Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Felon Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Vacaville Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of GunsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eligio Nunez, 41, of Hayward, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to nine years in prison for being a felon in possession of three firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
After a three-day trial in August 2021, a federal jury found Nunez guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms. According to evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 7, 2020, Nunez led police in a high-speed chase while driving a stolen Lexus. He ended the pursuit by abandoning the car in a grassy area off of Shelton Lane in Vacaville. After running from police, he was apprehended by officers in a dry creek bed. Just after he fled on foot, the car caught fire, which caused ammunition inside the car to explode. Later, an investigation found three handguns inside the burned car, which the jury found Nunez to have possessed. Nunez was prohibited from possessing firearms a result of his 10 felony convictions, which include assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, evading a peace officer, and two drug trafficking offenses.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Vacaville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Paul A. Hemesath prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Hanford Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Manufacturing and Distributing Machine GunsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jose Moreno, 26, of Hanford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to three years and one month in prison for illegally distributing a machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 22, 2019, Moreno sold a machine gun to an individual in a parking lot in Hanford. Shortly after the meeting, the individual departed in his car and law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop. During a search of the car, officers found a fully automatic handgun with two 16-round magazines. Moreno’s involvement in this machine gun sale and several others was uncovered during a months-long wiretap investigation into the Nuestra Familia Prison Gang operating in Kings and Tulare Counties. The investigation revealed that Moreno was manufacturing and selling machine guns to street gang members.
Moreno pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021. He and co‑defendant Eric Lopez Mercado, 27, of Lemoore, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14, 2019. Charges are pending against Mercado. The charges against Mercado are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Kings County Gang Task Force; the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit; 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 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.
San Joaquin County Doctor Convicted of Illegally Prescribing Opioids to PatientsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Physician Edmund Kemprud, 78, of Dublin, was convicted today of 14 counts of illegally prescribing opioids and other controlled substances patients, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to evidence presented at trial, Kemprud was a physician licensed to practice medicine in California and worked in several locations around the East Bay and Central Valley, including one location in a back room of a nail salon and medi-spa in Tracy.
Kemprud prescribed highly addictive, commonly abused prescription drugs, including Hydrocodone, Alprazolam, and Oxycodone – outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose. The controlled substances affect the central nervous system and may only be prescribed when medically required.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that Kemprud ignored indications that his patients were addicts or that they were diverting the drugs. Instead, he wrote more prescriptions for highly addictive and dangerous controlled substances, charging $79 a visit. He churned out prescriptions so quickly that he often spent less than five minutes with a patient and would see 30 patients in less than a day.
Evidence at trial showed that Kemprud was aware that he was practicing outside the usual course of professional practice and intended to keep writing prescriptions so the patients would keep coming back. Several pharmacies were so troubled by Kemprud’s prescriptions that they instituted companywide policies to block his prescriptions.
Trial testimony of undercover officers established that on 14 occasions between Sept. 6, 2018, and March 13, 2019, Kemprud prescribed opioids without determining the patients’ medical and prescription histories, without conducting a proper medical examination, without confirming the legitimacy of the patients’ complaints, and without assessing the risk of aberrant drug behavior.
“This defendant displayed a blatant disregard for patient safety and the law,” Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “Although he knew his treatment of patients was unlawful, he continued to pump dangerous drugs into the community. It took the effort of agents, investigators, undercover officers, medical professionals who practiced with the defendant and pharmacists to bring an end to Kemprud’s illicit prescription writing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue our vigorous pursuit of those who fuel the opioid epidemic for their own personal benefit.”
“For nearly two years, we have all faced the impacts of the global pandemic, but before the pandemic began, we were already fighting a deadly opioid epidemic,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We trust our doctors by putting our health in their hands. When doctors violate their oath to do no harm, we must take action —especially when it comes to illegally prescribing opioids. I’m grateful for our investigative partners at the federal level, and to the U.S. Attorney for successfully putting a stop to this doctor’s harmful practices.”
“Fueled by greed, Edmund Kemprud went from doctor to drug dealer when he began running a prescription pill mill for powerful opioids. Kemprud’s actions not only preyed upon those battling addiction, but also contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis. This verdict underscores our commitment to hold unscrupulous doctors accountable for their actions,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon. “I applaud the efforts of the DEA Oakland Tactical Diversion Squad, the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse Drug Diversion Team, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of California, who worked diligently on this investigation.”
“The safety of patients can become seriously endangered when medical professionals allow their personal interests to dictate their prescribing decisions,” stated Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “While neglecting his responsibility to deliver appropriate health care services, Kemprud stole funds meant to promote positive health outcomes in our communities. HHS-OIG and our partners are committed to bringing to justice those who harm beneficiaries or cheat the programs that deliver their health care.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse Drug Diversion Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.
Kemprud is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 14, 2022, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Kemprud 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.
Professor-Arsonist Indicted for Setting Fires Behind Firefighters Fighting Dixie FireRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Gary Stephen Maynard, 47, of San Jose, charging him with arson to federal property and setting timber afire, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Maynard engaged in an arson spree in the vicinity of the then ongoing Dixie Fire in areas of the Shasta Trinity National Forest and the Lassen National Forest. Some of the fires Maynard set were new fires behind the firefighters fighting the Dixie Fire. Maynard is charged with setting the following fires during this arson spree: the Cascade Fire (July 20), the Everitt Fire (July 21), the Ranch Fire (Aug. 7), and the Conard Fire (Aug. 7).
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, which received assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, CalFire, the California Highway Patrol, and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Anderson is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Maynard faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of arson. Arson to federal property carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five 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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Oregon Man Charged with Possessing Counterfeit OxyContin Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Jose Antonio Nunez De Jesus, 27, of Portland, Oregon, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, a law enforcement officer on routine patrol saw that the vehicle being driven by Nunez De Jesus had committed a traffic violation. After pulling the vehicle over, a narcotics K-9 alerted to the odor of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Officers found approximately 34,020 counterfeit OxyContin pills that weighed a total of 7.5 pounds. Nunez De Jesus told the officer that he had picked up what he believed to be drugs in Los Angeles at the request of a friend and was returning to Oregon with the pills. A presumptive test of the pills showed that they were fentanyl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol and the Fresno High Intensity Investigation Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Nunez De Jesus faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a fine up to $10 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Modesto Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Myron Kilgore, 42, of Modesto, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Kilgore was arrested on Feb. 2, 2021, in Modesto after an unserialized, privately made firearm (or ghost gun) was discovered under the driver’s side floorboard during a search of his vehicle. The gun was loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Kilgore is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Modesto Police Department, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Schuh is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Kilgore 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.
Kern County Man Indicted for Possession of Fentanyl and Heroin with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Jose Luis Santana, 43, of Shafter, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 16, 2021, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Santana’s motel room in Bakersfield; they also searched Santana’s vehicle with his consent. As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.5 kilograms of heroin, two firearms, and approximately $5,000 in cash.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Santana faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program. The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional fulltime law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of California, two cities were awarded funding totaling $2,138,709.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Eastern District of California received awards: The City of Etna in Siskiyou County received $263,709 to fund one position and the City of Sacramento received $1,875,000 to fund 15 positions.
The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. The COPS Hiring Program provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus COPS Hiring Program resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS 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 COPS Hiring Program, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In fiscal year 2021, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For fiscal year 2022, President Biden has requested $537 million for COPS Hiring Program, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about the COPS Hiring Program, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
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 organization 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.
Fresno Felon Charged with Two Counts of Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Jesus Lepe, 44, of Fresno, charging him with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 16, 2020, Lepe nearly caused a vehicle collision after running a red light. After a traffic stop, Lepe was found in possession of a stolen firearm. On Aug. 18, 2021, Lepe was stopped for speeding and once again found in possession of a stolen firearm. Lepe is prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple felony convictions from 1996 that include robbery, possession of heroin, and other firearms violations.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lepe 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. 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 Fentanyl Dealer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Uriel Ivan Portillo, 35, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 21, 2019, Portillo distributed 5,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in exchange for $40,000 during a controlled purchase in Bakersfield.
Portillo is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Feb. 18, 2022. Portillo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; the Kern County Sheriff’s Department; and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Escobar, Angela Scott, and Melanie Alsworth 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.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joseph Elijah Cuaron, 21, of Sacramento, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to five years in prison for a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Cuaron supplied approximately 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone M‑30 pills containing fentanyl to two co-conspirators, Joshua Cabanillas, of Woodland, and Gregory Tabarez, 23, of Sacramento, on July 13, 2020, for them to distribute 500 pills to an FBI confidential source. After Cabanillas and Tabarez sold 500 pills to the confidential source, law enforcement stopped them and seized the remaining approximately 500 pills that Cuaron had supplied to them.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Woodland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Spencer prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl distribution and conspiracy charges remain pending against co-defendants Tabarez and Severo Reyna. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Charges against Cabanillas were dismissed following his death in November 2020.
Second DC Solar Defendant Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Billion Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joseph W. Bayliss, 46, of Martinez, was sentenced today to three years in prison and ordered to pay $481.3 million in restitution for participating in a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme involving DC Solar, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Bayliss was an electrician that DC Solar hired to pose as a licensed engineer who inspected newly constructed mobile solar generator units (MSG) that were mounted on trailers and were promoted as able to provide emergency power to cellphone towers and lighting at sporting events. The MSGs were sold to investors who were given generous federal tax credits. But in fact, DC Solar had become a fraud scheme that took new investor money to pay older investors. As DC Solar lost vast sums of money with this fraudulent model, the owner of DC Solar, Jeff Carpoff, and other conspirators stopped building the MSGs altogether, selling thousands of MSGs that did not even exist to investors.
According to court documents, Bayliss played a key role in the fraud scheme orchestrated by Carpoff and others. To cover up the fact that no new MSGs were being built, Carpoff provided false reports that newly constructed MSGs had been inspected and tested. In reality, at least half of the approximately 17,000 mobile solar generators claimed to have been manufactured by DC Solar did not exist. From 2016 to 2018, Bayliss personally signed thousands of reports stating that new units had been inspected and tested. He knew the reports were false and he knew they would be used to induce millions upon millions of investor payments. In turn, Carpoff paid Bayliss approximately $1 million. In addition to the reports, Bayliss helped to deceive investors by removing and replacing vehicle identification number (VIN) stickers that were affixed to the MSGs. Finally, after the 2018 search warrants executed at DC Solar, at Carpoff’s direction, Bayliss traveled to a DC Solar warehouse in Nevada and scraped off approximately 200 replacement VIN stickers and destroyed at least 1,000 VIN stickers stored in boxes in the warehouse.
On Nov. 9, 2021, Jeff Carpoff was sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to pay $790.6 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His wife, Paulette Carpoff, 47, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2022.
Other defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal offenses related to the fraud scheme and are scheduled for sentencing: Ronald J. Roach, 54, of Walnut Creek, is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 15, 2022. Robert A. Karmann, 54, of Clayton; Ryan Guidry, 44, of Pleasant Hill; and Alan Hansen, 50, of Vacaville, are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2021.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher S. Hales and Kevin C. Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
Paulette Carpoff, Hansen, Karmann, and Guidry face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. Roach faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years prison. 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.
Owners of Imaging Product Companies Pay $220,000 to Resolve Allegations of Fraud Against Federal Government AgenciesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jimmy A. Meron, owner of WOW Imaging Products LLC (WOW) and part owner of Time Enterprises LLC (Time), has paid $100,000 to resolve allegations of knowingly overcharging federal agencies for imaging products; Michael J. Lowe, Meron’s co-owner of Time, has paid an additional $120,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
These payments are in addition to over $1.7 million dollars forfeited by Meron and Lowe in connection with a criminal investigation that resulted in Meron’s criminal plea to felony wire fraud. Lowe was not charged in the criminal proceeding.
Through their companies WOW and Time, Meron and Lowe contracted to sell office supplies to federal agencies on two web-based government sales portals, GSA Advantage, operated by the General Services Administration, and DoD EMall, operated by the Department of Defense. WOW and Time routinely substituted less expensive printer cartridges for brand-name cartridges ordered by federal-agency customers and retained the difference in cost. In order to evade detection, WOW and Time flagged customers who complained to receive the appropriate product in future orders.
“Those who do business with the government must do so fairly and honestly,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert. “This office will seek appropriate remedies against government contractors who knowingly overcharge United States agencies for products.”
“This settlement reflects the GSA OIG’s commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek personal financial gain from fraudulently selling inferior products to the federal government,” said Special Agent in Charge Theresa Quellhorst, General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General.
“The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a high standard for the quality of the products and supplies utilized to accomplish its important mission,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “Today’s settlement demonstrates DCIS’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud in government procurement and protect the American taxpayer dollars entrusted to the DoD.”
This settlement is the result of work by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California with help from the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine J. Swann handled the matter for the United States. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Tanner Joel Hernandez-Fields, 21, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Monday to receipt and distribution of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between March 19, 2019, and April 12, 2019, Hernandez-Fields did knowingly receive or distribute one or more matters containing any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using an Apple iPhone. Hernandez-Fields received between 150 and 300 images, including video files. These images included depictions of pre‑pubescent minors including material that meets the definition of sadistic or masochistic conduct.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.
Hernandez-Fields is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Feb.22, 2022. Hernandez-Fields faces a minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a maximum 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Two Mexican Natives Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin in the Central ValleyRead the Press Release
RESNO, Calif. — Antonio Valencia-Hernandez, 65, and Jose Reyes-Pineda, 48, natives and citizens of Mexico, were sentenced today to 12 years and three months and one and a half years in prison, respectively, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Valencia, Reyes, and co-defendants, Antonio Castellanos, 38, of Whittier, and Genaro Serrato-Calles, 49, a native and citizen of Mexico, have pleaded guilty to a two-year conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in the Central Valley. Serrato had Valencia pick up about 11 pounds of methamphetamine from Reyes in Anaheim for distribution in Modesto. In addition, Valencia distributed a half-pound of heroin and a pound of methamphetamine during seven undercover transactions in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties.
Serrato is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 13, 2021, and Castellanos is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 18, 2022. Serrato and Castellanos face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a statutory mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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 with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Alsworth.
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 Native Sentenced to over 2 Years in Prison for Harmful Marijuana Grow in the Sierra National Forest in Madera CountyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Lester Eduardo Cardenas-Flores, 25, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to two years and five months in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Cardenas was also ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the extreme damage that the cultivation operation had on public land. Cardenas pleaded guilty on Aug. 24, 2021.
According to court documents, the cultivation operation consisted of 2,307 marijuana plants in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County. Cardenas was found carrying fertilizer into the grow site and later apprehended there. The cultivation operation caused significant damage to the area, which serves as habitat for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, an endangered species and the California spotted owl, which is currently being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Agents found deadly, banned pesticides sprayed directly on the plants.
The cultivation site was located in the Chiquito Creek watershed, which drains into the Fresno River before flowing into the San Joaquin River. Approximately 8.55 million gallons of water had been diverted from a nearby natural stream to irrigate the marijuana plants.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) of the California Department of Justice, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The environmental damage to the forest was analyzed and documented by Integral Ecology Research Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.
Cardenas’s co-defendant, Luis Madrigal-Reyes, 37, also a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on Oct. 18, 2021, to two years and five months in prison.
Two Fresno County Residents Indicted for Dealing Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned two indictments today, charging two Fresno County men with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute it, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
In addition to being charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Uriel Diaz-Santos, 19, of Fresno, was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, after two juveniles overdosed on fentanyl pills, investigators interviewed witnesses and reviewed phone records, ultimately developing enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Diaz-Santos’s residence. On Nov. 2, 2021, investigators searched Diaz-Santos’s house and found thousands of fentanyl pills and a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, a multi‑agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department.
A separate indictment charges David Joseph Yama, 38, of Reedley, with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute it. According to court documents, on Sept. 1, 2020, police officers went to a gas station in Clovis after a report of suspicious activity and contacted Yama and two associates. A search of the car that Yama had been driving uncovered a large amount of cash, ammunition, plastic baggies, vials containing fentanyl, and over 200 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Clovis Police Department and 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 United States Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting both cases.
If convicted, Diaz-Santos faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison up to a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted, Yama faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 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.
These cases are 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.
These cases are 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.
Lemoore Union Treasurer Convicted of Embezzlement and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Fresno, Calif. — After a 2–day trial, a federal jury found Kevin Neal Crownover, 49, resident of Lemoore, California, guilty today of one count of embezzlement and theft of union assets and one count of aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The trial was held before United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd.
According to evidence presented at trial, Crownover was treasurer of International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local Lodge 2947 at Lemoore Naval Air Station from June 2015 through October 2016. During that time, Crownover made unauthorized cash withdrawals and wrote unauthorized checks to himself, which he then endorsed into his own personal bank account. Crownover used a forged signature on the checks. The total loss was over $50,000.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura D. Withers and Vincente A. Tennerelli are prosecuting the case.
Crownover is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Drozd on February 14, 2022. Crownover faces a maximum statutory penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for embezzlement, with a mandatory 2-year consecutive term for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
DC Solar Owner Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Billion Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An owner of DC Solar, a Benicia-based company, was sentenced today for a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme— the biggest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez sentenced Jeff Carpoff, 50, of Martinez, to 30 years in prison. On Jan. 24, 2020, Carpoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His wife, Paulette Carpoff, 47, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and money laundering. The government’s investigation has resulted in approximately $120 million in assets forfeited that the government intends to seek authorization to use towards restitution to victims of the fraud.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, DC Solar manufactured mobile solar generator units (MSG), which were solar generators that were mounted on trailers and were promoted as able to provide emergency power to cellphone towers and lighting at sporting events. A significant incentive for investors were generous federal tax credits due to the solar nature of the MSGs.
The conspirators carried out an accounting and lease revenue fraud using Ponzi-like circular payments. Carpoff and others lied to investors about the market demand for DC Solar’s MSGs and its revenue from leasing to third parties, then covered up these lies with techniques including false financial statements and fake lease contracts. Their fraud concealed a circular payment structure where Carpoff and others were simply using new investor money to pay older investors the supposed lease revenue that investors were expecting. As DC Solar lost vast sums of money with this fraudulent model, Carpoff and other conspirators stopped building the MSGs altogether, selling thousands of MSGs that did not even exist to investors. To carry out this part of the fraud, Carpoff and others made it appear that MSGs existed in locations that they did not, swapped vehicle identification number (VIN) stickers on MSGs that had been built earlier, and attempted to deceive certain investors during equipment inspections. In reality, at least half of the approximately 17,000 mobile solar generators claimed to have been manufactured by DC Solar did not exist.
“Jeff Carpoff orchestrated the largest criminal fraud scheme in the history of the Eastern District of California,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert. “He claimed to be an innovator in alternative energy, but he was really just stealing money from investors and costing the American taxpayer hundreds of millions in tax credits. Today’s substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and provides just punishment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public and promoting respect for the law.”
“Carpoff’s egregious scheme fueled his rapacious desire for luxury and prominence with showy, public expenditures including the purchase of a sports team, high-end collector’s vehicles, international real estate and a NASCAR team,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “I thank the team of determined FBI special agents, forensic accountants and professional staff who worked tirelessly with IRS Criminal Investigation and FDIC Office of Inspector General to thoroughly investigate this complex case. Our office is committed to identifying and investigating financial fraud and encourage the public to report suspected fraud to tips.fbi.gov.”
“Mr. Carpoff lived a luxurious life as a successful businessman,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. “In reality, he manipulated the system to his advantage by lying to investors, promising significant federal tax credits, and laundering his ill-gotten gains. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure that anyone involved in these types of schemes, no matter how big or small, will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing recognizes the importance of holding Mr. Carpoff accountable for his role in conspiring with others to defraud investors of approximately $1 billion through the creation of a fraudulent business venture, and using the proceeds for his and his wife’s own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG). “The FDIC OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in bringing to justice those who undermine the integrity of the financial system.”
The forfeiture included seizing and auctioning 148 of the Carpoffs’ luxury and collector vehicles, including the 1978 Firebird previously owned by actor Burt Reynolds. This historical auction resulted in recouping approximately $8.233 million. In addition to their collection of luxury and collector vehicles, Jeff and Paulette Carpoff used money from the scheme to pay for a minor-league professional baseball team and a NASCAR racecar sponsorship; to purchase luxury real estate in California, Nevada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and elsewhere; a subscription private jet service; a suite at a professional football stadium; and jewelry.
In addition to the Carpoffs, five other defendants have been charged with criminal offenses related to the fraud scheme: Joseph W. Bayliss, 46, of Martinez, and Ronald J. Roach, 54, of Walnut Creek, each pleaded guilty to related charges on Oct. 22, 2019. Bayliss is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 16, 2021, and Roach is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 15, 2022. Robert A. Karmann, 54, of Clayton, pleaded guilty to related charges on Dec. 17, 2019; and Ryan Guidry, 44, of Pleasant Hill, pleaded guilty to related charges on Jan. 14, 2020. Alan Hansen, 50, of Vacaville, a former employee of a telecom company with which DC Solar purported to do business, pleaded guilty on July 28, 2020, to participating in the fraud scheme and accepting a $1 million bribe to sign a false contract. Karmann, Guidry, and Hansen are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2021. Paulette Carpoff is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 16, 2021.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher S. Hales and Kevin C. Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
Paulette Carpoff, Hansen, Karmann, and Guidry face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. Roach and Bayliss face maximum statutory penalties of 10 years and five years in prison, respectively. 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.
Kings County Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $87,000 in Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Deborah Rossoni, 58, of Lemoore, pleaded guilty today to stealing $87,000 in Social Security payments and agreed to pay full restitution to the Social Security Administration, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in July 2012, Rossoni’s father passed away, but the SSA was not notified of his death and continued direct depositing Social Security payments into his bank account until July 2018. During this time, Rossoni transferred the payments into her own bank accounts and then used the money for personal expenditures, including credit card bills and house repairs.
This case is the product of an investigation by the SSA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
Rossoni is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Feb. 14, 2022. She 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 several variables.
Former California Resident Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the State of California of over $10 Million in Tax RevenueRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Akrum Alrahib, 43, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit mail fraud in non-cigarette tobacco schemes that defrauded the State of California of over $10 million in unpaid excise taxes, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Non-cigarette tobacco (known as Other Tobacco Products or OTP) consists of tobacco products such as cigars, chewing tobacco, and leaf tobacco. During the relevant time period, California imposed an average excise tax of about 28.13% of the wholesale cost of the OTP between April 2016 and June 2016; 27.30% between July 2016 and June 2017; and 65.08% between July 2017 and December 2017. California licensed tobacco distributors are required to collect this tax when they distribute the product within the state. The distributor must then submit to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) in Sacramento (formerly the Board of Equalization) monthly reports reflecting the amount of untaxed OTP sold in the previous month and the amount of excise tax owing, and the payment.
According to court documents, between April 2016 and December 2017, Alrahib led two conspiracies involving multiple individuals and businesses operating in California. As the leader, Alrahib provided untaxed OTP to various individuals and companies in California, knowing that the products would be sold illegally, resulting in a loss to the State of California of over $10 million in tax revenue.
“This guilty plea is the result of a highly successful, collaborative effort involving federal and state investigators and prosecutors, working side-by-side,” Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert stated. “We will continue to root out illegal conduct and tax evasion in the tobacco products industry.”
“The primary goal of ATF in combating tobacco trafficking is to enforce the federal laws relating to the trafficking of domestically produced and counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). “ATF will continue to work alongside our partners to investigate incidents of illegal conduct and tax evasion of tobacco products.”
“Tax evasion is not a victimless crime. California communities lose critical tax dollars that pay for vital programs, and it isn’t fair for those hard-working business owners who play by the rules,” said California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Director Nick Maduros. “It’s important for our department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to work together to stop tax evasion.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne L. Rust and Michael D. Anderson are prosecuting the case.
Alrahib is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Dec. 13, 2021. Alrahib 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.
Fairfield Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Attempted Online Coercion of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kevin Blaine Cline, 47, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for attempted online coercion of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 1, 2019, an undercover agent observed Cline’s post on the social media platform Whisper that said he was “Looking for dad’s (sic) who love their daughters near me I … Have a question.” The notation at the bottom of Cline’s post said, “Freaky Sexual Desires.” The undercover agent, posing as a dad, engaged in a two-day conversation on Whisper with Cline, and Cline sent the agent two images of child pornography. Cline planned a meeting with the “dad” and “daughter” in order to sexually molest her. Cline then drove from Fairfield to Pleasant Hill to meet up with what he believed to be a seven‑year-old girl. When Cline arrived, however, he was placed under arrest.
The factual basis of the plea agreement contains a description of the sexual activity that Cline wanted to engage in with the seven-year-old girl, as well as sexual acts he planned to perform with a 10-year-old girl in Washington state. Cline brought a tube of lubricant and three wrapped condoms in his car when he arrived to meet with what he believed to be the father and his seven-year-old daughter. In the week before his arrest, Cline was distributing files containing visual depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with other people through Whisper messenger.
“Cline attempted to commit vile acts on children, and he may have continued undetected for years but for the painstaking work of the investigators who brought him to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert. “We are gratified by the sentence he received today which will help prevent him from harming other children.”
“This case is representative of the collaborative efforts among Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California, which led to this guilty plea and the ultimate rescue of a child in another region,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “Parents and caregivers are urged to engage with their children on the potential dangers of social media interaction and to alert law enforcement authorities if they have any concerns. Additional info is available at HSI iGuardians and NCMEC Netsmartz.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SVICAC) a federally and state-funded task force with agents from federal, state, and local agencies that investigates online child exploitation crimes, including child pornography, enticement, and sex trafficking. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation as part of the SVICAC. 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.
North Highlands Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Alberto Arriaga Velazquez, 40, of North Highlands, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The charge arose out of a months-long investigation into drug trafficking in Sacramento County. According to court documents, on Oct. 13, 2021, law enforcement officers seized over 4 pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution from Velazquez’s home.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Velazquez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 6 Years for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tylor Combs, 41, of Sacramento, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to six and a half years in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 17, 2020, Combs and co-defendant Michael Garcia, 33, sold 10 firearms to another felon. In an attempt to conceal his crimes, Combs conducted this illegal firearms transaction in a stash house. During subsequent search warrants in this case, officers discovered an additional six firearms, as well as drugs and money, in a safe that Combs controlled. Combs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition on account of a 2004 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.
Charges of methamphetamine distribution are pending against Michael Garcia and his wife Nancy Garcia, 32, both of Sacramento. The charges 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 the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Ray Pitre, Jr., 36, of Vallejo, was sentenced Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to three years and 4 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, the execution of federal search warrants of Pitre’s person, residences, and vehicles led to the discovery of a non-serialized machine gun, a short barrel rifle, and a pistol in Pitre’s possession. The machine gun, which was located in the defendant’s truck, was loaded with a 60-round extended magazine, and was placed on top of a bag containing a mask, additional extended magazines and ammunition, and two tracking devices. Pitre cannot lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because he has previously been convicted of two felony offenses, including for his participation in a residential burglary that resulted in the death of one of his coconspirators and serious gunshot injuries to an innocent victim.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oakland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking After Flying from Hawaii and Attempting to Smuggle Heroin into High Desert State PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Arlene-Anela Kekoolani, 30, of Honolulu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between October 24, 2019, and November 16, 2019, Kekoolani conspired with an inmate at High Desert State Prison to fly from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Sacramento, rent a car, obtain heroin, and then try to surreptitiously pass the drugs to the inmate during a contact visit at the prison. At the time of the offense, Kekoolani was an employee of the Honolulu City Council.
Investigators at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) learned of the plot by listening to recorded prison calls and decoding the calls between Kekoolani and the inmate. When Kekoolani flew from Honolulu and landed in Sacramento on November 15, FBI and CDCR investigators spotted her in the airport and identified the silver Toyota Camry she rented to carry out the smuggling operation. On November 16, 2019, Kekoolani arrived at High Desert State Prison in Susanville. Investigators seized heroin she had hidden on her person. They also discovered additional heroin in her rental car parked in the prison parking lot.
This case was the product of an investigation by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
Kekoolani was previously ordered released from custody on terms of pretrial release.
Kekoolani is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 7, 2022. Kekoolani faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 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.
Vallejo Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Michael Nitschke, 52, of Vallejo, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 22, 2019, Nitschke was found to be in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun. Nitschke has sustained multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Two Men Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment today against Juan Manriquez, 20, of Antioch, and Andrew Tuma, 19, of Sacramento, charging them with unlawful manufacturing and dealing in firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Tuma used the Snapchat app to advertise narcotics and guns for sale. Law enforcement used undercover officers and a confidential informant to buy guns from Tuma. Tuma is 19 years old and cannot legally purchase a gun in the state of California. Instead, Tuma ordered kits from the internet, including from a company called Polymer80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns. As part of the undercover investigation, law enforcement purchased firearms from Manriquez. Manriquez sold both commercially manufactured guns that had been converted to machine guns and privately made firearms without serial numbers (commonly called “ghost guns”).
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Western El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Tuma and Manriquez face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Second Former State Employee Pleads Guilty in $2 Million Scheme to Defraud the Office of AIDSRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christine M. Iwamoto, 47, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in relation to a scheme to divert funds from the California Department of Public Health, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Iwamoto was employed by the Office of AIDS within the California Department of Public Health until March 2018. The Office of AIDS is responsible for working on behalf of the State of California to combat the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Between December 2017 and November 2018, Iwamoto participated in a scheme that was coordinated by Schenelle Flores, also employed at the Office of AIDS, to defraud the Office of AIDS. Flores, Iwamoto, other participants in the scheme, and their families and friends obtained at least $2 million in personal benefits, including cash and purchased items.
According to court documents, as part of the scheme, Flores directed a state contractor to make payments allegedly on behalf of the Office of AIDS and caused the contractor to charge those payments to the state. Flores caused the contractor to pay for personal expenses on its debit cards, order gift cards for personal use, and pay false invoices to shell companies for services allegedly provided to the Office of AIDS.
According to her plea agreement, Iwamoto set up a shell company and coordinated with Flores to submit invoices to the state contractor. Those invoices falsely claimed that Iwamoto’s company had provided various consulting and meeting facilitation services to the Office of AIDS. Iwamoto received $450,000 in payments as a result of the invoices. Iwamoto then gave thousands of dollars in cash and blank checks to another employee of the Office of AIDS who was participating in the scheme. Iwamoto also participated in obtaining the gift cards from the state contractor and received hundreds of the gift cards for her personal use.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was referred by the California Department of Public Health and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miriam R. Hinman and Christopher S. Hales are prosecuting the case.
Iwamoto is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Feb. 24, 2022. For the wire fraud count, Iwamoto faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. For the count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, Iwamoto faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the property involved in the transactions, whichever is greater.
On Feb. 11, 2021, Flores pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a related case, United States v. Flores, 2:21-cr-025 TLN. Flores is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Jan. 20, 2022. Flores faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
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.
Kings County Man Indicted for Submitting over $10 Million in Fraudulent Claims for Diagnostic Sleep Tests to MedicareRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment today against Travis Gober, 42, of Hanford, charging him with health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Gober owns and controls VIP Sleep Center, a sleep disorder clinic that operated out of Fresno and Visalia. Sleep disorder clinics perform diagnostic tests to identify ailments like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Between January 2015 and September 2021, Gober caused VIP Sleep to bill Medicare for sleep tests the company did not actually perform. Each of these claims also listed a provider who had purportedly referred the patient to VIP Sleep even though the provider had not done so. In total, Gober caused VIP Sleep to submit more than $10 million in false and fraudulent Medicare claims.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente A. Tennerelli and Melanie L. Alsworth are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gober faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the health care fraud charges and a mandatory two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
gobertravis_christian_indictment.pdfSolano County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David McDaniels, 29, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of a stolen firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, McDaniels has a lengthy criminal history, which includes multiple felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse.
According to court documents, on May 22, 2018, law enforcement officers arrived at a motel room in Vacaville to search the room pursuant to the probation search terms of one of the room’s occupants. After identifying themselves as law enforcement and demanding entry into the room, the officers heard items inside the room rustling as well as the sound of a toilet bowl lid being removed and manipulated. The officers requested entry into the room once more and attempted to use a key to open the room, but the door was deadbolted from the inside.
Eventually, a shirtless male later identified as McDaniels opened the door. When one of the officers grabbed McDaniels’s hands to detain him, the officer noticed that both of McDaniels’s hands were wet. McDaniels told officers he had just gotten out of the shower. Police dispatch confirmed that there was an active warrant for his arrest and that he was on state parole following a burglary conviction. While this was happening, officers searched the air conditioning vent in the room. Inside the vent, officers found a stolen and loaded Ruger 9 mm pistol. The gun was wet, and there was a trail of water leading from the bathroom to a chair directly underneath the vent. A records check of the firearm’s serial number revealed that it was unregistered in the State of California.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Vacaville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey Hemesath and Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.
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.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Drug Distribution via the DarknetRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment on Oct. 21 against Jonathan Patrick Turrentine, 39, of Sacramento, charging him with 11 counts of distribution of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms), one count of possession with intent to distribute psilocybin, and one count of money laundering, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Turrentine is charged with operating vendor pages on darknet marketplaces, selling drugs and other contraband. Turrentine used various aliases on the different sites, including “CaliPlugMike” and “DatCubensisBoy.” On the darknet’s Empire Marketplace site, he advertised for sale LSD, cocaine, Xanax pills, Adderall pills, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, and marijuana products, including edibles, vape pens and cartridges, as well as marijuana buds in gram, ounce, and pound quantities. Turrentine also offered for sale compromised email account identifiers and passwords. Turrentine accepted payment exclusively in bitcoin, or other cryptocurrency, as is common to darknet transactions.
Court documents indicate that investigators became aware of Turrentine in November 2018, when a suspicious package addressed to him arrived at a Sacramento-area post office and a drug-sniffing dog alerted to it. Investigators questioned him about the package, but Turrentine denied all knowledge.
At the time, Turrentine was on probation from a prior conviction for accessing a computer network to obtain money, property, or data wrongfully. During a search of his residence, investigators found one computer powered-on and observed communications consistent with operating a darknet vendor site, apparently distributing narcotics. Data on that computer indicate that Turrentine was operating several darknet vendor accounts under the names “Mushmike1776,” “Calicartconnect,” “Calicarts,” “Bigboycarts,” and “Californiabudz.”
In December 2019, Sacramento agents learned that federal and local law enforcement agencies in Orange County were investigating the death of an 18-year-old whom they believe committed suicide after taking counterfeit Xanax purchased on the darknet. The victim’s computer showed the victim bought products through darknet market accounts, including from “CaliPlugMike,” on the Empire Marketplace. Agents determined that the delivery to the victim from CaliPlugMike had been mailed from Sacramento. Around this time, agents also became aware of another darknet vendor operating in San Diego, whom San Diego agents believed to be sourcing drugs from CaliPlugMike.
Over the next year, investigators in Sacramento, San Diego, and Orange County continued to track Turrentine via his darknet activity, which appeared extensive. As of April 4, 2020, CaliPlugMike had 904 customer reviews on Empire Marketplace, with a customer service rating of 97.13% positive market feedback.
Posing as Empire Marketplace customers, federal agents placed orders from Turrentine for marijuana, MDMA, LSD, and various pills purporting to be Adderall, Xanax, and Viagra. Agents also bought a list of 1.4 billion email addresses and passwords for $1, which Turrentine’s vendor page described as “compiled from over 100 breaches into a simple plain text file you can read.” His page further explained that “most people have changed their email password but most people use the same password across multiple sites.” Agents paid for all orders in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
With every undercover order agents placed, they confirmed from post office security camera footage that Turrentine was the person who mailed the shipment. Agents noted that he paid for the postage at the post office’s self-serve kiosks, using a debit card. An investigation of Turrentine’s financial records showed that the funds on his debit card had come from a cryptocurrency exchange in the United Kingdom. Records further indicated that Turrentine had been transferring bitcoin to that cryptocurrency exchange, in exchange for U.S. dollars, then transferring those dollars to his debit card account. According to court documents, the quantity of bitcoin that Turrentine exchanged was far greater than what he could have acquired through his legitimate income sources.
Beginning on April 4, 2020, however, customer feedback on CaliPlugMike’s Empire Marketplace vendor page indicated that he had performed an exit scam – a ruse in which a vendor takes a number of orders with payment, but then disappears from the marketplace without filling the orders. Around that date, in the “About” section of the CaliPlugMike’s page, Turrentine changed his vendor information to one word: “GOODBYE.”
A few months later, a suspicious package, destined for Iowa, was found that fit the profile of packages agents had received from Turrentine, but from a vendor named “DatCubensisBoy,” on the Dark Market site. Agents acting undercover then placed orders from DatCubensisBoy, via Dark Market, for what he advertised as psychedelic mushroom spores. The packaging in which DatCubensisBoy mailed the spores appeared in all respects the same as the packaging Turrentine had used when shipping orders placed through his CaliPlugMike page. Post Office surveillance footage from the time and place DatCubensisBoy’s orders had been mailed again confirmed that Turrentine mailed them.
On Sept. 27, 2021, agents arrested Turrentine and searched his residence where they found a psychedelic mushroom cultivation operation, processed mushrooms, ready for shipment, as well as the same packaging and shipping materials Turrentine had used to send his prior packages. A review of Turrentine’s computer revealed that he had been actively operating vendor sites on the darknet under the moniker “Fantasticfungi.” Agents also found evidence on the computer confirming that Turrentine had been using the monikers “CaliPlugMike” and “DatCubensisBoy.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) task force, a team composed of agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the California National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Turrentine faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count of distribution and the count of possession with intent to distribute. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted of the money laundering count and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering activity, whichever is greater. 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.
Man Residing in Bakersfield Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Attempting to Sell Large Amount of Fentanyl, Cocaine and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jose Mario Quintero Beltran, 31, a citizen of Mexico unlawfully residing in Bakersfield, was sentenced today to nine years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on March 31, 2021, Quintero Beltran arranged to meet a customer at a Bakersfield shopping mall and sell him 20,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl for $42,000. During their meeting, Quintero Beltran also offered to sell the customer methamphetamine. Afterwards, law enforcement officers searched Quintero Beltran’s vehicle and residence and located a total of 51,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, packages containing an additional 15 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of cocaine, and approximately 1 pound of pure methamphetamine, all of which Quintero Beltran intended to distribute to others.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
Fresno Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Eugene Dajohn Marshall, 31, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to two years and eight months in prison, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Oct. 15, 2019, law enforcement officers were called to a domestic violence disturbance at Marshall’s home. Marshall, a previously convicted felon prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and additional rounds of ammunition.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Fresno Woman Pleads Guilty to Committing $100,000 in Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alena Nicole George, 43, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to access device fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from February through April 2019, George used a credit card that was fraudulently opened in the identity of a victim with a name similar to her own name to make $100,000 in purchases at national retailers and cash advances at a national bank.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente Tennerelli and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
George is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 21, 2022. George 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.
Woodland Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Israel Covarrubias, 29, of Woodland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and carrying a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in 2017, Covarrubias and others sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for law enforcement. In 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Covarrubias’s residence in Woodland. Covarrubias fled out the back door of the residence with a loaded Glock pistol and a pound of cocaine as law enforcement officers were entering the front door of the residence.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee 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.
Stanislaus County Men Charged with Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Ricardo Ballardo Quintero, 33, and Juan Suarez Jr., 28, both of Modesto, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Quintero and Suarez were arrested after delivering 199 pounds of methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers. Search warrants executed at the homes of both men and vehicles seen leaving those homes shortly after their arrest yielded a total of an additional 27 pounds of methamphetamine, packaging materials, a digital scale, pay owe sheets, receipts for multi-gallon acetone purchases, and approximately $18,500 in cash.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Quintero and Suarez each face a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a $10 million fine, and a term of supervised release of at least five years. 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.
Fresno Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Smuggle Heroin and Methamphetamine into the Fresno County JailRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alfredo Garcia Jr., 27, of Fresno, was sentenced today to 10 years and eight months in prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Dec. 1, 2020 and Jan. 26, 2021, Garcia, who was an inmate at the Fresno County Jail, conspired with another inmate and others outside of jail to smuggle methamphetamine and heroin into the jail for distribution among inmates. The plot was discovered when law enforcement agents reviewed recorded jail calls and learned about the attempted smuggling set to occur on Jan. 26. On that date, law enforcement officers intercepted an individual attempting to deliver athletic shoes to the jail for an inmate. The shoes were searched, and hidden compartments were found inside the shoes containing the illicit narcotics.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno Police Department, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
Fresno Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm After Attempting to Evade PoliceRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Robbie Soto, 26, of Fresno, charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 22, 2021, Soto was a passenger in a car that officers attempted to stop for a traffic violation. Soto fled from the car and led officers on a chase. Law enforcement officers eventually caught up to him, arrested him, and recovered two loaded firearms, one of which was equipped with a loaded high-capacity magazine. Soto has been convicted of felonies two times, in Fresno County in 2016 and in federal court in 2018.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Soto 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.
Fresno Woman Indicted for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft in Year-Long SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — An indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of Bobbi Jo Heiss, 34, of Fresno, charging her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment on October 14.
According to court documents, between August 2020 and September 2021, Heiss engaged in a scheme to steal debit cards, checks, identity documents, and banking information in order to make fraudulent purchases, cash checks, and open unauthorized lines of credit. It is alleged that caused at least $250,000 in actual and attempted loss during that year-long period.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office - Elder Abuse Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of bank fraud, Heiss faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft, Heiss faces a mandatory, consecutive sentence of two 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.
Stanislaus County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing 10 Pounds of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Juan Carlos Cortez-Gomez, 51, of Riverbank, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Sept. 15, 2020, Cortez-Gomez agreed to sell methamphetamine to an FBI informant. When Cortez-Gomez arrived at the location for the sale, he was arrested by officers. A search of his truck revealed 10 pounds of methamphetamine. During a post-arrest statement, Cortez-Gomez admitted he knowingly possessed this methamphetamine and that he was planning to sell it.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.
Cortez-Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 31, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Cortez-Gomez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is 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.
Mexican Native Sentenced for Toxic Marijuana Cultivation Operation in the Sierra National Forest in Madera CountyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Luis Madrigal-Reyes, 37, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to two years and five months in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Madrigal was also ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the extreme damage that the cultivation operation had on public land.
According to court documents, the cultivation operation consisted of 2,307 marijuana plants in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County. U.S. Forest Service agents saw Madrigal carrying fertilizers into the grow site and later apprehended him after they chased him down the side of a mountain. The cultivation operation caused significant damage to the area, which serves as habitat for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, an endangered species and the California spotted owl, which is currently being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Agents found deadly banned pesticides sprayed directly on the plants.
The cultivation site was located in the Chiquito Creek watershed, which drains into the Fresno River before flowing into the San Joaquin River. Approximately 8.55 million gallons of water had been diverted from a nearby natural stream to irrigate the marijuana plants.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) of the California Department of Justice, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The environmental damage to the forest was analyzed and documented by Integral Ecology Research Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Madrigal’s co-defendant, Lester Eduardo Cardenas Flores, 24, also a native and citizen of Mexico, is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 15, 2021. He faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as 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.
Marijuana plant sprayed with deadly pesticide Marijuana plant sprayed with deadly pesticideFormer Department of Defense Employee Charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury Brought to the United States to Face ChargeRead the Press Release
A former civilian employee of the Department of Defense arrived in the United States Friday from Germany to face a charge for assaulting a U.S. military member in the Republic of Korea last year.
According to court documents, Gerald Leon Ray III, 25, of Lathrop, California, intentionally struck an individual in the side of the head, causing the victim serious bodily injury. The alleged assault occurred on July 26, 2020, in the Republic of Korea, where Ray was employed by the Defense Commissary Agency, a component of the Department of Defense. The victim was an active-duty member in the U.S. Army.
On June 17, a grand jury in the Eastern District of California indicted Ray on one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The charge was brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, civilian employees of the Armed Forces.
On Oct. 13, U.S. military authorities arrested Ray on a U.S. military installation in Germany. That same day, Ray had his initial appearance remotely before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremy Peterson. On Oct. 14, Judge Peterson ordered that Ray be removed from Germany to the United States pursuant to MEJA.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert of the Eastern District of California, Special Agent Andrew D. Franz of the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations – Osan Air Base Korea and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI are investigating this case, with valuable assistance by the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Marshals Service in connection with the arrest, initial detention and transport of Ray.
Trial Attorney John-Alex Romano of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Burglarizing 8 Post OfficesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Steven Martin, 39, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to burglarizing a post office, Acting 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 thousands of dollars in damages.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
Martin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 14, 2022. Martin 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.
Bakersfield Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Raylon Thijay Randle, 24, of Bakersfield, was charged today by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of ammunition, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 19, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle in which Randle was a passenger and discovered that he possessed a 9 mm handgun loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Randle cannot lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because he was convicted in 2016 of first degree burglary and in 2018 of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by 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 case.
If convicted, Randle 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.
Clovis CPA Indicted for Stealing over $1 Million from a BankRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Oct. 7, 2021, a grand jury returned an indictment against Kenneth Gould, 65, of Clovis, charging him with bank larceny for stealing over $1 million from a federally insured financial institution, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The indictment was unsealed today, and Gould will be arraigned tomorrow on Oct. 14.
According to court documents, Gould was a CPA in Clovis who owned and operated a payroll services company. From October 2017 through March 2018, he initiated over 90 fraudulent Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments totaling over $20 million from one of his clients’ accounts to his payroll company’s account at the same bank. An ACH payment is a type of Electronic Funds Transfer used to move money from one bank account to another account.
Based on its prior business relationship with Gould, the bank credited the fraudulent ACH payments to the payroll company’s account before it realized there were insufficient funds to cover the payments, denied them, and attempted to recover its money. Over $1 million of the credited funds, however, was gone because Gould withdrew the money while the payments were pending. Gould withdrew the money in cash, cashier’s checks, and online transfers to other accounts to which he had access. The bank made several demands to Gould for repayment. He repeatedly promised to repay the funds, but never did so.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Barton is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gould faces a maximum statutory penalty of 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 considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account several variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ventura County Man Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Narcotics Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ian Hoffmann, 42, of Bell Canyon, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Hoffmann and his co-conspirators sold heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine using the dark web vendor accounts CALICARTEL and BUXOMBRUNETTE on the dark web Dream marketplace, PLAYGROUND on the Silk Road 3.1 marketplace, and GAMBINOCRIMEFAMILY on the Wall Street Market. Federal agents served a search warrant at Hoffmann’s residence in May 2019, and seized more than 2 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing heroin, more than 7 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, and more than 19 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Agents also seized a firearm and cryptocurrency as part of their investigation into Hoffman’s narcotics distribution operation.
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 U.S. Attorneys Paul Hemesath and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting the case.
Hoffmann is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Jan. 11, 2022. Hoffmann faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had – and will continue to have – on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims, which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners, who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
HSI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Fresno County Sherriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa of the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) 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 epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fresno Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Fresno man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly, and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had — and will continue to have — on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators, and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
The case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fresno Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of Multiple Children Through Social Media AppsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Fresno man was sentenced today to 55 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Jacob Blanco, 29, of Fresno, pleaded guilty in May 2020 to sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. According to court documents, Blanco’s activities were discovered in March 2017 when the parents of a then six-year-old discovered the child had communicated with and created sexually explicit images at the request of another user on the social media application Musical.ly (now TikTok). Law enforcement investigators subsequently identified the offender as Blanco.
Investigators thereafter searched Blanco’s residence and digital devices and discovered that he had successfully persuaded and coerced multiple minors to produce sexually explicit material. Blanco used various methods of deception and enticement, including by pretending to be a modeling agent or to be a minor himself. Blanco used Snapchat, Kik, Musical.ly, and other applications to communicate with minor females for the purpose of having those minors create and transmit to him images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Blanco admitted, as part of his plea agreement, that he communicated with at least 50 minors and asked for and received sexually explicit images from many of them.
“The defendant used an array of social media to target and manipulate young children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “I commend the investigative and prosecution teams for their success in removing a dangerous child predator from the community. While no amount of jail time can undo the pain caused in this case, I hope today’s sentence brings a sense of justice and healing to those harmed by the defendant’s crimes.”
“Today’s sentence is warranted due to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, the large number of minor victims, and the impact that the defendant’s conduct has had — and will continue to have — on the dozens of children victimized by the defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The fact that the defendant used social media to sexually exploit the victims serves as a reminder that the internet can be a dangerous place especially for children.”
“The abuse and exploitation of children is deeply cruel, violating the trust and safety of victims which generates trauma that may never fully heal. We hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice to those he harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “HSI stands ready with its local, state and federal partners to bring a network of resources and its international law enforcement capabilities to bare against those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable. HSI appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents, computer forensics agents, criminal analysts, victim witness coordinators, and forensic interviewers, together with the investigative and prosecutorial teams of our law enforcement partners who are unwavering in their commitment to pursue these predators.”
The case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa and Trial Attorney Nadia C. Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) 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.