Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuits with Bakersfield Doctors to Ensure Equal Access to Health Care for People with HIVRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — The Justice Department today announced that it has filed proposed consent decrees with two obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) doctors in Bakersfield, California. The decrees, which are subject to approval by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, resolve the department’s lawsuits, the doctors, Umaima Jamaluddin, MD, and Chibuike Enyereibe Anucha, MD, PC, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The department sued Dr. Jamaluddin and Dr. Anucha alleging violations of the ADA based on their refusal to provide routine medical care to a patient because the patient has HIV. Title III of the ADA prohibits doctors and other health care providers from discriminating against people with disabilities, including HIV.
One lawsuit alleged that Dr. Anucha told the patient that she needed a Pap smear and refused to perform it because the patient has HIV. The other lawsuit alleged that Dr. Jamaluddin refused to allow the same patient to make an appointment for routine preventative care because the patient has HIV.
“People with HIV have the right to equal access to doctors and medical services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains steadfast in our commitment to eradicate discrimination against people with HIV and combat the spread of unfounded stereotypes and misinformation.”
“Of all people, medical providers should understand that erecting barriers to basic medical care based on an individual’s HIV status is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “In 2022, it should not take a federal lawsuit to break down such barriers, however, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners in the Civil Rights Division stand ready to litigate to vindicate the rights of individuals with disabilities.”
Under the consent decrees, the doctors have agreed to pay a total of $75,000 to the patient ($37,500 in each case) and to pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States in each case. The consent decrees also require the defendants to take and provide their staff with training; implement a non-discrimination policy; and comply with record-keeping obligations, including providing regular reports to the department.
Bakersfield Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jose Betancourt, 28, of Bakersfield, was charged today by a federal grand jury with two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Dec. 9, 2021, law enforcement officers attempted to stop Betancourt for traffic infractions as he drove in Bakersfield. Betancourt sped off and discarded a bag from his moving vehicle that contained an unmarked privately made AR-style rifle known as a “ghost gun,” two armor plate carriers, black gloves, a mask, high-capacity magazines and over 100 rounds of rifle ammunition. The officers recovered Betancourt’s bag in the middle of the street approximately 1,000 feet from Garces High School. Betancourt ultimately crashed his vehicle, exited and ran from pursuing police officers. Immediately prior to surrendering, Betancourt threw a .40 caliber ghost gun with a loaded magazine towards a nearby apartment building. Betancourt cannot lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because he was convicted in 2015 for reckless evasion, and in 2020 for possessing controlled substances for sale and 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, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Betancourt faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charge is only an allegation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Arizona Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Sell Narcotics on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David Lee White, 52, of Chandler, Arizona, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 11 years and three months in prison, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, White and co-defendants Jason Keith Arnold, and Alicia McCoy, both also of Chandler, Arizona, operated the vendor accounts SICKNESSVERSION2 and 23MIGHTYMOUSE23 on the dark web marketplace known as Dream. These vendor accounts distributed heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other federally controlled substances on the dark web.
Law enforcement agents working undercover purchased heroin and other controlled substances from these vendor accounts on various dates in 2018, and had them sent to an address in the Eastern District of California. Agents subsequently executed a search warrant at a motel room in which White and McCoy were staying and seized at least 315 grams of heroin, 45 grams of cocaine, 593 grams of methamphetamine, and 30 grams of marijuana. Agents also seized a loaded and unregistered Kel-tec 9 mm handgun from a nightstand in the motel room.
Arnold pleaded guilty on March 5, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2022. Charges are pending against McCoy, and a status conference is scheduled for April 4, 2022. The charges against her are allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, which includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Hemesath and Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.
Legal Community Announces the Sacramento Region Diversity Career FairRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the goal of promoting diversity within the legal profession, the Sacramento Region Diversity Career Fair is being launched to connect employers with diverse legal candidates for future or current job openings, announced the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, the UC Davis School of Law, and the Federal Bar Association Sacramento Chapter.
The Diversity Career Fair is the first legal career fair in the Sacramento region with an online platform where employers can post legal jobs, and law students and attorneys can submit applications. The Diversity Career Fair will also provide employers, law students, and attorneys with the opportunity to connect in person, and will include a panel discussion providing perspectives on practicing law as a diverse attorney.
“Promoting and encouraging diversity in the legal profession is critical to reflecting and serving our diverse community,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to promoting and encouraging diversity, and we are proud to partner with our law schools and bar associations to work towards achieving this goal.”
“McGeorge School of Law is proud to be partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, UC Davis School of Law, and the Federal Bar Association on this Diversity Career Fair,” said Michael Hunter Schwartz, Dean of McGeorge School of Law. “As a law school engaged in the critically important work to become an antiracist law school, we are excited to be a part of this group of institutions that is training and employing the next generations of attorneys who match the growing diversity of California and the nation.”
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our mission at Martin Luther King Jr. Hall,” UC Davis School of Law Dean Kevin R. Johnson said. “We are equally committed to assisting UC Davis Law students with finding jobs in the legal field. We are so pleased to partner with so many outstanding local bar organizations, employers and judges on the Sacramento Region Diversity Career Fair, which will provide unique opportunities for our students to meet with employers from different sectors who value diversity as highly as we do.”
The Diversity Career Fair is co-sponsored by all of the affinity bar associations in Sacramento, including the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS), Cruz Reynoso Bar Association, Leonard M. Friedman Bar Association, Sacramento Filipino American Lawyers Association (SacFALA), South Asian Bar Association (SABA), SacLegal Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Wiley Manuel Bar Association (WMBA), Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS), and the Sacramento County Bar Association.
For more information: https://fbasacramento.org/sacramentodiversitycareerfair/.
Final Defendant Sentenced for Mexican Timeshare Resale Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Juan Carlos Montalbo, 59, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today to two years in prison for a conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a timeshare fraud in Mexico, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Montalbo, while working in the timeshare industry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, would tell timeshare owners that he could guarantee the sale of their existing timeshare vacation rentals, often to pay for other timeshare products Montalbo was attempting to sell them. He and his coconspirators would guarantee the sales and would represent that buyers were already arranged who were ready to pay for the timeshares. In truth, no buyers had actually been arranged. Instead, other coconspirators would convince the victims of the fraud to wire additional money from bank accounts in the United States and Canada to bank accounts in Mexico for alleged up-front payments including taxes, fees, and commissions to make the sale of the timeshare occur. The conspirators would assure victims that the non-existent buyers had already deposited money into trust accounts and that the sellers’ up-front fees would be fully reimbursed from those funds after the sale was complete.
In November 2020, Judge Mendez sentenced co-defendant Wayne Arthur York II to five months’ time served, two years of supervised release, and to pay $449,980 in restitution to the victims of the scheme.
In March 2020, Judge Mendez sentenced co-defendant Marco Antonio Ramirez Zuno to two years’ time served and to pay $1,108,375 in restitution to the victims of the scheme.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris prosecuted the case.
Vice President of Modesto Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Michael Shafer, 34, of Modesto, was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Shafer was the vice president of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Modesto in 2019. As part of a years-long investigation into the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, investigators obtained a court-authorized wiretap for Shafer’s phone. The wiretapped calls and messages showed that Shafer was conspiring to distribute marijuana and heroin. Specifically, in April 2019, Shafer conspired with a former Hells Angels member who was incarcerated in Pleasant Valley State Prison to smuggle heroin into prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Modesto Police Department, the Turlock Police Department, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson and Laurel Montoya prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus B. Cordero, 26, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to possession of ammunition after sustaining a domestic violence conviction, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, at approximately midnight on Sept. 5, 2020, law enforcement officers stopped Cordero for traffic infractions while he was driving in Bakersfield. Cordero did not have a driver’s license and gave a false name to the responding police officers. During a search of Cordero’s vehicle, officers located a baggie containing approximately 45.5 grams of methamphetamine, which Cordero possessed intending to distribute it to others. Officers also discovered in Cordero’s vehicle a 9 mm unmarked privately made handgun known as a “ghost gun” loaded with a high-capacity magazine and 23 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Cordero may not possess firearms or ammunition because he previously was convicted of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.
Cordero is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on May 9, 2022. Cordero faces a maximum term 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 being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Superseding Indictment Adds Defendants to $25 Million, Prison-Based Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A total of eight defendants have been charged in a superseding indictment for submitting over $25 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in the identities of inmates, minor children, and others to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert following the arrest of all the defendants.
The original indictment charged Daryol Richmond, 30, an inmate at Kern Valley State Prison; Telvin Breaux, 29, an inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi; and Holly White, 30, of Los Angeles, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The superseding indictment adds Cecelia Allen, 33, of Downey; Fantasia Brown, 33, of Los Angeles; Tonisha Brown, 28, of Los Angeles; Fantesia Davis, 32, of Victorville; and Shanice White, 28, of Hawthorne. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Richmond and Breaux are inmates at the Kern Valley State Prison and California Correctional Institute, respectively. The remaining defendants reside in the Southern California area.
According to court documents, the underlying applications for the claims falsely stated that the inmates, minor children, and others previously worked as clothing merchants, handymen, and other jobs, and recently became unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants created fictitious email accounts and used different physical addresses throughout Southern California for the fraudulent claims. After the defendants received the debit cards for the claims in the mail, they made cash withdrawals at different locations, on different days and times, and in varying amounts all to avoid detection by government authorities.
The actual loss to the EDD and United States is over $5 million. The defendants spent the money on vehicles, furniture, handbags, jewelry, and other items and services.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, EDD, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
If the defendants are convicted of the conspiracy to commit mail fraud, they each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft, they each face a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account several variables. The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Merced Man Arrested for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Johnathan Eldon Moss Jr., 35, of Merced, was detained Thursday on a two‑count federal indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession with intent to distribute narcotics, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Moss’s home and on his vehicle. Those searches yielded multiple unmarked, privately made firearms known as “ghost guns,” several hundred rounds of unexpended ammunition, high-capacity rifle and pistol magazines, a high-capacity speed loader for rifle magazines, a ledger showing weapons and ammunition sold, a body armor vest, cocaine, psilocybin, and a total of $10,990 in cash. Moss has felony convictions for firearms and drug offenses, domestic violence and stalking and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Tactical and Reconnaissance (STAR) Team, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (MAGNET), and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the felon in possession of ammunition charge, Moss faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the drug possession offense, he faces not more than 30 years in prison (due to his prior felony drug convictions) and a fine of up to $2 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Modesto Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Reymundo Jose Mendez, 40, of Modesto, charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, officers began investigating Mendez for suspected drug sales and firearms possession in December 2021. During a search warrant executed at the Arrow Inn in Modesto on Jan. 25, 2022, officers located two loaded firearms in Mendez’s pants pockets, and another loaded shotgun in his motel room. Officers also located methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl, and two digital scales in the room.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the methamphetamine distribution charge, Mendez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted of the possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Mendez faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Porterville Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Renato Aguilera, 30, of Porterville, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 3, 2020, Aguilera conspired with Pedro Delgado-Montenegro, 42, a native and citizen of Mexico, and James Cox, 58, of Porterville, to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Aguilera, acting at the direction of Delgado-Montenegro, delivered 800 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl during two separate undercover transactions. Aguilera also delivered approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to Cox, following negotiations between Delgado-Montenegro and Cox.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Porterville Police Department, the Coalinga Police, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Aguilera is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on April 29, 2022. Aguilera faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, 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.
Charges are pending against Cox and Delgado-Montenegro. The charges are only allegations; they 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.
Bakersfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Sabino Ramos, 46, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on July 8, 2021, as Ramos was driving in Bakersfield, law enforcement officers attempted to stop him in order to serve an arrest warrant for probation violations. Ramos led officers on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds up to 90 mph, before losing control of his vehicle while exiting Highway 99 at Ming Avenue. Ramos then ran from pursuing officers but was eventually subdued. Ramos was found to be in possession of two handguns and approximately 30 rounds of ammunition. Ramos may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions, including convictions in 1995 for assault with firearm on a person and in 2017 for possessing controlled substances for sale.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.
Ramos is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on April 29, 2022. Ramos faces a maximum term 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 being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bakersfield Resident Pleads Guilty for Attempting to Sell FentanylRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Keisean Rockmore, 27, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 19, 2021, Rockmore drove co-defendant Adrian Rodriguez Cardenas, 21, also of Bakersfield, and a third passenger to a fast-food restaurant parking lot in Bakersfield to meet with and sell to a customer 1,000 counterfeit OxyContin/oxycodone pills containing fentanyl for the negotiated price of $2,900. During the meeting, when the customer asked the vehicle occupants whether they had the pills, Rockmore motioned towards a bag on his lap and stated that he had it. At least one of the vehicle occupants possessed a firearm during the meeting, which he pointed at the customer when a dispute arose during the transaction. Rockmore then fled in his vehicle with Cardenas and the third passenger to a nearby apartment complex, where they exited the vehicle and attempted to elude pursuing law enforcement officers. After law enforcement officers found and arrested Rockmore, Cardenas and the other accomplice at the apartment complex, they discovered nearby a loaded firearm and more than 50 counterfeit OxyContin/oxycodone pills.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Baker and Justin J. Gilio are prosecuting the case.
Rockmore is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on April 29, 2022. Rockmore faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Cardenas is charged with additional counts of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. The charges against him are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Consistent with the Justice Department’s strategy, the investigation and prosecution of all forms of human trafficking remain top priorities for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “We are proud of our outstanding, decades-long record of prosecuting human trafficking offenses. We pursue numerous sex trafficking investigations every year, securing convictions and lengthy sentences that further public safety and protect vulnerable children and adults. We also vigorously pursue forced labor investigations and recently secured lengthy prison sentences for traffickers who exploited domestic servants from overseas, as well as convictions of owners of a restaurant and cleaning service that exploited their own adult and minor relatives they brought to this country.”
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
U.S. Attorney Talbert continued, “We are committed to continuing and enhancing our critical work in the identification and prosecution of offenses related to forced labor, international sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of both children and adults. As part of that commitment, we work continually to strengthen partnerships with our federal, state, and local partners. This includes our close working relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of State, and the Department of Labor, which grew out of our office’s prior participation in the Justice Department’s Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team program.”
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or fext 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl to a MinorRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Fabian Garcia-Palacio, 19, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to three years in prison for illegally distributing fentanyl to a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in March 2020, Garcia-Palacio distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl to a juvenile student at Bullard High School. That juvenile used one of the pills, overdosed, but survived after receiving life-saving medical treatment. As part of the investigation into the case, investigators searched Garcia-Palacio’s residence and found additional fentanyl pills. He was charged with distributing fentanyl to a person under 21 years of age, and pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, a multi-agency team composed of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Homeland Security Investigations, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Vallejo Parolee Indicted for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment today against Bruce Lamont Walker, 53, of Vallejo, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Walker was convicted in 2014 for a domestic violence offense and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Walker had only been on parole for three months when a parole search resulted in the discovery of an AR‑15 style “ghost gun” (privately made without a serial number) in his bedroom. Also found was an extended magazine with 27 rounds of ammunition. Walker is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition on account of seven prior felony convictions, including two felony crimes of violence and multiple firearms related felonies.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Division of Adult Parole Operations, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Walker faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Traffic Stop in Fresno County Results in Charges for Washington Residents Traveling with 300,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Joseph Hill, 40, of Mount Vernon, Washington, and Brigit Marie Bissell, 27, of Bothell, Washington, charging them with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 14, 2022, Hill and Bissell were traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in Fresno County, when stopped by police for speeding. When the officer had his narcotics detection dog run a sweep around the car, the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed three bags containing approximately 75 pounds of fentanyl or over 300,000 fentanyl pills.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol, the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Hill and Bissell face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Obstruction of an Official Proceeding Dealing with a Scheme to Issue Commercial Driver Licenses to Unqualified DriversRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jaswinder Singh, 59, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted obstruction of an official proceeding when he tried to influence the testimony of a potential trial witness, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in August 2021, Singh instructed the witness to tell law enforcement that the witness knew nothing, not to mention anything about him or his participation in the conspiracy to help others obtain fraudulent commercial driver licenses, and not to name any names. Singh also told the witness not to talk on the phone and said that it was very important for them to make sure their stories were similar to one another.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne L. Rust and Christopher Hales are prosecuting the case.
Singh is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on May 5, 2022. Singh faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years 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.
Tulare County Man Sentenced to over 16 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alejandro Cabrera-Gallegos, 40, of Porterville, was sentenced today to 16 years and eight months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 2, 2019, Cabrera distributed 1 pound of methamphetamine to an individual in Tulare County. On May 14, 2019, Cabrera was arrested in Tulare County attempting to distribute 5 pounds of methamphetamine. An additional 1 pound of methamphetamine was seized during a search warrant executed at Cabrera’s residence in Porterville on May 14, 2019.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porterville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Schuh prosecuted the case.
New Jersey Man Indicted in Fraud Scheme to Steal California Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 15-count indictment today against Eric Michael Jaklitsch, 40, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, charging him with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On Dec. 8, 2021, Jaklitsch was arrested on a federal criminal complaint at his home in New Jersey. He made his initial appearance in the District of New Jersey and was ordered detained for transport to the Eastern District of California.
According to court documents, between October 2020 and December 2021, Jaklitsch executed a scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD) by filing at least 78 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, Jaklitsch collected personally identifiable information (PII) 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 Jaklitsch 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. An internal investigation conducted by ID.me identified Jaklitsch as a person conducting a fraud scheme and referred the case to federal law enforcement.
In executing his fraudulent scheme, Jaklitsch also submitted false information to ID.me that allowed his fake and stolen identities to be verified. This false information included images of fake driver’s licenses that contained photos of Jaklitsch and the names of the purported claimants. He also submitted live photos of himself that were used to verify the photos on the fake driver’s licenses. Once these false identities were verified, Jaklitsch filed the fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with EDD under the same identities.
In the fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, Jaklitsch requested that the unemployment insurance benefits be mailed to various addresses under his control, including his residence in New Jersey. EDD approved dozens of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits. Jaklitsch then activated the EDD debit cards and used them to withdraw the benefits at ATMs throughout New Jersey. The scheme sought over $2,500,000 in unemployment insurance benefits and caused EDD and the United States to incur actual losses exceeding $900,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General – Covid Fraud Unit, and the California Employment Development Department (EDD) – Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Jaklitsch faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the 14 wire fraud counts. He also faces a two-year mandatory prison sentence if convicted of aggravated identity theft, which must run consecutive to any sentence received on the wire fraud 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.
Modesto Man Charged with Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Joshua David Harrington, 35, of Modesto, charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on April 2, 2021, Harrington discarded a backpack with two firearms while fleeing from law enforcement officers. Harrington is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Officers also located methamphetamine possessed by Harrington for distribution in the garage at his residence. On Aug. 14, 2021, Harrington possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in Modesto.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Harrington faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the felon in possession charge, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison up to a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine on each drug trafficking count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Kings County Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Martin Cervantes, 26, of Corcoran, charging him with four counts of distributing narcotics and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from October to December 2021, Cervantes mailed three packages each containing over 500 grams of fentanyl powder and one package containing over 2,000 grams of methamphetamine from post offices in Fresno. The packages were destined for addresses in the Midwest, but were intercepted. On January 6, 2022, Cervantes also possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Cervantes faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison up to a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine on each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
High Speed Chase in Mono County Results in Drug Trafficking Charges for Nevada WomanRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Elizabeth Marie Acuna, 34, of Sparks, Nevada, charging her with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2021, a law enforcement officer observed Acuna driving over 90 mph on Highway 395, in an unincorporated area of Mono County. The officer initiated a traffic stop by activating his overhead lights. In response, Acuna slowed her speed but did not immediately pull over. Instead, she drove her vehicle over the double yellow lines, driving north in the southbound lanes of the highway, before coming to a stop. Acuna admitted to the officer that she had drugs in the back of her vehicle. A subsequent search located 762.3 grams of cocaine wrapped in two cellophane packages.
At the time of the stop, Acuna was on federal pretrial release on a pending August 2021 drug charge in Oregon.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Acuna faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fresno Parolee Indicted for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Desmond Lamar Divine, 20, of Fresno, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2021, Divine fled from officers when they spoke with him. A gun fell from his pocket as he fled. Divine was on parole at that time, and because of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Divine faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Four Indicted in Tulare County-Based International Drugs and Firearms Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Four defendants who were Sureno gang members and associates have been indicted today by a federal grand jury in Fresno, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Jonathan Gallegos, 31, of Ivanhoe; Andres Perez, 19, of Visalia; Jesus Angulo, 33, of Woodlake; and Malachai Serrano, 31, of San Antonio, Texas, have been indicted for distributing methamphetamine (Gallegos and Perez), conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Gallegos, Perez, and Serrano), using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense (Gallegos, Perez, and Serrano), conspiring to use a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense (Gallegos, Perez, Serrano), and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine (Gallegos and Angulo).
A team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers recently partnered in an investigation of the Tulare County Surenos. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Gallegos and Angulo were traveling to Southern California and into Mexico to obtain illegal drugs, including kilograms of cocaine. Gallegos and Perez were then shipping kilograms of illegal drugs from the local post office in Ivanhoe to residences associated with Serrano, in San Antonio. Serrano and his associates were then selling those illegal drugs in Texas and using some of the proceeds to purchase firearms. Serrano is a felon and cannot lawfully buy firearms himself. He was directing others in Texas to buy firearms for him. Serrano and his associates then shipped firearms back to Gallegos and Perez in California, as payment for the narcotics they had received. Gallegos planned to sell those firearms to his drug suppliers. Gallegos is also a felon who cannot lawfully possess firearms.
Over 8 kilograms of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, and more than 20 firearms were seized.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office; the Tulare County Area Regencies Gun Enforcement Team; the Visalia Police Department; the California Department of Justice (Bureau of Investigations), the California Highway Patrol (Special Operations Unit), and the Tulare County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, all four defendants face a range of maximum sentences, including up to life in prison. Several of the defendants also face a range of mandatory minimum sentences of five to 10 years in prison. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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 being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Southern California Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine from Mexico to ModestoRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Antonio Castellanos, 38, of Whittier, was sentenced today to nine years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Mexico destined for Modesto, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Castellanos and co-defendants Genaro Serrato-Calles, 49; Antonio Valencia-Hernandez, 66, both of Michoacán, Mexico; and Jose Reyes-Pineda, 49, of Anaheim were charged with conspiring over a two-year period to distribute methamphetamine in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Castellanos worked with individuals in Mexico to distribute methamphetamine in the United States and, on one occasion, coordinating the shipment of over 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to Serrato-Calles in Modesto.
“Violent drug traffickers continue to seek new ways to smuggle methamphetamine into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to work together to prevent this deadly drug from reaching the streets. Prosecuting methamphetamine traffickers remains a top priority for our office.”
“Castellanos’ actions allowed large amounts of methamphetamine to make its way from Mexico to the Central Valley and today’s sentencing ensures the defendant will serve a lengthy prison sentence for his role,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively target all those involved in the distribution chain of this poison in our communities.”
“ATF is focused on working assiduously to honor our commitment to the cities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Our mission is to protect the public, and the focus of this joint task force is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States. ATF works alongside our law enforcement partners to fulfill the goals of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. This case is a result of those unified efforts. ATF will continue to work diligently with our partners to dismantle criminal organizations.”
The sentencing of Castellanos sends a message to anyone who deals in illicit narcotics that drug traffickers will be held accountable,” said Tatum King, Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge, San Francisco. “We’re thankful for our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who help bring individuals like Castellanos to justice and hold them accountable in our courts.”
Serrato-Calles and Valencia-Hernandez were each sentenced to 12 years in prison. Reyes-Pineda was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force, the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.
This effort was 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.
Bakersfield Resident Sentenced to over 16 Years in Prison for Trafficking NarcoticsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jorge Chavez, 36, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 16 years and eight months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, when Chavez was arrested in Bakersfield on Sept. 12, 2020, he was found to possess approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 23.5 pounds of marijuana, approximately 2 pounds of cocaine, and approximately 66 grams of heroin. On three separate occasions between February and April 2020, Chavez sold to a purchaser a total of five firearms — including four rifles with high-capacity magazines — and approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine. On June 4, 2020, Chavez offered to sell to the same purchaser 1 pound of methamphetamine for $3,400, and 1 ounce of heroin for $750. In his plea agreement, Chavez agreed to forfeit to the United States more than $25,000.
At the time of his arrest, Chavez was serving a term of federal supervised release after serving more than seven in years in prison for his 2016 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Kern County Probation Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bakersfield Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Prison for Burglarizing 8 Post OfficesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Steven Martin, 39, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for burglarizing U.S. Post Offices, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in December 2018, Martin burglarized eight different post offices in Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties. He stole cash registers, packages containing clothes, and other mail, and caused damage to the post offices. The total loss was $8,800.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.
Palladio Mall Rolex Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — London Webb, 34, of Oakland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $691,973 in restitution for his participation in a conspiracy to commit armed robberies of jewelry stores for the specific purpose of stealing Rolex watches, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Webb’s participation in the robbery crew was first identified after an Oct. 14, 2014, robbery of Grebitus Jewelers in the Palladio Mall in Folsom. Webb and another man entered the jewelry store dressed in black and with their faces masked. Webb walked to a glass display case and smashed it using a sledgehammer. The other man pointed a gun at employees and ordered them to lie face down on the floor. In the process of removing Rolex watches from the smashed display case, Webb cut himself and left blood on the display case. Webb and the other man ran out of the jewelry store with $310,800 worth of watches. Law enforcement officers later found their abandoned getaway car. Webb’s blood was also found in the getaway car.
On Oct. 14, 2021, Webb pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery. He also admitted to participating in similar smash and grab robberies of Kirk’s Jewelry in Chico (Nov. 21, 2014); Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona (Jan. 16, 2015); and Churchill Jewelers in Santa Barbara (Jan. 30, 2015).
On Oct. 7, 2021, co-defendant Dion Johnson II, 33, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty on April 14, 2021 to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery and bank robbery.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the California State Threat Assessment Center, the Folsom Police Department, the Chico Police Department, the Scottsdale Police Department, and the Santa Barbara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee prosecuted the case.
Citrus Heights Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley sentenced David John Alcock, 48, of Citrus Heights, today to 24 years and four months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Alcock sexually abused a 13-year-old victim for months, producing multiple visual depictions of those acts. Alcock sent at least one video recording of the victim engaging in sexual acts to another person over the internet in exchange for different files depicting children engaged in sexual acts. On the date of his arrest, over 200 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as toddlers, were found on Alcock’s iPhone.
“Today’s sentence reflects the extremely serious and disturbing nature of Alcock’s criminal conduct, which targeted children,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The defendant engaged in repeated sexual abuse of the victim over the course of many months, while simultaneously trafficking in videos and images of children being sexually abused and exploited. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating, prosecuting and stopping those who prey upon the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Sexual abuse against children is a pervasive and unfathomable crime that impacts innocent victims and threatens the safety of our youth, who are the future of our communities,” Citrus Heights Police Chief Alexander A. Turcotte said. “The Citrus Heights Police Department is committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice. We are especially grateful for the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the US Attorney's Office, who assisted with ensuring that Mr. Alcock was held accountable for his actions and that justice was sought for the involved victims.”
“This is one of many cases where our office worked jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to successfully hold sex offenders accountable for the horrific crimes committed against children,” states Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert. “Our office’s Cybercrimes Unit and the Citrus Heights Police Department worked together to investigate a cyber tip, which resulted in child molestation charges. Given the additional resources and increased sentencing potential in federal court, we are grateful the U.S. Attorney’s Office took the lead on the prosecution of this case.”
“This case exemplifies the work the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Citrus Heights Police Department do to identify and investigate child predators who exploit innocence and trust in our community,” said Special Agent in charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “David Alcock used his position as a trusted neighbor in his community to prey upon the innocence of a child who lived nearby. Not only did Alcock sexually abuse this child, he distributed videos of his abuse to others on the internet. Additionally, Alcock admitted to collecting child pornography for two decades. His actions revictimized the minors featured in these images and videos all over again. The FBI is committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who sexually abuses children and/or produces, obtains or shares images of such abuse faces justice.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Citrus Heights Police Department, the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who 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.
Department of Justice Awards More Than $125 Million in Grants Under the Stop School Violence ActRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice today announced nearly $126 million in funding to advance school safety under the STOP School Violence Act. The grants, awarded by the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), will help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts, provide training to school personnel and students, and implement evidence-based threat assessments.
“The Justice Department has no greater responsibility than protecting Americans from harm,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Schools must be safe places to learn, and today’s investment of more than $125 million under the STOP School Violence Act will help ensure that they are.”
“Every child deserves a safe childhood and that includes a safe environment at school,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The grants that the Department of Justice announced today will help ensure our students can learn and thrive in school.”
The Students, Teachers and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (the “STOP School Violence Act”) gives the Justice Department the authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds through evidence-based school safety programs. It also provides grants to ensure a positive school climate by helping students and teachers recognize, respond quickly to, and help prevent acts of violence.
The 78 BJA annual awards, totaling almost $74 million, are intended to support training and education for school personnel and students on preventing violence against others and themselves, including anti-bullying training and specialized training for school officials to respond to mental health crises. Funds also help develop and implement multidisciplinary threat assessment or intervention teams and design technology solutions such as anonymous reporting systems, hotlines and websites.
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) provides up to 75% of the funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools. The 153 SVPP awards, totaling almost $52 million, are statutorily obligated to be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; locks, lighting and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security.
The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp-award.
A list of BJA awards, as they are made, can be found on the OJP Grant Awards page.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to agency for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
MS-13 Member Sentenced for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Lorenzo Amador, 23, of Mendota, was sentenced on December 17, 2021, by United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd to five years and three months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Amador was a member of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a violent criminal street gang that engages in racketeering activity, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking. On August 12, 2018, Amador and fellow MS-13 members kicked, hit, and stabbed a member of a rival gang in the back with a knife, slicing his diaphragm and sending him to the emergency room where he had to have life-saving surgery.
After the attack, Amador logged on to his Facebook account and used coded language to send word of the attack to his fellow MS-13 members. His message was intercepted pursuant to lawful wiretap on the Facebook account of one of his fellow MS-13 members. In the days following the stabbing, Amador’s fellow MS-13 members called each other in frantic efforts to warn Amador that police might be closing in on him and to try to help him flee Mendota, which he did. Police eventually caught him two months later.
Amador also joined a drug conspiracy, which he participated in by driving to Los Angeles to help the gang pick up drugs, returning to Mendota with the drugs, and selling them for the gang.
The investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit (SSU). The CHP Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement to combat violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Pearson, Michael Tierney, and Kimberly Sanchez prosecuted the case.
Several of Amador’s co-defendants have been sentenced. One remaining defendant will be sentenced in 2022.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violewnt crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Stockton Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Johnnie Earl Ross III, 21, of Stockton, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to 6.5 years in prison for conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and possession of an unregistered machine gun, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Oct. 10, 2019, and Oct. 22, 2020, Ross and his co-conspirators sold at least 13 firearms to an undercover agent or confidential source on behalf of the Everybody Killa (EBK) street gang in Stockton. Many of the firearms were obtained out of state in Reno, Nevada, and some were obtained by a straw purchaser from federally licensed firearms dealers in Reno. One of the firearms was a Glock handgun with a switch that converted it to a fully automatic firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Charges remain pending against co-defendant Vin Whealen Gaines Jr. He is in custody and scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 18. The charges against Gaines are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Kegan Williams, 26, of Sacramento, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to 2.5 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Sept. 2019 and March 2020, Williams brokered the sale of a total of approximately 480 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone M-30 pills to a confidential source in three separate transactions.
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.
Co-defendant Mateo Elias Guerrero-Gonzales pled guilty to distribution of fentanyl on Dec. 14, 2021. Guerrero-Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2022. Charges remain pending against 14 co-defendants. A status hearing is set for Jan. 25, 2022. The charges against the remaining defendants are only allegations; they 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.
Mexican National Sentenced for Central Valley Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Genaro Serrato-Calles (“Serrato”), aka “Alejandro,” aka “Meno,” 49, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced Tuesday to 148 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
His sentencing follows his guilty plea, which was entered last summer, along with the guilty pleas of his co-defendants, Antonio Castellanos, 38, of Whittier, Calif., Antonio Valencia-Hernandez (“Valencia”), 65, of Michoacán, Mexico, and Jose Reyes-Pineda (“Reyes”), 48, of Guerrero, Mexico. According to court documents, Serrato, who was convicted in 2006 in Stanislaus County of possessing ephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, began working with sources in Mexico in 2014 to import and distribute drugs in the Modesto area. In April 2015, he coordinated with Valencia to pick up approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine from Reyes in Anaheim for distribution in Modesto. Gualberto Agustin-Gomez, 45, a citizen of Mexico, also assisted in the packaging and transferring of the methamphetamine. In June 2015, Serrato coordinated the shipment of over 20 pounds of high-purity crystal methamphetamine to a stash house in Modesto. Serrato also supplied Valencia with approximately one half-pound of heroin for redistribution.
Last month, Valencia and Reyes were sentenced to 12 years and 3 months and one and a half years in prison, respectively. Agustin-Gomez was previously sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Castellanos is scheduled for sentencing on January 18, 2022. Castellanos faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a statutory mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations; Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force; San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force; Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency; and Orange County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar and Melanie Alsworth are prosecuting the case.
The case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl in BakersfieldRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Adrian Pena-Gamez, 33, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty Tuesday to possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Pena-Gamez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on March 14, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2021, Pena-Gamez and codefendant Carlos Ivan Campana met in the parking lot of a Bakersfield restaurant to sell to a person 15,000 counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl. During the meeting, Pena-Gamez and Campana were arrested and law enforcement officers recovered from Pena-Gamez’s vehicle approximately three pounds of pills containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
Codefendant Campana is charged in the indictment with distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine on three prior occasions between November 2020 and April 2021. He is scheduled to appear for a status conference on March 9, 2022. The charges against him are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.
Pena-Gamez faces a minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum term of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 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.
Delano Resident Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Christopher Howard, 33, a Delano resident, was sentenced Tuesday to 57 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in the evening of April 28, 2021, police officers encountered Howard in Delano while he was carrying a bag that contained a loaded 9mm caliber handgun and an additional loaded high-capacity magazine. Howard cannot lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because he has sustained numerous felony convictions, including for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, escape, and twice for second degree burglary.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Delano Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
California Man Operating Dark Web Vendor Account Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute NarcoticsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hunter Daniel Secrest, 27, formerly of San Francisco, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Secrest and his co-conspirators operated the dark web vendor account TheCommission on the Empire marketplace. TheCommission joined Empire in April 2020; by June 2020, TheCommission had completed over 800 verified sales that law enforcement agents calculated to total over $200,000 worth of narcotics.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Secrest and his co-conspirators distributed and possessed with intent to distribute at least the following: 752 grams of heroin, 11 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 600 grams of cocaine, 1.6 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 45 grams of morphine, 93 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 277 grams of valium, 285 grams of alprazolam, and 35 grams of Adderall.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, which includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Hemesath and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting the case.
Secrest is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Mendez on March 22, 2022. Secrest faces a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Air Force Police Officer Charged with over $250,000 in Unemployment Insurance Fraud During the Ongoing COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A five-count indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of Trevon Miller, 28, a military police officer at Edwards Air Force Base, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Miller is charged with mail fraud for submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in over 30 states during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From at least April 2020 through June 2020, Miller submitted the fraudulent claims using his former identity of Trevon Rodney and told the state workforce agencies that administer the unemployment insurance system that he was unemployed when he was enlisted in the Air Force the whole time. In 2016, Miller had legally changed his last name from Rodney before he joined the Air Force. The state workforce agencies and the United States were subject to a potential loss of more than $250,000. Miller used the money for his own benefit, including making cash withdrawals.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Miller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the mail fraud counts. 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 several variables. The charges are only allegations. Miller is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Bakersfield Men Charged in Separate Cases for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Bakersfield residents Spencer Manning, 27, and Jeremy Albert, 24, were charged today by a federal grand jury in separate indictments with firearm offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 21, 2021, Manning, a self-admitted member of the Country Boy Crips criminal street gang since as early as 2015, was observed by a grocery store security guard attempting to steal merchandise and placing it in his backpack. Manning physically resisted the security guards’ attempts to detain him as he exited with the stolen merchandise. Responding police officers found a stolen Glock .40-caliber handgun loaded with a high-capacity magazine in Manning’s backpack. Manning is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He may not lawfully possess firearm because he has a prior felony conviction.
According to the court documents in a separate case, on Oct. 13, 2021, Albert was stopped as he was driving in Bakersfield because his vehicle did not have license plates. Law enforcement officers discovered the vehicle’s registration was expired, Albert did not have a driver’s license and was the subject of outstanding arrest warrants. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9 mm handgun under the driver’s seat, which Albert may not lawfully possess because he has two prior felony convictions for firearms offenses.
These cases are the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, Manning and Albert face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Placer County Couple Pleads Guilty to Tax-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Foresthill couple pleaded guilty today to tax-related offenses, and have agreed to pay over $605,000 in restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Virendra (Vic) Maharaj, 55, pleaded guilty to willfully failing to file tax return information with the U.S. Treasury related to his receipt of cash while engaged in trade or business. Maharaj’s wife, Rosalin R. Prasad, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to the Internal Revenue Service’s assessment of income taxes.
According to court documents, Prasad conspired with Maharaj to defraud the IRS in the IRS’s attempts to assess the couple’s tax obligations for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. Maharaj worked at car dealerships in Sacramento and Woodland in those years and earned substantial income. Several actions were taken to further the conspiracy to thwart the proper assessment of income taxes. Among other things, part of Maharaj’s wages were paid directly to Prasad; part of Maharaj’s compensation was paid directly to Prasad and Maharaj’s creditors through indirect payments; Maharaj took compensation in the form of currency; Prasad improperly deferred around $270,000 in capital gains related to her purchase of a $1.9 million residence; Prasad caused false tax returns to be filed in each of those years; and Prasad made false statements during an IRS audit. Prasad conspired to underreport over $819,000 in income and, in turn, underpay over $184,000 in federal income taxes. She received substantial tax refunds in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
According to court documents, Maharaj was an owner, general manager, and salesperson of Maharaja Motors LLC, which operated a used car lot in Woodland, from approximately 2007 through 2016. In 2015, Maharaj sold a vehicle to a customer and, in turn, received a cash payment of over $10,000. Maharaj willfully failed to file information with the U.S. Treasury, specifically an IRS Form 8300, which is required to be filed by a person engaged in certain trades or businesses, including an automobile sales business, who receives a cash payment exceeding $10,000.
These cases are the product of an investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nirav Desai and Audrey Hemesath are prosecuting the case.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on April 28, 2022. They each face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Modesto Man Charged with Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Ryan Brandon Bailey, 40, of Modesto, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 14, 2021, Bailey possessed a rifle in Modesto. Bailey was previously convicted of second degree burglary in 2012 and being a felon in possession of ammunition in 2015 and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; and the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Bailey faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Modesto Man Charged with Drug Trafficking & Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Andrew Paul Satariano, 41, of Modesto, charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2021, Satariano fled from officers at speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour during an attempted traffic stop in the City of Waterford in Stanislaus County. Satariano was apprehended hiding nearby, and deputies discovered approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine and two loaded handguns in the driver’s area of the vehicle. Satariano is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office; the Modesto Police Department; and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the methamphetamine distribution charge, Satariano faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted of the possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Satariano faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Gun at Fashion Fair MallRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Chhoun Douring, 35, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2021, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers on patrol at Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno approached Douring. Douring admitted to carrying a firearm in a shoulder pouch. Officers seized the firearm, a loaded Ruger semi-automatic 9 mm handgun. Douring is a convicted felon having previously been convicted of second degree robbery and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.
Douring is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2022. Douring 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 being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Kings County Man Sentenced to 10 years in Prison for Methamphetamine SalesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Doug Gines, 50, of Hanford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in June 2019, Gines was arrested as part of a multi-agency gang sweep in the Central Valley that focused on the Nuestra Familia prison gang and Norteno street gang members in Kings County. Wiretaps on several drug dealers in Kings County showed Gines to be a drug dealer. Gines was ultimately charged with distributing methamphetamine on two occasions, including the charge he was sentenced on today, distributing 216 grams of actual methamphetamine on May 26, 2019.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Kings County Gang Task Force; the Special Operations Unit of the California Highway Patrol; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio, Katherine E. Schuh, and Kimberly A. Sanchez 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.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting over 100 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Randal Jason Newell, 41, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Dec. 5, 2020, Newell drove from Bakersfield to Mexico to obtain and smuggle narcotics from Mexico to Bakersfield, which he agreed to do for $7,000. On Dec. 7, 2020, Newell drove to the San Ysidro port of entry crossing from Mexico into the United States. Law enforcement officers inspected Newell’s vehicle at the border crossing and discovered approximately 98 packages containing approximately 111 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle’s gas tank, the rear compartment wall, the driver- and passenger-side exterior frame pillars, and underneath the floor.
On April 8, 2021, Newell and eight other defendants were charged in three related indictments for trafficking and purchasing to sell methamphetamine from a conspiracy orchestrated by Omar Alberto Navarro, 38, of Arvin. The other defendants are: Daniel Armendariz Mercado, 42; David Delgado Gonzalez, 38; Miguel Angel Martinez, 27; Amayrani Jared Arreguin, 25; and Yvette Gallegos, 23, all of Bakersfield; Lizette Mendez, 32, of Delano; and James Scott Gordon, 47, of Chico. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. 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. Attorneys Christopher D. Baker and Laura J. Berger are prosecuting the case.
Newell is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Feb. 28, 2022. Newell faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison up to a maximum 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.
Ceres Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Run an Animal Fighting OperationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Joseph D. Sanford, 74, of Ceres, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act by operating a cockfighting and fighting-bird breeding business, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Sanford was the owner and operator of Joe Sanford Gamefarm in Ceres, where he bred and sold gamecocks for cockfighting. Sanford also fought his own roosters. Following an undercover purchase of a trio of fighting game birds, federal agents searched Joe Sanford Gamefarm, where Sanford resides, and found a large cockfighting enterprise consisting of 2,956 game fowl. In pleading guilty, Sanford acknowledged that he had shipped game fowl within the United States and to Mexico, Peru and the Philippines for cockfighting.
“The gruesome act of animal fighting has no place in a civilized society and will not be tolerated,” said Dusty Cladis, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General. “Our agency has prioritized dismantling animal fighting organizations as we continue to pursue those who would take pleasure and profit in inflicting misery and death upon these defenseless creatures.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG); with assistance from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the IRS Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Forest Service; and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was also provided by the Humane Society of the United States, the Placer County Animal Services, and the El Dorado County Animal Services. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Marshals Service also lent assistance in the disposal of the fighting roosters and placement of the hens in an animal sanctuary. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Sanford is scheduled for sentencing on March 11, 2022. He 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.
Stockton Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Angel Jesus Sanchez-Manriquez, 22, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 11 years and three months in prison for sex trafficking of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between October and December 2020, Sanchez-Manriquez posted approximately 70 advertisements on a website, each of which contained photos of a 16‑year-old victim, advertising the victim’s availability to perform commercial sex acts. Sanchez-Manriquez referred to the victim as his “Snow Bunny.”
Sanchez-Manriquez rented motel rooms in and around the Stockton area in which the victim performed commercial sex acts. After executing search warrants, law enforcement agents learned that Sanchez-Manriquez also used his cellphone to take photographs and record videos of the victim engaged in sex acts with adults, including Sanchez-Manriquez.
“The pop-culture imagery of sex work is a far cry from the realities of human trafficking cases like these. Every day, adults and minors are marketed and sold to paying customers by exploiters who control and profit from every aspect of the illegal transactions,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Our agents are deeply committed to working tirelessly with our local, state, and federal partners to recover victims of human trafficking and ensure whose who exploit them face justice. They work closely with victim services specialists to ensure victims are afforded an opportunity to break free from the cycle of exploitation and abuse that is all too common in these cases. No person should ever be trafficked. Please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888 if you or someone you know needs help.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Mammoth Lakes Man Indicted for 7 Bank Robberies in 5 CountiesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against John William Boland, 38, of Mammoth Lakes, charging him with five counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, over a period of five weeks, Boland walked into seven banks, in five different counties, and demanded that the teller give him money from the “second” drawer. He also cautioned that the money handed over should not contain any dye packs or electronic tracking devices. On at least one occasion, Boland indicated to the teller that he had a weapon. Police were able to find and arrest Boland a short time after he left the last bank, aided by witness descriptions of the would-be robber and the car in which he drove away.
According to the criminal complaint, the seven alleged robberies are as follows:
March 29, 2021, El Dorado Savings Bank in Sutter Creek;
April 1, 2021, Wells Fargo Bank in South Lake Tahoe;
April 13, 2021, Wells Fargo Bank in Truckee;
April 16, 2021, Union Bank of California in Redding;
May 1, 2021, Wells Fargo Bank in Placerville;
May 3, 2021, Umpqua Bank in El Dorado Hills (attempted); and
May 4, 2021, Wells Fargo in Bank Rancho Cordova (attempted).
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the Rancho Cordova Police Department, the Redding Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Sutter Creek Police Department, the Placerville Police Department, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Boland faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conviction. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Madera Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Leah Guillen, 39, of Madera, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in early 2018, Guillen obtained the name, social security account number, and date of birth of an individual. Guillen then used this information to impersonate her and fraudulently gain access to her bank accounts at Golden 1 Credit Union. Using an unauthorized debit card, Guillen drained the victim’s bank accounts over a three-month period between April 18, 2018, and June 30, 2018, causing a loss in excess of $210,449.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Madera Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.
Guillen is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 28, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Guillen faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.