stockton and found two unregistered firearms silencers, parts for making additional silencers, an AR jig for converting AR rifle and pistol lower receivers into completed firearms, six firearms, and various firearms parts. A search of Garcia’s cellphone revealed additional evidence that he was manufacturing and modifying firearms, including to make them fully automatic.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer 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 Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawrence Guerain Fleming, 38, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2020, Fleming lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento County. A witness stopped to help Fleming, who asked the witness to conceal a gun without a serial number (sometimes called a “ghost gun”) loaded with eight rounds of ammunition behind a guardrail on the freeway. When officers arrived, the witness told them about the firearm. A warrant was issued for Fleming’s arrest, and on March 17, 2021, Fleming was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Fleming possessed a ghost gun that was loaded with a high-capacity magazine containing 14 rounds.
Fleming cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition because he has a prior federal felony conviction for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier with a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Highway Patrol, the Fairfield Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alstyn Bennett and Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Grass Valley Man Pleads Guilty to a Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy and other Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nathaniel Opondo Hubbert, 41, of Grass Valley, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in June 2020, Hubbert conspired with Steven Lawrence Robinson, 36, of Granite Bay, and others, to possess and distribute fentanyl in Placer County. A search of Robinson’s residence on June 2, 2020, resulted in the discovery of over 40 grams of fentanyl involved in this conspiracy. On June 24, 2020, a probation search of two hotel rooms Hubbert had rented, and a subsequent booking search of his person resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, heroin, and additional fentanyl. Robinson and Hubbert were connected to at least one overdose of a victim who had to be given medical treatment after using drugs purchased from Hubbert.
On March 26, 2021, Robinson was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lincoln Police Department, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Roseville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
Hubbert is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District John A. Mendez on Jan. 24, 2023. Hubbert faces a minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for his role in the fentanyl conspiracy and his possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. 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.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tariq Arrhamann Majid, 44, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Majid was arrested in late 2018, following an investigation involving online sharing of child pornography. Investigators discovered images and videos of Majid sexually abusing two minors, one of whom was 9 years old at the time of the offense. Investigators eventually identified the two child victims depicted in the videos, and Majid admitted that he was the abuser depicted in the videos. During the investigation, it was discovered that Majid had contact with many other minors, many of whom came from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds. Majid sought out opportunities to work with children, both in formal and informal settings, and he would purport to be their mentor while grooming them for sexual abuse. Several additional victims of Majid’s abuse have come forward since the investigation began, and Majid has been charged in Solano County Superior Court with his crimes against these victims. That case is pending.
“The lengthy sentence imposed today reflects the abhorrent crimes that this defendant committed against multiple children,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “My office will continue to work in partnership with state, federal, and local law enforcement to pursue predators such as this defendant and ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, the Golden Gate Special Investigations Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith 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.
Two Fresno Men Plead Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Edward Page, 33, and Trayvon Smith, 32, both of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition, 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. Page and Smith exited a car, Smith initially fled, but both were eventually detained. The officers then searched the car and found two loaded firearms. Page and Smith are both prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of their criminal history.
Page and Smith are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba. Page and Smith face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine 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 is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is 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.
Siskiyou County Man Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison for Major Fraud Against the United States for Taking FEMA Grant FundsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Samuel Thomas Lanier, 40, of Dunsmuir, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for seven counts of major fraud against the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. A restitution hearing is set for Dec. 12, 2022.
According to court documents, from approximately June 2013 to March 2018, Lanier engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States by submitting, or causing to be submitted, false reimbursement requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with federal grants awarded to Siskiyou and Shasta County Fire Chiefs Associations to assist them in recruiting and training new firefighters.
In June 2013 and June 2014, respectively, the Siskiyou and Shasta County Fire Chiefs Associations were awarded grants as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Each grant was over $1 million. The purpose of these grants was to assure that communities have adequate protection from fire-related hazards, and to help the recipients attain and maintain 24-hour staffing.
Lanier, as an owner or executive of two companies located in Dunsmuir, was hired by the Fire Chiefs Associations to administer these grants. In this capacity, Lanier knowingly submitted to FEMA false and fraudulent reimbursement requests, seeking and obtaining reimbursement for goods and services that were not, in fact, actually obtained on behalf of the fire associations. According to court documents, Lanier misappropriated over $1.2 million by both submitting false reimbursement requests to FEMA and diverting additional funds that should have been used to support the firefighters.
“This fraud scheme siphoned vital federal funds from fire departments supporting communities devastated by wildfires. This sentencing sends a clear message that the theft of federal funds meant to support our front line firefighters and first responders will not be tolerated,” stated Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Major Frauds & Corruption Unit of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría prosecuted the case.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Court Security OfficerRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Adam Fuller, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to assault on a federal employee or officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2019, Fuller approached a Federal Court Security Officer outside the federal courthouse in Sacramento and punched him in the face. The punch knocked the officer to the ground and split open his forehead, requiring five stitches.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.
Fuller is set to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Fuller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Repeat Sacramento Sex Offender Indicted for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joshua Klomp, 47, of Sacramento, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging him with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, during a probation visit in 2018, Klomp was found to be in possession of two cellphones that contained thousands of images and video files of child pornography. In 2006, Klomp was convicted for possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release. A condition of his release is that he could not possess or use computers or devices with access to the internet. Prior to the 2006 federal conviction, Klomp was convicted in Butte County of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of fourteen.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Klomp faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Former California Correctional Officer Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Civil Rights Violations Regarding Assaults on Inmates and Cover up Inside CSP SacramentoRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Arturo Pacheco, 40, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison for criminal civil rights violations for the on‑duty assault of two inmates entrusted to his care and for submitting false reports about those incidents in an attempt to cover them up, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
“When correctional officers deprive inmates of their civil rights and abuse their position of authority, they must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence sends the message that those who violate the public’s trust by harming inmates ‘under the color of law’ or by covering up wrongdoing are not above the law.”
According to court documents, Pacheco was a correctional officer at California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-Sacramento). On Sept. 15, 2016, while escorting an inmate, Pacheco grabbed the inmate’s legs and pulled them out from under him. The inmate, whose hands were handcuffed behind his back, fell forward onto the concrete floor, breaking his jaw and several teeth, and suffering other injuries. That inmate was transported to UC Davis Medical Center where he received treatment for his injuries. Approximately two days later, the inmate suffered a pulmonary embolism and died. While the inmate was receiving treatment, Pacheco, a sergeant, and other correctional officers began falsifying reports to cover up the incident.
Following the death of the inmate, investigators uncovered a second incident involving Pacheco. In that incident, on May 19, 2016, Pacheco had, unprovoked, discharged a canister of pepper spray at short range into the eyes of an inmate who was inside a cell. Pacheco falsified his report in that case to make it appear as though his actions were justified in order to save the life of the inmate. In reality, the inmate was fully complying with commands, and any use of force at that time was unlawful.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the cooperation of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Rosanne L. Rust prosecuted the case.
Fellow former California State Prison, Sacramento correctional officer, Ashley M. Aurich, charged separately, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Antonio Zamora, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Zamora facilitated the delivery of 5 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover agent; and an additional pound of methamphetamine was found at his residence when agents executed a federal search warrant.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey prosecuted the case.
The remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on Aug. 14, 2023. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Kern County Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Francisco Javier Melgoza, 41, of Delano, was sentenced today to seven years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2021, during a traffic stop, a law enforcement officer searched Melgoza’s bag and found a handgun with five rounds and a high-capacity magazine. Melgoza is prohibited from possessing ammunition because he has five prior felony convictions, including for grand theft auto, vehicle theft, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and two convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Melgoza was on probation at the time of the crime.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Shafter Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin C. Heinz 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Joshua Christopher Astorga, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 8, 2022, Astorga was arrested in Madera County in possession of 2,500 counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl.
During a months’ long investigation, agents learned Astorga was involved in dealing M-30 pills laced with fentanyl. In Sept. 2021, Astorga conspired with another individual to distribute 100 M-30 pills. On Feb. 8, 2022, Astorga negotiated the sale of 500 M-30 pills. A subsequent traffic stop conducted by the California Highway Patrol recovered 2,500 M-30 pills from his car.
The case was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Astorga is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2023. He faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine up to $5 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.
Eastern District of California Environmental Justice Initiative and Law Enforcement Reporting Contact InformationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced an Environmental Justice Initiative in coordination with federal, state, and local partners. Community members should report potential violations of environmental law impacting human health and quality of life to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. Notifying law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office about environmental justice concerns will assist us in protecting the community and environment.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously investigate and prosecute persons and businesses who violate environmental laws and endanger the health of Californians,” announced U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The first step to holding offenders accountable is learning the facts. The public can play a valuable role by speaking up about potential violations of law in the community. Please reach out if you have information to report about chemical or pollutant releases, the use of unlawful pesticides, dumping of waste, lead paint or asbestos issues, or other environmental violations that impact the quality of life and safety of the residents of our District.”
The United States Attorney’s Office investigates violations of environmental law in close partnership with our state and federal law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Community members wishing to report potential violations should contact the U.S. EPA through the following portal: https://www.epa.gov/report-violation. Those with information to report or who are interested in learning more about our environmental justice practice may also reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office directly by emailing [email protected].
Bakersfield Pain Management Doctor Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Janardhan Grandhe, 65, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Grandhe was a pain management doctor in Bakersfield, California doing business as Central Valley Pain Management (CVPM). In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Grandhe willfully filed false tax returns for CVPM with overstated expenses and false individual tax returns for himself that omitted gross receipts he received. In total, Grandhe evaded personal tax liability exceeding $300,000.
Between 2017-2019, Grandhe provided checks to employees claiming to be reimbursements for employee expenses that were then included as deductions on the CVPM tax returns. Grandhe claimed the reimbursements were for out-of-pocket costs incurred by employees for continuing medical education, meals, mileage, and travel expenses. In many cases, those expenses were never incurred by the employees. Grandhe instead instructed those employees to cash the checks and provide cash back to Grandhe, which he deposited into accounts controlled by him or his family members. Grandhe then provided false documentation to his tax preparer to support the false deductions.
Between 2017-2019, Grandhe diverted business receipts to his personal bank accounts and did not provide his tax preparer with these personal bank account records so these amounts were not included as business gross receipts on the CVPM tax returns. These unreported business receipts included checks from customers for stem cell injections. Additionally, Grandhe diverted credit card receipts received by his business for medical services rendered into his personal bank account. The unreported income on the CVPM tax returns resulted in decreased net income on the Grandhe’s personal tax returns.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.
Grande is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Feb. 3, 2023. Grandhe faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $100,000 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.
Vacaville Gun Store Burglary Defendant Charged with Failure to Appear for Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Desteny Estrella Leilani Salazar, 24, of South San Francisco, charging her with failure to appear, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Salazar was charged in 2020 with possession of stolen firearms and burglary of a federally-licensed firearms dealer. While that case was pending, Salazar failed to appear for a court-ordered hearing.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of failure to appear, Salazar faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If Salazar is convicted in the original burglary case, she faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for both counts. 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.
Washington Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Destroy or Remove Property to Prevent SeizureRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Brigit Marie Bissell, 27, of Bothell, Washington, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to destroy or remove property to prevent seizure, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 14, 2022, Bissell was arrested in Fresno County. Following Bissell’s arrest, agents seized two of her cellphones and informed her they would be seeking a search warrant to search the contents of her phones.
Between Jan. 16, 2022, and Jan. 17, 2022, Bissell called her associate from jail and explained that the FBI had seized her phones and was in the process of obtaining a search warrant. Bissell then instructed her associate to log in to her iCloud account and delete the contents of her phone. Bissell’s associate agreed to carry out their plan of deleting the contents of the phone for the purpose of preventing or impairing the FBI’s investigation.
The case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol’s Special Operations Unit, and the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Bissell is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Jan. 17, 2023. Bissell faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine 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.
Tulare County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jonathan Gallegos, 32, of Ivanhoe, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, the charges arose from a long-term investigation that uncovered evidence of a scheme involving the trade of illegal drugs sourced in Mexico and California for firearms sourced in Texas. In 2021, a team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into the Tulare County Surenos Street Gang. Part of the investigation focused on Gallegos and his associates, who were involved in shipping illegal drugs and firearms across state lines.
Between April 6, 2021, and Dec. 17, 2021, Gallegos and associates shipped kilograms of marijuana and methamphetamine from post offices in Central California to residences in San Antonio, Texas. Gallegos’s drug-buying customers shipped firearms back to Gallegos and his associates in California, as payment for the narcotics they had received. Gallegos is a felon who cannot lawfully possess firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, 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’s 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.
Gallegos is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Jan. 17, 2023. Gallegos 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.
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.
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.
Three Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Pill TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three defendants were sentenced today for trafficking fentanyl pills and other drugs, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The three defendants were sentenced for their involvement with a Sacramento-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). According to court documents, the DTO was led by Jose Lopez-Zamora, and from at least May 2019 until January 2021, it was responsible for importing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone “M-30” pills from Mexico and distributing them in northern California and elsewhere. In addition, they distributed cocaine and methamphetamine.
Rudi Jean Carlos Flores, 29, of Manteca, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to court documents, Flores was a Manteca-based distributor for the Lopez-Zamora DTO. During a federal wiretap in October through December 2020, agents intercepted calls in which Flores ordered 1,000 or more M-30 pills from Lopez-Zamora on multiple occasions. In one wiretapped call, Lopez-Zamora admonished Flores to make sure his customers did not text him, because if one of Flores’s customers were to die from the pills, the texts would hurt Flores. Flores laughed and said he understood. In another wiretapped call, Flores promised to look into and confront some “gangsters” whom Lopez-Zamora suspected of stealing a load of 11,000 M-30 fentanyl pills from him. Agents searched Flores’s residence on Jan. 13, 2021, and found about 400 M-30 fentanyl pills, $33,470 in cash, and two loaded handguns. Text messages on Flores’s seized phone revealed that he informed an associate that there would be retaliation if someone “snitched” on them.
Jason Lamar Lee, 49, of Sparks, Nevada, was sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to court documents, Lee was a Reno-based distributor for the Lopez-Zamora DTO who obtained one to two thousand fentanyl M-30 pills and pound quantities of methamphetamine from Lopez-Zamora. In multiple wiretapped phone calls, Lee and Lopez-Zamora discussed how they needed to identify a suspected informant so they could retaliate by murdering him. Agents searched Lee’s residence on Jan. 13, 2021, and found over 1,000 fentanyl M-30 pills, almost a pound of methamphetamine, and two handguns.
Mateo Elias Guerrero-Gonzales, 24, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, on Feb. 6, 2020, Guerrero-Gonzales sold 100 fentanyl M-30 pills to a confidential source. When co-defendant Christopher Williams began to snort one of the pills that he received as payment for brokering the deal, Guerrero-Gonzales warned him to snort only half the pill because they contained fentanyl. On Jan. 13, 2021, agents searched Guerrero-Gonzales’s residence and found psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, $7,675 in cash, seven firearms, and numerous firearm magazines and boxes of ammunition. One of the firearms was a short-barrel rifle and one was a fully automatic Glock handgun.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force (NET-5), the California Highway Patrol, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF), the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, and the West Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Three other defendants have pleaded guilty: Christopher Kegan Williams pleaded guilty, and on Dec. 14, 2021, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Alejandro Tello pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2023. Baudelio Vizcarra Jr., pleaded guilty, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 3, 2022.
Charges are pending against the following defendants: Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Zamora, Leonardo Flores Beltran, Christian Anthony Romero, Joaquin Alberto Sotelo Valdez, Erika Gabriela Zamora Rojo, Jose Luis Aguilar Saucedo, Rosario Zamora Rojo, and Sandro Escobedo. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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.
Opioid Awareness Summit Helps Educators and Public Health Professionals Combat Opioid MisuseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, more than 325 educators, school nurses, counselors, mental health clinicians, public health professionals and others with an interest in student health have convened today at Sacramento State University for the Opioid Awareness Summit for Educators and Public Health Professionals.
The summit is focused on four specific goals 1) building awareness of the scope and state of the national opioid epidemic and its impact on young adults in our region; 2) destigmatizing opioid misuse to provide for more effective treatment interventions; 3) encouraging beneficial conversations with students if approached about drug misuse; and 4) building awareness of the warning signs that a student or child is misusing opioids.
Participants will hear from medical, public health and law enforcement professionals about the science of addiction, treatment options, ready-for-use resources for educators, and best practices for implementing an opioid awareness program in their own schools. Additionally, U.S. Department of Justice policy and current enforcement efforts will also be discussed.
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said: "Opioid trafficking and opioid misuse are some of the most urgent law enforcement and public health challenges facing our country today and need education and prevention, treatment, and enforcement. Today’s Opioid Awareness Summit for educators brings together all of these and highlights our office’s ongoing commitment to keeping communities safe by preventing drug misuse and overdose deaths."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is sponsoring the summit along with the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, the Sacramento State University, Sacramento County, The Well at Sac State, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Mario Carranza, 38, of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a house in Fresno County after receiving a report of shots being fired in the backyard. Carranza and another individual were observed entering a car and leaving the area. The officers stopped the car, searched it, and recovered a disassembled, short-barrel, AR-15 style rifle with no serial number (known as a ghost gun) and a compatible firearm magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. Carranza had fired the AR-style rifle in the backyard of the residence. He is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Carranza is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Jan. 23, 2023. Carranza faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Fresno Police Department, the Special Operations Unit of the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol, 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 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.
Merced Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing 10 Bombs and Destroying Residential PropertiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Wes Parker McDaniel, 53, of Merced, pleaded guilty today to manufacturing destructive devices and maliciously destroying two residential rental properties in Merced by means of explosive materials, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Feb. 1, 2021, and June 22, 2021, McDaniel made 10 destructive devices or bombs from illegal fireworks that he had purchased in Nevada, ammunition, shrapnel, fire starting material, and other items. On June 20, 2021, he deployed three of the bombs at a house in Merced. 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 pockmarks on the wall of the house, and a propane tank was badly burned. McDaniel threw another bomb at a different residence in Merced and placed two bombs near a car at an apartment complex in Lemoore. Those bombs did not detonate.
Following these incidents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McDaniel’s residence, yard, and shed and found four bombs, fireworks, bottle rockets, a .22-caliber rifle, boxes of ammunition, fire starting material, and other items used to construct bombs.
This case is 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 is prosecuting the case.
McDaniel is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 17, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Ana De Alba. McDaniel faces a mandatory prison term of five years in prison and a maximum prison term of 20 years for the malicious destruction of property by means of explosive materials. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for manufacturing the bombs. Each of the charges carries a maximum fine of $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 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 Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl from the Fresno County JailRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Maria Garcia, 27, of Fresno, was sentenced today to 12.5 years in prison for conspiring to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between October and December 2020, Garcia was incarcerated at the Fresno County Jail awaiting trial on a state offense. While in custody, he used the jail’s telephones to discuss with his brother, Isaiah Garcia (who was not incarcerated) a plan for Isaiah Garcia to sell fentanyl pills. During the calls, Mario Garcia advised his brother on how to store and deal his fentanyl pills and referred customers to him. In December 2020, law enforcement officers searched Isaiah Garcia’s residence and found over 1,000 fentanyl pills. Isaiah Garcia had been charged, has pleaded guilty, and is sent for sentencing on Oct. 31, 2022.
The case is the result of an investigation by the FORT (a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department) and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
Bakersfield Relatives Plead Guilty to Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Charles Abieanga, 31, Viviana Cervantes, 23, and Simon Abieanga, 28, all of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to separate fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Charles Abieanga and Viviana Cervantes, husband and wife, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for their roles in two 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. Charles Abieanga also pleaded guilty separately to a scheme involving the sale of non-existent pets, horses, and vehicles to victims online. Charles Abieanga and Viviana Cervantes’s conduct caused actual losses of over $210,000.
Simon Abieanga, Charles’s brother, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a 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. Simon Abieanga’s conduct caused actual losses of over $105,000.
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 Joe Barton are prosecuting the case.
The brothers are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba Jan. 17, 2023, and Cervantes is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023. Charles Abieanga and Viviana Cervantes face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence for the aggravated identity theft. Simon Abieanga faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 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.
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Possession of a Counterfeit Postal KeyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Michael Marcum, 46, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a counterfeit postal key, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Marcum was being investigated for his involvement in breaking into multiple community mailboxes. While executing a search warrant at Marcum’s residence, law enforcement officers found a semi-automatic firearm with no serial number, rounds of 9 mm ammunition, stolen mail, and a counterfeit postal key that was subsequently discovered to have been forged by Marcum. Marcum is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandre Dempsey is prosecuting the case.
Marcum is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Jan. 23, 2023. Marcum faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is 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 Woman Pleaded Guilty to Two Separate Identity Theft-Related Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Sarah Jo Sumpter, 30, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2020, 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 the money from the accounts without the victim’s consent.
This case is 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 Carbajal are prosecuting the case.
Sumpter is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Jan. 20, 2023. Sumpter faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the mail fraud, 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the bank fraud, and a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence for the aggravated identity theft. 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Pills and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andres Nunez, 25, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl to a person under 21 years old and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in February 2021, Nunez delivered counterfeit M30 pills, laced with fentanyl, to a juvenile. A search warrant was later executed at Nunez’s residence. During the search, law enforcement officers found several firearms, including an automatic handgun, as well as 4 pounds of marijuana that Nunez possessed with intent to distribute.
This case is the product of an investigation by FORT, a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
Nunez is set for sentencing on Jan. 31, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Nunez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of six years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine up to $2 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.
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.
State Prison Inmate Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Methamphetamine into Pelican Bay State PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Patrick Botello, 36, of Richmond, was sentenced today to 11 years and three months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Botello and another inmate incarcerated at California’s Pelican Bay State Prison arranged with four people outside the prison to obtain methamphetamine and heroin, conceal the drugs within balloons, and then smuggle the drugs into the prison.
Botello was one of 27 federal defendants arrested in February 2018 on narcotics and weapons-related charges as part of Operation Silent Night, a multi‑agency law enforcement investigation into coordinated criminal activity in Woodland. Beginning in the spring of 2016, the investigation uncovered organized criminal activity in Woodland with ties to criminal organizations in California’s jail and prison system. Although centered in Yolo County, the investigation revealed that at least nine other California counties were negatively impacted by these criminal organizations: Sacramento, Sutter, Colusa, Yuba, Del Norte, Solano, Fresno, Santa Clara, and Siskiyou.
Operation Silent Night is the product of an investigation by the FBI, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol. The following agencies provided substantial assistance: the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the West Sacramento Police Department, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, the Davis Police Department, the Yuba City Police Department, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Vacaville Police Department, the Correctional Intelligence Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the cases.
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.
Fairfield Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Josiah Scrivner, 36, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2022, law enforcement officers observed Scrivner as the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle in the parking lot of the NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield. The officers arrested Scrivner on an outstanding Solano County arrest warrant. A post-arrest search of his person and vehicle resulted in approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine, $551 on his person, and a digital scale in his car. A probation search of Scrivner’s residence resulted in the discovery of two firearms, one of which was stolen, firearm parts and ammunition, additional methamphetamine, and two more scales. Scrivner is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has been convicted of several felonies, including two prior convictions for possession of methamphetamine for sale and a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fairfield Police Department, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
Scrivner is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is 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.
West Sacramento Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ACRAMENTO, Calif. — Philip Rich, 50, of West Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and three months in prison for one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Rich was also ordered to pay $113,400 in restitution.
According to court documents, between March 2019 and March 2021, Rich and co-defendant Kimberly Acevedo perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and unlawful possession of dozens of stolen bank cards. Generally, Rich and Acevedo obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of victims and used that information to apply for new credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks, and other financial instruments to be sent to the victims’ real home addresses. The defendants then submitted change-of-address requests to U.S. Postal Service at www.usps.com using the victims’ PII. These change-of-address requests rerouted the victims’ mail to defendants’ shared home address, where they would open the mail and use its contents to make fraudulent purchases and cash fraudulent checks.
When federal agents executed a search warrant at defendants’ residence on Oct. 14, 2020, they seized dozens of notebooks filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of identity-theft victim PII. The notebooks were scattered throughout the house, though mainly located in defendants’ shared bedroom. In addition, agents recovered an envelope, labeled “ID Templates,” in the bedroom containing approximately 10-15 fake California Driver’s Licenses in the names of various victims, but featuring Rich and Acevedo’s photographs and fake authentication features. Agents also recovered the tools required to construct the fake IDs as well as a magstripe device. Further, agents recovered over 50 credit and debit cards in the home as well as approximately 40 checkbooks in victims’ names as well as in the names of Rich and Acevedo. In total, defendants’ scheme caused over $110,000 in actual and intended loss.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
Charges of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and unlawful possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices remain pending against Acevedo. The charges are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tracy Woman Indicted in Fraud Scheme to Steal California Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kaymeisha Keyes, 30, most recently of Tracy, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment on Aug. 11, 2022 , charging her with wire fraud, mail fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between April 2020 and August 2021, Keyes executed a scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD) by filing over 70 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD, seeking Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. During the scheme, Keyes collected personally identifiable information of numerous individuals — including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers — and used their identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. The filings represented, among other things, that the claimants had recently lost employment or were unable to find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These unemployment insurance claims were fraudulent because, for example, the claimants were not unemployed, they were not eligible for California unemployment insurance benefits, or Keyes did not have authority to file claims on their behalf.
Since at least October 2021, EDD has partnered with ID.me — a private company used by the EDD for ID verification of claimants — to implement a system for verifying claimant identities before EDD can process unemployment insurance claims.
In executing this fraudulent scheme, Keyes also submitted false information to ID.me that allowed fake and stolen identities to be verified. This false information included images of fake driver’s licenses that contained photos of Keyes and co-schemers and the names of the purported claimants. She also submitted photos of herself and co-schemers that were used to verify the photos on the fake driver’s licenses. Once these false identities were verified, Keyes filed the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD under the same identities.
In the fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, Keyes requested that the unemployment insurance benefits be mailed to various addresses under her control, including her residence in Tracy. EDD approved dozens of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits. Keyes then activated the EDD debit cards and spent the benefits on herself. The scheme sought over $2 million in unemployment insurance benefits and caused EDD and the United States to incur actual losses exceeding $1.1 million.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of Correctional Safety, and the California Employment Development Department (EDD) – Investigation Division, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Keyes faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the 14 wire and mail fraud counts. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the access device fraud count, and she faces a two-year mandatory prison sentence if convicted of aggravated identity theft, which must run consecutive to any sentence received on the other counts. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was prosecuted as part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, one of three interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Snapchat Gun Dealer Convicted of Unlawfully Manufacturing and Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma, 20, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to unlawful dealing and manufacturing firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Larrabure-Tuma used Snapchat to advertise guns for sale. During the investigation, Larrabure-Tuma sold guns to undercover officers and a confidential informant. Larrabure-Tuma, who could not legally purchase a gun in the state of California, ordered kits from the internet, including from a company called Polymer80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns he had manufactured. A search warrant was executed at Larrabure-Tuma’s residence in Sacramento and law enforcement officers found what appeared to be a firearm manufacturing operation, including partially complete firearms, firearm kits from Polymer80, firearm parts, tools for manufacturing and finishing firearms, firearm accessories, completed firearms, and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
Larrabure-Tuma is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 10, 2023. Larrabure-Tuma 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.
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.
Siskiyou County Man and Minnesota Woman Sentenced in Bribery and Marijuana Growing CaseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chi Meng Yang, 36, of Montague, and Gaosheng Laitinen, 41, of St. Paul, Minnesota, were sentenced today for their respective roles in a bribery scheme aimed at protecting illicit marijuana grows in Siskiyou County from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Yang was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Laitinen was sentenced to time-served and a $50,000 fine to be followed by two years of supervised release.
On March 18, 2022, a federal jury had convicted Yang of bribery of a public official, conspiracy to commit bribery, and manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants. Shortly before the trial, in February 2022, Laitinen—Yang’s sister—pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.
According to evidence presented at trial, the charges arose from a four-month effort by Yang to bribe Jon Lopey, the elected sheriff of Siskiyou County, so that a county ordinance banning outdoor marijuana grows would not be enforced. As part of that scheme, Yang enlisted Laitinen to assist in structuring the scheme and developing a timeline for payments.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Sheriff Lopey and offered a million-dollar donation to the charity of the sheriff’s choice in exchange for the sheriff’s “friendship” and help with a lobbying effort to legalize medical marijuana in Missouri. Yang, a Siskiyou County resident, also purported to represent a group of local cannabis farmers. Believing he was being offered a bribe, Sheriff Lopey called the FBI, who recorded all of the meetings that followed.
At the outset, Yang explained he wanted “no enforcement” on the properties or the two water trucks that he used to water the marijuana grows. He offered the sheriff $5,000 per parcel for “protection,” with another $5,000 per parcel as a contribution to the sheriff’s re-election campaign. He made clear that he wanted the payments to be “private, discreet … anonymous.”
In total, Yang met with Sheriff Lopey seven times, with Laitinen present for two of these meetings. Together, Yang and Laitinen provided the sheriff with a list of eight properties that they wanted the sheriff not to raid. To guarantee the properties would not get raided before they could realize their profit, Yang and Laitinen offered $1,000 per property up front, with the remaining $4,000 in protection fees and $5,000 in re-election money to be paid after the harvest. They paid $8,000—in envelopes of cash—as the initial protection payment for each of the eight properties. They also gave the sheriff cash “bonuses” totaling $2,500.
Over time, Yang asked for favors outside the original protection scheme. He told the sheriff he wanted to add more marijuana plants to each property and to add greenhouses to his properties, so that he could grow marijuana throughout the year. He asked the sheriff to send his deputies to serve other growers with violation notices to get them to join the protection racket, and he even asked the sheriff to raid a rival grower’s operation. Moreover, Yang asked if the sheriff could prevent the California Highway Patrol from enforcing the law against his water trucks, and also asked for the sheriff’s help concerning a family member’s DUI arrest.
Eventually, FBI agents arrested Yang at a final meeting in Sheriff Lopey’s office on Aug. 31, 2017. That day, law enforcement teams eradicated the more than 1,000 marijuana plants that were found on the eight properties identified by Yang and Laitinen.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Land Management, the Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team, the Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force, the North State Marijuana Investigation Team, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Conolly and Aaron Pennekamp prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Beckwith, Kevin Khasigian, and Ross Pearson assisted in the prosecution.