Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Aryan Brotherhood Associate Pleads Guilty to a Racketeering Conspiracy that Directed Murders and Other Violent Crimes from Inside California PrisonsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — One of 16 members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood (AB), a prison-based gang, charged in 2019 for organized criminal activity inside and outside of California’s prisons has pleaded guilty today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Samuel Keeton, 41, of Menifee, an AB gang associate, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (known as the “RICO” statute) and to conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2016, AB members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, committing multiple acts involving murder and drug trafficking offenses. From their shared cell in California State Prison (CSP) Sacramento, Ronald Yandell and William Sylvester oversaw a significant heroin and methamphetamine trafficking operation using smuggled-in cellphones to communicate with AB members and associates.
In June 2019, sixteen defendants were indicted on federal racketeering and other charges. The allegations include murders, drug trafficking and other violent crimes. Nine of the defendants were inmates in California prisons and six of those were serving life sentences for murder.
According to the plea agreement, between March 2016 and at least October 2016, Keeton knowingly associated with the AB and knew that this group regularly engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity that included murder, assault, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. For his part, Keeton assisted the AB by picking up and distributing methamphetamine and heroin on behalf of AB members Yandell, Sylvester, and Travis Burhop. Keeton also delivered drug proceeds to AB associates outside of prison. During the RICO conspiracy, Yandell, Sylvester, and Burhop were all incarcerated within the California prison system, and Keeton communicated with them over contraband cellphones.
As part of his guilty plea, Keeton admitted that he knew that Yandell and Sylvester were AB members based upon his discussions with them during 2016, including the crimes that he was asked to commit and that he agreed to commit, such as assisting in smuggling cellphones, drugs, and other contraband into prison. As part of the RICO conspiracy, on July 11, 2016, Keeton transported and delivered at least 100 grams of heroin from Southern California to Jeanna Quesenberry in Sacramento on behalf of Yandell and the AB. On Aug. 11, 2016, Keeton participated in a plot to smuggle methamphetamine and other contraband into CSP Sacramento for Sylvester with the agreement and assistance of Kevin MacNamara, a licensed California lawyer living in Southern California. Keeton also collected AB drug money on Aug. 12, 2016.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Vallejo Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Keeton is scheduled for a hearing regarding sentencing before U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 29, 2021. Keeton faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a fine up to $10 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Charges against the other defendants are pending. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case 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.
Second Extradited Israeli Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Conducting Illegal Gambling Business, Money Laundering, and Failure to AppearRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Orel Gohar, 30, formerly of San Francisco, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conducting an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and failure to appear, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Gohar participated in operating an organization that installed and maintained illegal video slot machines at businesses open to the public across Northern California. Gohar also participated in two different conspiracies to launder the proceeds of the lucrative gambling business through co-defendants’ other businesses. In total, Gohar participated in laundering at least $650,000.
Court documents also detail Gohar’s escape from the United States by charter jet through Mexico, France, and Israel. Gohar was first arrested on Dec. 8, 2017, in connection with his initial charges and granted pretrial release. On Jan. 8, 2018, he failed to appear in federal court for a hearing, and he remained a fugitive for nearly two years until his arrest in Israel in December 2019.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Israeli authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Miriam R. Hinman is prosecuting the case.
Co-defendant Eran Buhbut, 35, of Oakland, has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. The remaining co-defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
Gohar is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge John A. Mendez on March 2, 2021. Gohar faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for the illegal gambling offense, 20 years in prison for each of the money laundering conspiracies, and five years in prison for the failure to appear (to be served consecutively to the other sentences imposed). 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.
More than 60 Aryan Brotherhood Gang Members and Associates Arrested for Violent Crime, Firearms, Fraud, and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — As part of a multi-agency operation, more than 60 individuals associated with the Aryan Brotherhood were arrested in California, Nevada and Montana on federal and state charges in connection with their gang activities, including violent crimes, illegal firearms trafficking and possession and drug trafficking.
The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the ATF’s San Francisco Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office, and Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
“For the second time in less than 18 months, we are announcing federal charges against Aryan Brotherhood members and associates, a violent gang operating in California prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Yesterday, five inmates were transferred to federal custody from California state prisons. All were serving lengthy sentences, two were serving life sentences for murder. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.”
“This operation was an expansive multi-agency law enforcement investigation into the ongoing violent criminal activity conducted by the Aryan Brotherhood and associated gangs throughout the Fresno area and the nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Gorman. “ATF and our law enforcement partners knew that if we effectively and efficiently leveraged our resources and specialties that we would accomplish much more together than we could alone. From the outset, we had a clear plan and a sharp focus for running an investigation that would impact the community for the better. Thanks to a tremendous amount of great work on the street level, we have accomplished what we set out to do.”
“The FBI continues to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure we all have safe neighborhoods for our families. Our collaborative investigation is a testament to the success of a multi-agency approach to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Ragan. “In addition to the significant efforts of our partners, FBI agents, deputized task force officers, intelligence analysts, and support personnel alone have committed more than 6,000 hours of work to the success of this operation since August 2019.”
Earlier this year, investigators began seeing evidence that Aryan Brotherhood (AB) members and associates in prison were directing criminal activities outside of the prison walls. The AB is gang formed in the California prison system in about 1964 by white inmates who wanted to gain power and authority in prison. It includes other associated gangs, such as Fresnecks, Peckerwoods, and Skinheads.
During the course of the investigation, robberies, murders, drug trafficking, pervasive fraud, and firearms offenses occurring in Fresno, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Inyo, and other areas in California, were tied to the AB prison gang. Eventually, the investigation reached as far as Montana, Missouri, Idaho, and Alabama. Eleven acts of violence were intercepted before they were accomplished, and over 80 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of heroin, and over 25 firearms were seized.
According to the federal complaint, a network of defendants engaged in a series of firearms and drug trafficking offenses, mostly led by defendants Robert Eversole, Kenneth Bash, and Todd Morgan. The drug offenses involved pound quantities of methamphetamine, and the trafficking extended outside of California. Additionally, several defendants participated in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs and dangerous contraband into prisons. The complaint also alleges illegal firearms possession related to a plan to commit a murder. The complaint charges the following defendants:
1) Kenneth Bash, aka “Bash” of Salinas Valley State Prison (drug trafficking)
2) Robert Eversole, aka “Rage,” of Kern Valley State Prison (firearms and drug trafficking)
3) Stephanie Madsen of Torrance (drug trafficking)
4) Todd Morgan, aka “Fox,” of Salinas Valley State Prison (drug trafficking)
5) David Zachocki, aka “Lil David Z,” of Lodi (felon in possession of a firearm)
6) Cody Brown of Atascadero (drug trafficking)
7) Regina Broomall, aka “G,” of Santa Maria (firearms trafficking)
8) Geoffrey Guess, aka “Active,” of Fresno (firearms trafficking)
9) Angel Lopez, aka “Rascal,” of Salinas Valley State Prison (drug trafficking)
10) Joseph McWilliams, aka “Janky,” (drug trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense)
11) James Armstrong (drug trafficking)
12) Marlon Palmer, aka “P-Nut,” of Salinas Valley State Prison (drug trafficking)
13) Samantha Booth of Clovis (drug trafficking)
14) Jacob Renshaw, aka “Shredder,” in custody in Montana (drug trafficking)
15) Amanda Gourley, aka “Biggie,” of Fresno (drug trafficking)
The Fresno County District Attorney’s office has charged more than 30 people in connection with this investigation for gang conspiracy, fraud and violent crimes including kidnapping, carjacking, assault with a firearm and arson.
As part of this operation, 39 federal and state search warrants were served in Fresno, Santa Maria, Los Angeles, and Montana. Multiple guns, and over 7 pounds of methamphetamine, prescription pills and heroin were found and seized as a result of these searches. Additionally, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation conducted searches of 63 cells in 14 state prisons in California related to this investigation. Among the items seized in the prisons were cellphones and drugs.
This investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Fresno Police Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit (SSU).
Assisting in the arrests were the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bishop Police Department, and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and Thomas Newman, and Fresno County Deputy District Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes and Dennis Lewis are handling the prosecutions.
The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stanislaus County Man Charged with Cyberstalking Airbnb GuestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. – A federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment against Kevin James Strutz, 49, of Ceres, charging him with cyberstalking, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today.
According to court documents, Strutz secretly made a video recording of an adult female who stayed at the residence where Strutz was living in Ceres in February 2020. The victim ended her stay at the residence when she discovered a message on a cellphone that Strutz had left in a shared bathroom. Over the next several months, Strutz continued to contact the victim through Facebook accounts, one of which used a false identity. The messages became increasingly aggressive and one included an image of the victim exiting a shower that had been taken without her knowledge or consent at the Airbnb residence. Strutz sent the image to her with a demand that she send him a sexually explicit video or he would send the photo to her friends and family.
Law enforcement has learned that Strutz may have victimized more than one person. Anyone with additional information or who believes that they might be a victim can contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Ceres Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Strutz faces a maximum statutory penalty of five 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.
Fresno Man Indicted on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today charging Sammy Booboo Garcia, 19, of Fresno, with unlawfully possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on April 29, law enforcement officers in Fresno stopped Garcia for a traffic violation and arrested him when they found him in possession of a firearm. Garcia has a felony conviction for corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Schuh and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Sammy Booboo Garcia faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Fresno Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Thousands of Fentanyl Pills and a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Armando Chavez Jr., 19, of Fresno, charging him with possessing over 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute it and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Armando Chavez Jr. was selling counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl on Snapchat, a social media platform. After a nonfatal overdose was reported, Federal law enforcement agents working in an undercover capacity contacted Chavez and ordered oxycodone pills from him. Chavez agreed to sell the pills and drove to a predetermined meeting location. Once he arrived, Chavez and his car were searched, and law enforcement found approximately 100 fentanyl pills. Agents then executed a federal search warrant at Chavez’s residence. Inside his bedroom, law enforcement found over 1,300 fentanyl pills packaged for distribution and a loaded handgun.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the California Highway Patrol, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Chavez faces a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, a five-year consecutive mandatory minimum sentence (for a total 10-year mandatory minimum sentence), a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to a $5 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Former Correctional Officer Charged with Civil Rights Violations for Assaulting InmatesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) correctional officer was charged today with criminal civil rights violations and submitting false reports, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
A federal grand jury in Sacramento returned an indictment against Arturo Pacheco, 38, of Mather, charging him with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation.
According to the indictment, Pacheco was a correctional officer at California State Prison, Sacramento. On Sept. 15, 2016, Pacheco and another former correctional officer, Ashley Marie Aurich, escorted an inmate whose hands were handcuffed behind the inmate’s back. During the escort, Pacheco bent down behind the inmate and pulled the inmate’s legs out from under him. This caused the inmate to immediately fall forward, violently striking his head and upper torso on the concrete. The inmate-victim was taken to the hospital where he died approximately two days later.
“Pacheco, abused his position of authority to harm an inmate,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Instead of upholding and enforcing the law, he went on to conceal his actions and asked others to assist him. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold accountable correctional officers who violate the public’s trust by harming inmates or by covering up wrongdoing.”
“The FBI’s Civil Rights Program dedicates significant effort to investigating police misconduct and other crimes committed by individuals exploiting their government-granted powers. When individuals working in an official capacity violate the trust of their communities by abusing that power, they undermine the hard work of all officials," said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. "The FBI is committed to strengthen trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable.”
Aurich was charged separately with a single count of falsification of records in a federal investigation. Pacheco and Aurich allegedly prepared false reports regarding Pacheco’s assault on the victim in which both Pacheco and Aurich failed to identify another witness to the assault and inaccurately described Pacheco’s conduct. Pacheco and Aurich prepared their respective false reports in order to impede and obstruct the ensuing federal investigation.
According to the indictment, on May 19, 2016, Pacheco used his CDCR-issued pepper spray to spray a different inmate in the face. At the time, the inmate was calm and compliant. The pepper spray caused the inmate to experience an extreme burning sensation, physical pain, and temporary blindness. Following this incident, Pacheco submitted another false report in which he falsely described his conduct and the reason why he sprayed the inmate-victim in the face with pepper spray.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, Pacheco faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. If convicted of falsification of records in a federal investigation, Pacheco and Aurich face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Eastern District of California Receives Funding to Hire Dedicated Prosecutor to Combat Cares Act Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Eastern District of California has been allocated funding to hire an Assistant U.S. Attorney for a one-year term, who will focus on prosecuting cases involving schemes to unlawfully obtain unemployment insurance benefits and related offenses through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today.
The CARES Act allocated $270 billion for supplemental federal unemployment insurance benefits. Additionally, President Donald J. Trump directed that $44 billion in federal disaster relief funds be used to provide supplemental unemployment insurance benefits to eligible claimants. The substantial increase in funding for unemployment insurance benefits unfortunately spurred a dramatic spike in unemployment insurance fraud across the country, resulting in the theft of federal funds intended to help those struggling with unemployment during the current pandemic and economic crisis.
“Initial indications are that the level of fraud in California will involve thousands of thieves and hundreds of millions of dollars of stolen taxpayer money,” U.S. Attorney Scott said. “These funds are intended to help workers struggling in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, but the fraud schemes deplete the fund and cheat the very workers the funds are intended to protect. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and stop fraud schemes like this that harm California workers.”
The U.S. Department of Justice, in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies, created the U.S. Department of Justice National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force. This task force is charged with investigating numerous CARES Act fraud schemes targeting the unemployment insurance programs of state workforce agencies and will work closely with United States Attorneys’ Offices to prosecute those individuals who have fraudulently diverted these funds from those struggling with unemployment.
Shasta County and Butte County Residents Charged in $35M Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The creator of investment companies Family Wealth Legacy and Zolla was arrested today for a $35 million fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Matthew Piercey, 44, of Palo Cedro, was arrested today after a grand jury returned an indictment on Nov. 12, charging him with wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and witness tampering. The indictment was unsealed today following his arrest.
When law enforcement agents attempted to arrest Piercey today, he fled from arrest by leading agents on a vehicle chase through residential neighborhoods and then onto the highway before abandoning his vehicle and entering Lake Shasta with an underwater submersible device. Law enforcement officers arrested him after he emerged from the lake.
In addition, Kenneth Winton, 67, of Oroville, was charged separately by criminal information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, from about July 2015 through August 2020, Piercey carried out an investment fraud scheme that raised a total of approximately $35 million in investor funds. Piercey used Family Wealth Legacy and Zolla to solicit funds from investors using a variety of false and misleading statements, including about trading algorithms, the success of the companies’ investment strategies, and the liquidity of investments. For example, Piercey solicited investor money for an “Upvesting Fund” that allegedly was an algorithmic trading fund with a history of success, but he admitted privately to an associate that there was no Upvesting Fund. Piercey first recruited Winton as an investor, then to assist with raising investor funds, and ultimately to take on management responsibilities at Zolla. From 2018 to 2020, Winton conspired with Piercey and made various false and misleading statements to investors, including about the success of Zolla’s investment strategies, the reasons for delays in payment to investors, and the current location, value, and nature of Zolla investments.
Piercey and Winton used some investor money to make payments to other investors in a “Ponzi scheme.” In total, they paid back approximately $8.8 million to investors. They used other investor money for various business and personal expenses, including two residential properties and a houseboat. Few, if any, liquid assets remain to repay investors.
According to court documents, Piercey also tampered with multiple witnesses by discouraging them from responding to grand jury subpoenas related to the investigation.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher S. Hales and Miriam R. Hinman are prosecuting the case.
Piercey is scheduled for his initial appearance and arraignment on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Winton is scheduled for his initial appearance on Thursday, Nov. 19.
If convicted, Piercey faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, for each wire fraud and mail fraud count; 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each witness tampering count; and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater, for each money laundering count. If convicted, Winton faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Operators of Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization in Kern County Face Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned three indictments against nine individuals on Thursday, charging the defendants with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Kern County, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
The first indictment charges Miguel Zuniga Arteaga, 41, of Delano; Armando Martinez, 60, of Los Angeles; Terry Whited, 37, of Idaho; Miguel Angel Sanchez-Meza, 48, of Mexico; Juan Vizuett-Resendiz, 34, of Texas; and Vincente Salvador Arenas-Garcia, 36, of Bakersfield, with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine,
According to court documents, between Aug. 9, 2017, and Nov. 10, 2020, these defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Kern County and elsewhere. During the course of this investigation, law enforcement obtained court-authorized wiretaps and seized over 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of methamphetamine, approximately $259,840 in purported narcotics proceeds, and seven firearms.
The second indictment charges Miguel Zuniga Arteaga, 41, of Delano; Armando Martinez, 60, of Chino Hills; and Rene Zepeda Felix, 36, of Bakersfield, with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, between Aug. 9, 2017, and Oct. 27, 2017, these defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Kern County and elsewhere.
The third indictment charges Jose Eden Landeros, 40, and Israel Munguia-Munoz, 40, both of Mexico, with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, between Nov. 13, 2017, and June 1, 2018, these defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Kern County and elsewhere.
These cases are the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Kern County Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Scott and Jessica Massey are prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anticrime task force in the country, and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Assaulting a Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Pablo G. Rivera, 36, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to two years and six months in prison for assault on federal officer or employee, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on Jan. 19, 2019, Rivera forcibly assaulted a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in his mail truck while the mail carrier was delivering mail. That day, the defendant attempted to enter several occupied vehicles on Shaw Avenue in Fresno, CA. When he was unsuccessful, he forced his way into a mail truck by shoving the mail carrier. The mail carrier escaped, but Rivera absconded with the mail truck. He was apprehended after he crashed into a telephone pole and fled on foot. Rivera was charged in both state and federal court. He pleaded guilty to the federal charge on Aug. 21.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Hacel Alfredo Alvarez, 36, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. In addition, U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd ordered the forfeiture of Alvarez’s residence, which was used to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.
Alvarez pleaded guilty on Jan. 27. According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant, officers found 21 pounds of methamphetamine and over 1 pound of heroin at his residence in Bakersfield. The officers also found over $10,000 in cash, which was previously forfeited. Alvarez admitted that he had been distributing methamphetamine for over one and a half years.
At sentencing, Judge Drozd stated that the sheer quantities of drugs involved are too significant to cast aside. Alvarez’s conduct was “serious” and his “ongoing criminal behavior” justified a lengthy sentence.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, which consists of agents from Homeland Security Investigations and Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen A. Escobar and Kevin Khasigian prosecuted the case.
Tulare County Man Arrested for over $8 M Fraud that Purported to Turn Cow Manure into Renewable EnergyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Raymond Brewer, 64, of Porterville, was arrested today on a 24-count indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. A grand jury returned an indictment on Oct. 29, and it was unsealed today.
According to court records, since at least March 2014, Brewer acted primarily through his now defunct, Tulare-based company called CH4 Power to steal at least $8,750,000 from investors. He purported to build anaerobic digesters on dairies in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties and elsewhere in California and Idaho.
The digesters were supposed to convert cow manure into renewable energy in the form of methane natural gas. The natural gas, in turn, could be sold to generate revenue and returns for investors. But Brewer never actually built or even began construction on the digesters. Instead, he used the investors’ money to make various personal expenditures, which included his personal residence, new vehicles, and a property in Montana.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Henry Z. Carbajal III are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the wire fraud, Brewer faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of money laundering, he faces 10-20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000-$500,000, or twice the amount of funds involved, whichever is greater. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, he faces a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to any other sentence. Any sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lassen County Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Joshua Paul Doyle, 38, of Susanville, charging him with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Doyle was arrested twice in the span of six months during traffic stops, each time found to be in possession of methamphetamine for distribution and firearms. Doyle has been convicted previously of crimes punishable by more than a year in prison and is therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms.
On May 12, when a law enforcement officer executed a traffic stop in Susanville on a vehicle for having no front license plate, the officer identified the driver as Doyle. During a pat-down search, deputies found methamphetamine in his pockets. In the search of Doyle’s vehicle that followed, deputies found a loaded handgun in the center console, as well as another loaded handgun and nearly a pound of methamphetamine in a backpack in the back seat. Doyle was arrested and later released on bail pending trail.
On Sept. 30, Doyle was again stopped in Susanville when a records check of the car’s license plate indicated it had been reported stolen. During a search of the car, officers found brass knuckles, roughly 5 ounces (150 grams) of methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun in the center console.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, the Lassen County District Attorney's Office, and the Susanville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Doyle faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for each of the narcotics charges, each of which also have a statutory minimum sentence of five years. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the felon in possession 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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Folsom Man Indicted for Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Matthew Goyder, 37, of Folsom, charging him with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between July 2017 and March 2020, Goyder engaged in the sexual exploitation of three minor victims using the internet. In addition, he distributed and received child pornography.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas Park Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Folsom Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, Goyder faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison up to a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the receipt and distribution of child pornography counts, Goyder faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case 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.
Florida Man Indicted for Selling Fentanyl on the Darknet in Exchange for CryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Florida man was indicted today for distributing heroin, oxymorphone, oxycodone, and fentanyl as the narcotics vendor “chlnsaint” on Empire Market, a darknet hidden service, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Chaloner Saintillus, 32, of Delray Beach, Florida, was charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and four counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, the vendor site for “chlnsaint” advertised the sale of fentanyl, carfentanyl, cocaine, oxymorphone, and other narcotics. From August 2019, when the vendor account was created, through August 2020, when Empire Market stopped its operations, “chlnsaint” completed over 1,100 narcotics sales and had a positive customer feedback rating of 98%. Saintillus also offered direct deals through the encrypted messaging app Wickr under the name “showstill.”
Through the course of the investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover buys of fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Surveillance footage from the post offices from where the parcels were mailed revealed that Saintillus paid for the postage. Agents also conducted surveillance of Saintillus in Florida and identified him mailing a parcel that was later seized and found to contain fentanyl. Agents conducted a search of Saintillus’ residence on Oct. 26, and found a loaded handgun, more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl, and approximately $25,000 in the cryptocurrency XRP.
This case was investigated by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) task force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. NCIDE agents received assistance from the West Palm Beach, Florida offices of USPIS, HSI, FBI, and DEA, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Delray Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant B. Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Saintillus faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted of the drug distribution charges, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bakersfield Man Indicted for Scheme Creating Dozens of Fraudulent Accounts and Siphoning More Than $900,000 from Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eleven-count indictment today against Nahed Mishmish, 46, of Bakersfield, charging him with wire fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme that caused more than $900,000 in losses to the financial institutions, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the indictment, between Jan. 1, 2015, and Jan. 15, 2020, Mishmish carried out a scheme to defraud Synchrony Bank, Capital One and other credit card companies and financial institutions. Mishmish obtained personally identifiable information (PII) of numerous individuals without their authorization and used the information to open credit card accounts. Mishmish allegedly used the cards to pay for personal expenses such as a vehicle lease and rent. The credit accounts were also being used to purchase large amounts of cigarettes at Rite Aid stores.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI was tipped off that someone in Kern County was creating and using fraudulent credit card accounts, in part to buy large quantities of cigarettes from a Rite Aid store in McFarland. The FBI identified this individual as Mishmish. During a search of Mishmish’s residence, more than 60 cellphones were found and seized. The cellphones were marked with names, PII, and corresponding credit accounts.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and task force members: the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Bakersfield Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Mishmish faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of wire and mail fraud, a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison on each count of aggravated identity theft 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.
Fairfield Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kenny Losito, 31, of Fairfield, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison on Monday for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court records, Losito was arrested by the Vacaville Police Department on March 14, 2019, following a traffic stop. Officers found a loaded 9 mm handgun under Losito’s seat that officers later determined had been reported stolen in Nevada. After being released on bail, Losito was again arrested by the Vacaville Police Department on April 19, 2019, following a traffic stop, and was found with a loaded Tanfoglio GT32 firearm under his seat. Losito has several prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kennedy prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Chico Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison for 10 Burglaries of Post Offices in Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Sutter and Tehama CountiesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Chico man was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for burglaries of post offices in Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Sutter and Tehama counties, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On Aug. 4, Jeremy Elguez, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and admitted to burglarizing 10 U.S. Postal Service post offices. According to court documents, between Aug. 23, 2019 and March 1, 2020, Elguez burglarized the Butte City Post Office twice, the Glenn Post Office twice, the Vina Post Office, the Bangor Post Office, the Stirling City Post Office, the Meridian Post Office, the Artois Post Office, and the Cassel Post Office. Items reported stolen during these burglaries included mail, postal money orders, cameras, and a check for $80,000. On Aug. 1, 2019, Elguez also attempted to cash a $350,000 check stolen from the mail.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya B. Syed prosecuted the case.
Georgia Man Arrested Today for Defrauding a California Car DealershipRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A resident of Georgia was arrested today in Grayson, Georgia, for a scheme conducted online that defrauded a business owner in in California and a second business owner in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On Oct. 22, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Michael Uziewe, 61, of Grayson, Georgia, charging him with bank fraud. This indictment was unsealed today.
According to court documents, Uziewe owned a purported business named God’s Word Christian Book Store. In March 2020, the first victim, an owner of a classic car dealership in Irvine, began communicating with a purported seller of two transmissions. At the seller’s direction, the victim sent more than $13,000 to the God’s Word business account that Uziewe controlled at Ameris Bank. The victim never received the transmissions.
Also in April 2020, the second victim, an owner of a nail salon in Jersey City, New Jersey, sent more than $100,000 to Uziewe’s Ameris Bank account. She sent the funds to assist the return to the United States of an individual who claimed he was a surgeon working for the United Nations in Yemen and needed money to pay for costs associated with traveling to the United States.
When Uziewe attempted to withdraw the funds from the God’s Word account, he falsely claimed that they were proceeds of book sales.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Uziewe faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
California EDD Fraudster Sentenced for Disability Benefits Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Angela Stubblefield, 49, of Tacoma, Washington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to two years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $219,871 in restitution for a disability benefits fraud and identity theft scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between June 14, 2013, and May 1, 2017, Stubblefield and co‑defendant Katherine Decker participated in a scheme to defraud the State of California by filing fraudulent claims for disability insurance benefits with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). In furtherance of the scheme, Decker and Stubblefield used Decker’s position as an employee with the EDD to file fraudulent claims for disability benefits and to fraudulently extend existing disability claims, using the names and identities of real persons with and without their knowledge. In total, the conspiracy resulted in 15 fraudulent disability claims, resulting in a loss to the EDD of approximately $373,566.
“EDD employees rigorously work to protect the confidentiality of our claimant’s information and the integrity of the Disability Insurance program for Californians in need,” said EDD Director Sharon Hilliard. “We are grateful for the partnership of our federal and state partners in prosecuting any violator of that policy to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case was the product of an investigation by EDD’s Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea J. Kenny and Amy S. Hitchcock prosecuted the case.
Stubblefield was ordered to report to begin service of her sentence by Feb. 1, 2021. On Sept. 14, Stubblefield’s co-defendant Katherine Decker was sentenced by Judge Mueller to three years and seven months in prison for the disability benefits fraud and identity theft scheme.
Two Stockton Gang Members Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment today against two Stockton residents and alleged members of the Everybody Killa (EBK) street gang, charging them with conspiring to deal firearms without a license and other charges, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Johnnie Earl Ross Jr., 20, is charged with conspiring to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, and possession of an unregistered machine gun. Vin Whealen Gaines Jr., 32, is charged with conspiring to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, between Oct. 10, 2019, and Oct. 22, 2020, Ross and Gaines sold at least 13 firearms to an undercover agent or confidential source on behalf of the EBK street gang in Stockton. Many of the firearms were obtained out of state, in Reno, Nevada, and some were obtained by a straw purchaser from federally licensed firearms dealers in Reno. One of the firearms was a Glock handgun with a switch that converted it to a fully automatic firearm. Gaines has prior felony convictions, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an investigation by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency task force that leverages the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
The charges carry the following penalties: a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for conspiracy to deal firearms without a license; a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for dealing firearms without a license; a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for possession of an unregistered machine gun; a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for methamphetamine distribution. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Grow 8,656 Marijuana Plants in Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced two Mexican nationals today for a conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, marijuana cultivation in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and depredation of federal lands and resources, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Armando Vargas Garcia, 38, of Mexico, and Eduardo Montero Aleman, 38, of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, were each sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay $34,931 in restitution for the damage caused to the land by the cultivation in the National Forest.
According to court documents, between Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, the defendants were involved in the cultivation of 8,656 marijuana plants in the Big Mountain area in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Two compound archery bows, nine arrows, and 42 rounds of hollow-point .22-caliber ammunition were discovered on the site. Officers also discovered bottles of carbofuran, a toxic pesticide, which is banned in the United States.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
Plumas County Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Damion Jay Phillips, 42, of Chester, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on July 12, Phillips was arrested following a traffic stop in Lassen County. He was found in possession of a 9 mm handgun. Phillips has several prior felony convictions for burglary, drug offenses, attempted arson, and a prior conviction for illegally possessing a firearm that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Phillips faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Mexican National Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Francisco Javier Ochoa-Anaya, 49, residing in Denair, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 26 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
“Methamphetamine continues to be a scourge in California with devastating consequences to drug users and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Today’s sentence marks an end to this defendant’s long criminal history in the United States and Mexico. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not waver in our resolve to end the scourge of illegal drugs flooding our neighborhoods.”
According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2019, Ochoa received a shipment of approximately 118 pounds (54 kilograms) of methamphetamine. Ochoa enlisted the aid of co-defendant Victoria Rodriguez to assist him in weighing and packaging the methamphetamine. On Sept. 5, 2019, agents seized the methamphetamine during a search of Ochoa’s vehicle. In addition, agents seized a cooler stored with the methamphetamine that contained one kilogram of cocaine, five loaded firearms, a bulletproof vest, several high capacity magazines, a substance used to dilute the drugs, and a digital scale.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit, composed of agents from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Stanislaus County Probation, and the Ceres Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius prosecuted the case.
Victoria Rodriguez is in custody serving a 30-month sentence.
Merced County Man Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Angelo Frank Salaz, 31, of Los Banos, charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on May 19, officers attempted to stop Salaz for traffic violations, including no front license plate and expired registration tags. Salas fled, however, running stop signs and driving on the wrong side of the street. Once the vehicle came to a stop, Salaz ran from the vehicle but was apprehended by the officers. When Salaz was searched, officers found .40‑caliber ammunition in his pockets and a loaded .40‑caliber handgun in the car under the driver’s seat. Salaz had been convicted of burglary in 2014, and in 2019, was convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Banos Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country, and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency task force leverages the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Fresno Antiviolence Operation Results in 2 More Indictments Charging Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — As part of an ongoing concerted effort by local and federal law enforcement to address the significant uptick in violent crime in the City of Fresno, a federal grand jury returned indictments today against two Fresno residents with being a felon in possession of either a firearm or ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
“We are fully committed to working with local law enforcement in the City of Fresno and Fresno County to reduce violent crime there,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Both defendants charged today have multiple felony convictions including firearms related ones. In short order, six men have been indicted and face federal charges in support of this effort by law enforcement to reduce violence. We’ve just gotten started, and we’re not going away.”
Lane Kelly Whittenberg, 32, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Oct. 27, Whittenberg was involved in a verbal dispute at a restaurant and was observed to be in possession of a firearm. As police approached the location, they heard two gun shots, later determined to be fired by Whittenberg. Inside Whittenberg’s car, police saw a handgun on the front passenger seat. Whittenberg has been convicted of reckless evading of a peace officer and robbery in 2014, and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2018.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.
Simon Meza Jr., 38, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition that was found in his loaded gun. According to court documents, Meza was driving while not wearing his seatbelt, and officers tried to conduct a traffic stop. Meza continued to drive, at times recklessly. Officers discontinued the pursuit but later located Meza’s vehicle abandoned at a business on South Sarah Avenue. They found Meza hiding in a nearby park. Meza was allegedly seen discarding a bag containing a loaded firearm and a wallet with Meza’s California identification card inside. According to Fresno County Superior Court records, Meza has multiple prior convictions for illegal weapons and drug possession.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Fresno Police Department, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Tankovich is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Whittenberg and Meza face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
These cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Driver in Armed Robbery of Madera Pharmacy IndictedRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Michael Erin Vandeventer, 21, of Sparks, Nevada, charging him with interference with commerce by robbery, known as Hobbs Act Robbery, and conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on April 19, Vandeventer and others robbed a CVS Pharmacy in Madera. The additional currently unidentified suspects, one armed with a handgun, entered the pharmacy and breached the barrier to enter the employee-only area. Using the firearm as intimidation, the robbers then demanded controlled substances — “oxy,” “promethazine,” and others — and after obtaining them, fled to a getaway car, alleged to have been operated by Vandeventer. A search of Vandeventer’s phone revealed conversations and web searches showing knowledge of and preparation for the robbery.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Madera Police Department, the Fresno Police Department, and the Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Laura Jean Berger are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Vandeventer faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stockton Woman Indicted for Mail and Bank Fraud Schemes that Targeted California EDD Benefits and Identity-Theft VictimsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment Thursday against Hopelyn Rhiannon Ausk, 24, of Stockton, charging her with mail fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen U.S. mail, unlawful possession of U.S. Postal Service keys, and obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Ausk engaged in two separate fraud schemes that caused significant harm to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance program and identity-theft victims throughout Northern California. First, in 2020, she perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that targeted the Unemployment Insurance benefit program that California administers through its Employment Development Department (EDD). Under the 2020 CARES Act and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, EDD is responsible for administering unemployment insurance benefits for qualifying residents who can no longer find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ausk obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of at least 20 individuals and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims under their identities. EDD approved many of these applications and mailed benefits in the form of prepaid debit cards to addresses under Ausk’s control. Once received in the mail, she activated the cards and spent the benefits on herself.
“The EDD is committed to doing everything possible to protect the unemployment insurance program and the essential benefits it provides to Californians in need,” said EDD Director Sharon Hilliard. “We are grateful for the partnership with law enforcement and other agencies at the federal, state and local level to expose, charge, and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
Second, in 2019 and 2020, Ausk perpetrated a bank fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and fraudulent use of stolen bank cards. Ausk manufactured counterfeit U.S. Postal Service keys to break into cluster mailboxes and steal mail containing victim PII, financial information, and bank cards. She then used the bank cards and victim accounts to obtain cash and purchase merchandise for herself. Some of the stolen mail also included U.S. Economic Impact Payment checks (i.e., stimulus checks) mailed to California residents.
Ausk is also charged with obstruction of justice because, as alleged in the indictment, she corruptly obstructed, influenced, and impeded an official proceeding, and attempted to do so, by warning criminal associates about the existence and course of a criminal investigation and prosecution and directing those criminal associates to destroy evidence.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Stockton Police Department with assistance from the California Employment Development Department, Investigation Division. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ausk faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud, 30 years in prison for bank fraud, and 20 years in prison for obstruction of justice. Ausk also faces a mandatory additional sentence of two years in prison if convicted of aggravated identity theft. She also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Butte County Women Separately Indicted for FEMA Benefits Fraud in Connection with Paradise Camp FireRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned two indictments today separately charging Cynthia Seeley, 66, of Magalia, and Kristen Canapary, 53, of Butte County, with making false statements in an application for FEMA benefits in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
“These indictments are the result of ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute a variety of disaster related frauds, including fraudulent claims for disaster assistance,” U.S. Attorney Scott said. “In 2018, in the aftermath of the Carr and Camp Fires, we encouraged the public to report any suspected fraudulent activity and promised to aggressively pursue and prosecute fraud and abuse. As California continues to be affected by wildfires, we stand by that commitment, and want to remind those who would try to fraudulently profit from the situation, that the U.S. Attorney’s Office together with the federal law enforcement will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute disaster fraud.”
Following the 2018 Camp and Carr Fires, FEMA assistance was available to individuals who, as a result of the fires, had emergency needs for food, shelter, and personal items. To qualify for certain benefits, an individual’s primary residence—the place where the individual resided at the time of the fire—had to have been destroyed or damaged by the fire, among other eligibility criteria.
According to court documents, Seeley and Canapary each filed a fraudulent claim with FEMA seeking disaster assistance. They falsely claimed a primary residence that was not their true residence at the time of the fire. Seeley falsely claimed she rented a residence located at 13756 Eureka Road in Magalia and received $11,604.79 in cash benefits from FEMA. Canapary falsely claimed that she rented a home located at 1555 Sylvan Way in Paradise, and received $8,973.05 in cash benefits as well as temporary housing provided by FEMA. Seeley and Canapary are each charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits.
These indictments are the result of ongoing investigations into disaster fraud related to the California wildfires. In December 2019, six defendants were indicted for making a false statement about their primary residence in an application for FEMA assistance in connection with the Camp Fire: Patrick Prigmore, 2:19-cr-226; Daniel Connelly, 2:19-cr-223; Evan Palmer, 19-cr-225; Deborah Laughlin, 2:19-cr-229; Kristy Marie Tapp, 19-cr-227; and Andrew Keffer, 19-cr-228. Prigmore and Connelly have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The whereabouts of Kristy Marie Tapp, 34, and Andrew Keffer, 44, are unknown. If anyone has information about Keffer’s or Tapp’s whereabouts, they can call DHS-OIG’s duty line at (619) 235-2514. The charges against Tapp, Keffer, Palmer, and Laughlin are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are the result of investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley Weger is prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, Seeley and Canapary, each face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
California residents are encouraged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves, and other criminals who may try to prey on vulnerable survivors of the California fires or the various programs assisting survivors. Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse may call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721. You may also send an email to [email protected].
Fresno Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Edgar Barrera, 31, of Fresno, was sentenced to 15 years in prison today for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court records, on Nov. 10, 2019, Barrera was stopped for a traffic violation in the residential neighborhood near the intersection of Carmen and Winery Avenues in Fresno. During the stop, a New England 12-gauge shotgun was found hidden in the backseat of Barrera’s vehicle. Barrera is a convicted felon with three prior felony convictions for domestic violence.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Fresno Antiviolence Operation Results in 4 Parolees Charged with Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — As part of an ongoing concerted effort by local, state and federal law enforcement to address the significant uptick in violent crime in the City of Fresno, a federal grand jury returned indictments today against four Fresno County residents with various firearms and drug offenses, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
“These defendants were all on active parole for prior gun or drug charges— three had ties to criminal gangs, and when arrested, three were in possession of guns and the fourth was in possession of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “The U.S. Attorney’s office has focused enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in our district and will continue to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities. The bloodshed must stop.”
“The importance of today’s announcement cannot be overstated,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa A. Smittcamp. “These indictments not only send a message to criminals that seek to wreak havoc on our communities, but they offer some assurance that our proactive collaboration with our state, local and federal partners is delivering tangible results. As the state continues to reduce accountability for those that would do us harm, our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and their willingness to bring federal prosecutions, will be critical to achieving truth-in-sentencing and, most importantly, justice for victims.”
Reyes Diaz, 26, of Fresno, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. According to court documents, a parole search of Diaz’s apartment yielded over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 300 grams of heroin, digital scales, and over $11,000 in cash. Diaz is on parole for permitting another to shoot a firearm from a vehicle with a gang enhancement.
Alejandro Chavarria, 33, of Mendota, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, Chavarria was a wanted parolee. Police found Chavarria in Oakhurst coming out of a motel carrying a backpack and duffle bag. When officers approached him, he dropped the backpack, which was found to contain a Glock-style pistol bearing no serial number with an extended magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. Chavarria ran back into the unit from which he had emerged, and after a stand-off with police, was arrested. The duffle bag contained two disassembled AR‑style rifles, and three 30-round magazines. Chavarria has been convicted of attempted carjacking, drug possession and robbery. He is on parole for robbery.
Shawn Darnyel Matthews, 23, of Clovis, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Matthews, who was wanted on several felony warrants as well as a parole warrant, was arrested in Fresno, and found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. Matthews admitted to being a West Roy gang member. He is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. According to Fresno County Superior Court records, Matthews has been arrested and released on three occasions in 2020 for domestic violence, pimping, robbery, and assault. He is currently in custody on a federal detainer. Matthews is on parole for assault with a firearm.
Oshay Laray Pullen, 24, of Fresno, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 21, during a parole-compliance check, a law enforcement officer searched Pullen and found a loaded handgun magazine in his pocket. The magazine contained 10 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. Inside a car Pullen had been seen exiting, detectives found a .40‑caliber Glock-style unserialized firearm hidden underneath a child’s safety seat. The handgun was loaded with a high‑capacity magazine attached to it. Pullen is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior criminal record. Pullen is on parole for assault with a firearm.
These cases are the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno Police Department, the Madera Police Department, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica A. Massey, Kate Schuh, Justin Gilio, and Antonio Pataca are prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, Diaz faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted, Chavarria, Matthews, and Pullen face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
These cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to
Yuba City Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Stephen Gordon Wood, 41, of Yuba City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to five years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in 2012, federal agents discovered that Wood had made available thousands of images of suspected child pornography on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network that operated over the internet. Agents later searched Wood’s home and laptop computer pursuant to a search warrant. A forensic review of Wood’s laptop uncovered at least 792 images and 59 videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children being sexually exploited that had been deleted. Wood later admitted to searching for, downloading, and viewing child pornography for at least a year prior to his arrest in 2013.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Thuesen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz prosecuted the case.
Wood was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons or the U.S. Marshals Service on Jan. 11, 2021, to begin serving his sentence.
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.
U.S. Attorneys Across California Join District Attorneys to Help Victims of Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of California, Central District of California, and Southern District of California and the District Attorneys of Sacramento, Alameda, Ventura, and San Diego counties launched an online outreach campaign to help victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. The United States Attorneys and District Attorneys are joined by Childhelp, a national nonprofit organization aiding victims of child abuse.
The outreach campaign was created to combat unintended consequence of COVID-19 public health measures— an alarming rise in domestic violence with victims trapped at home with their abusers under increasing stress. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has reported an increase in contacts to the hotline during COVID-19. Reports show that physicians are treating more domestic violence injuries and that these injuries are more severe. According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 6 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. Research further shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have access to a firearm.
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, and 13 were brought by the Eastern District of California.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office regularly works with local law enforcement and this joint outreach is another example of this partnership,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “With Childhelp, our offices have come together across California to try to reach as many victims of domestic violence as we can, and to help prevent domestic violence by providing resources and raising awareness.”
According to Childhelp Founder & CEO, Sara O’Meara, “The partnership of California’s safety leaders with Childhelp to secure children during COVID-19 is a model for child welfare across the country. All these huge hearts coming together to find children trapped in the shadows of abuse will not only save lives, but create a culture of compassion that will exist long after this virus is behind us.”
The campaign includes a video public service announcement and public awareness messages posted on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms with a new post made each day for one week. The posts provide information for victims with resources, such as 24-hour hotlines and other services vital to reporting abuse. The posts also provide tips for concerned friends, relatives, and educators on how they can help victims of abuse. This outreach campaign follows a July campaign addressing domestic violence and child abuse and exploitation by U.S. Attorney Scott, Childhelp, and the District Attorneys of Alameda, Sacramento, and San Diego counties.
U.S. Attorney Names District Election Officer to Oversee the Handling of Complaints of Election Fraud and Voting Rights Abuses in November 2020 General ElectionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of California in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the Nov. 3 general election. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hemesath will serve as the National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS) and is tasked with preparing for and responding to digital election threats.
Counties in the Eastern District are: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.
U.S. Attorney Scott said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on Nov. 3, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEO Khasigian will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at: (916) 554-2700 and (916) 554-2723.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI can be reached by the public in the Eastern District of California at (916) 746-7000 or at tips.fbi.gov.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
Bakersfield Woman Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Amy Campos, 37, of Bakersfield, charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2019, Campos possessed a Glock 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Additionally, on Feb. 15, she possessed in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine. Campos suffered two prior convictions for possession for sale of a controlled substance, one prior conviction for possession for sale of a narcotic, two prior convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, one prior conviction for felon in possession of ammunition, and one prior conviction for second degree burglary. These prior convictions prohibited Campos from possessing either a firearm or ammunition.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Campos faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Jayson Fernandez Butay, 25, of Sacramento, charging him with production and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Butay produced child pornography with a minor victim on Sept. 28, 2019, and possessed prepubescent images of child pornography.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya B. Syed is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the production of child pornography count, Butay faces minimum of 15 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the possession of child pornography charge, Butay 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 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.
Husband Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Human Trafficking Convictions Related to Forced Labor of Foreign NationalsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Following his wife’s sentencing, Satish Kartan, 46, currently residing in Sacramento, was sentenced today to 15 years and eight months in prison for forced labor violations. In addition, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. ordered $15,657 be paid in restitution to three victims, in part to cover their back wages and other losses.
On March 14, 2019, after an 11-day trial, a federal jury found Kartan and his wife, Sharmistha Barai, 40, guilty of conspiracy to obtain forced labor and two counts of obtaining forced labor. Kartan was also found guilty of one count of fraud in foreign labor contracting. On Oct. 2, Barai was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison for forced labor violations.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott; Matthew Perlman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office; Sean Ragan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office; and Tatum King, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations for San Francisco and Northern California made the announcement.
“Kartan earned his sentence by the systematic abuse and exploitation of vulnerable women for the benefit of his wife and family,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “He verbally abused multiple victims, withheld basic sustenance from them, and physically intimidated them. Today’s sentence will send a loud message to others engaged in human trafficking and labor. Moreover, it will give Kartan’s victims the peace of mind that he will never be able to abuse them again.”
“The United States abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Yet, inhuman forced labor and deprivations of liberty and dignity persist because human traffickers proliferate modern-day slavery, and endeavor to exploit their fellow human beings for profit and other gruesome purposes. The sentence imposed today sends a stern message that human trafficking and forced labor will not be tolerated in the United States. The defendant’s role in this scheme to compel the victims into servitude for up to 18 hours a day, with minimal pay, through intimidation, threats, and violence, is an unconscionable and illegal criminal violation of the victims’ individual rights, freedom, and dignity. The Civil Rights Division remains committed to pursuing justice relentlessly on behalf of victims of human trafficking and prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Those engaged in the heinous crime of forced labor will face severe consequences for their actions,” said SAC Perlman of the Diplomatic Security Service, San Francisco Field Office. “The Diplomatic Security Service and our partner agencies will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who commit visa fraud to exploit others for their own personal gain.”
“Victims of labor trafficking are often unaware of how to get help and that services are available to help them after they are recovered,” said SAC Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners and investigating allegations of human trafficking and to break the cycle of force, fraud, or coercion that has bound victims to their traffickers. To be successful, we need your help. Please report alleged human trafficking to law enforcement or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov.”
“This sentencing is a success in the fight against the heinous crime of human trafficking in our region and our dedication to bring these criminals to justice,” announced Tatum King, Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) NorCal. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners, especially the Stockton Police Department, USDOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DSS, and the FBI, for their unwavering efforts not only in this investigation, but in our continued fight to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks worldwide. We also are appreciative of the critical work that community-based organizations provide in bringing these heinous violations to light as well as the critical resources they provide to victims to assist in their recovery.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labor in their home in Stockton. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the defendants made false claims about the wages and conditions of employment. Once the workers arrived at the defendants’ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai compelled them to work up to 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. Few of them were paid any wage. As part of the conspiracy, the couple kept the domestic workers from leaving and coerced them to continue working by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim resisted or expressed a desire to leave, the threats and abuse became worse.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The Stockton Police Department provided the initial investigation and later assistance with victim services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Katherine Lydon prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The Eastern District of California (Sacramento) is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team, through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
Husband Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Human Trafficking Convictions Related to Forced Labor of Foreign NationalsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that former Stockton, California resident Satish Kartan, 46, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for forced labor violations. In addition, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. ordered $15,657 be paid in restitution to three victims, in part to cover their back wages and other losses.
On March 14, 2019, after an 11-day trial, a federal jury found Kartan and his wife, Sharmistha Barai, 40, guilty of conspiracy to obtain forced labor and two counts of obtaining forced labor. Kartan was also found guilty of one count of fraud in foreign labor contracting. On Oct. 2, Barai was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison for forced labor violations.
“The United States abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Yet, inhuman forced labor and deprivations of liberty and dignity persist because human traffickers proliferate modern-day slavery, and endeavor to exploit their fellow human beings for profit and other gruesome purposes. The sentence imposed today sends a stern message that human trafficking and forced labor will not be tolerated in the United States. The defendant’s role in this scheme to compel the victims into servitude for up to 18 hours a day, with minimal pay, through intimidation, threats, and violence, is an unconscionable and illegal criminal violation of the victims’ individual rights, freedom, and dignity. The Civil Rights Division remains committed to pursuing justice relentlessly on behalf of victims of human trafficking and prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Kartan earned his sentence by the systematic abuse and exploitation of vulnerable women for the benefit of his wife and family,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California. “He verbally abused multiple victims, withheld basic sustenance from them, and physically intimidated them. Today’s sentence will send a loud message to others engaged in human trafficking and labor. Moreover, it will give Kartan’s victims the peace of mind that he will never be able to abuse them again.”
“Those engaged in the heinous crime of forced labor will face severe consequences for their actions,” said Matthew Perlman, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office. “The Diplomatic Security Service and our partner agencies will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who commit visa fraud to exploit others for their own personal gain.”
“Victims of labor trafficking are often unaware of how to get help and that services are available to help them after they are recovered,” said SAC Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners and investigating allegations of human trafficking and to break the cycle of force, fraud, or coercion that has bound victims to their traffickers. To be successful, we need your help. Please report alleged human trafficking to law enforcement or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov.”
“This sentencing is a success in the fight against the heinous crime of human trafficking in our region and our dedication to bring these criminals to justice,” said Tatum King, SAC, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for San Francisco and Northern California. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners, especially the Stockton Police Department, Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DSS, and the FBI, for their unwavering efforts not only in this investigation, but in our continued fight to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks worldwide. We also are appreciative of the critical work that community-based organizations provide in bringing these heinous violations to light as well as the critical resources they provide to victims to assist in their recovery.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labor in their home in Stockton. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the defendants made false claims about the wages and conditions of employment. Once the workers arrived at the defendants’ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai compelled them to work up to 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. Few of them were paid any wage. As part of the conspiracy, the couple kept the domestic workers from leaving and coerced them to continue working by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim resisted or expressed a desire to leave, the threats and abuse became worse.
This case was the product of an investigation by HSI, the FBI, and DSS. The Stockton Police Department provided the initial investigation and later assistance with victim services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Katherine Lydon prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The Eastern District of California (Sacramento) is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team, through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Roeuth Korm, 33, of Stockton, pleaded guilty Monday to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, deputies encountered Korm near East Waterloo Road in Stockton. Korm was on parole and subject to search. When deputies searched his car, they found a Glock semi‑automatic handgun. Korm has been convicted of several felonies and is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanya B. Syed and Cameron Desmond are prosecuting the case.
Korm is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on Jan. 11, 2021. Korm faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Drug Dealing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Oscar Reyes, 31, of Mendota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Reyes was a member of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a violent criminal street gang that engages in racketeering activity, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking. Reyes pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances on behalf of the MS-13 gang, the proceeds of which were the lifeblood of an extremely violent gang.
On Aug. 31, 2018, U.S. Attorney Scott announced the results of a multi-agency operation in Mendota where 25 individuals associated with MS-13 were arrested in California on federal and state charges. The investigation began after reports that MS-13 had established a presence in Fresno County. The investigation centered in and around the City of Mendota, a Central Valley town 35 miles west of Fresno. Investigators found evidence of broad criminal activity, including murder, assault, firearms possession and drug trafficking activity.
Of the federal defendants charged in this case, four have previously been sentenced, four others have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The remaining eight co-defendants are scheduled for trial on Feb. 2, 2021. These remaining defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit (SSU). The CHP Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement to combat violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson, Kathleen Servatius and Kimberly Sanchez are prosecuting this and related cases.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anticrime task force in the country, and its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency task forces leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
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.
Redding Man Charged with Serial Arson in the Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eric Michael Smith, 38, of Redding, has been charged with setting fire to lands owned by the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between June 23, and July 29, 2020, Smith allegedly set four wildland fires on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest within Shasta County. He is alleged to have used a virtually untraceable cigarette lighter or pen torch to light the fires. One of these fires started near Turntable Bay and required the temporary closure of lanes on Interstate 5 while firefighters suppressed the blaze. Two other fires started along Gilman Road, in the general area where the devastating Hirz Fire began during the summer of 2018. A fourth fire was started in the area of Jones Valley.
“This investigation exemplifies the dedication of the men and women in the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations to the mission of protecting our public lands,” said Don Hoang, Special Agent in Charge, Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, Pacific Southwest Region. “With the apprehension of this arsonist who was responsible for setting multiple fires, our officers protected our national forests from critical environmental and wildlife habitat loss, reducing the danger to our local communities, including firefighters on the frontline, especially in a year dominated by large wildfires during a pandemic. This showcases our office’s priority of bringing to justice those who wish harm to our communities and our public lands.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with support from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Smith faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“Our office has a strong track record of working with our federal, state and local partners to prosecute cases aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities and counties,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott. “We have developed a model that targets the most violent offenders and gangs plaguing counties in our district, and we have focused on stemming the tide of illegal firearms flowing into our communities, prosecuting those who manufacture, distribute, and possess those weapons.”
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, 94 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of California, announced U.S. Attorney Scott.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
Sacramento Man Arrested for Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento man was arrested yesterday afternoon on charges of sex trafficking of a child, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On Oct. 1, a federal grand jury in Sacramento returned a sealed indictment against Michael Anthony Butler Jr., 41, aka Spice916 and Spice, charging him with sex trafficking of a child. The indictment was unsealed today after Butler’s arrest.
Butler recruited, harbored, and transported a minor victim, knowing that the minor victim was younger than 18 years old and would be caused to engage in prostitution. Butler also advertised the minor victim’s prostitution activity.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Yuba City Police Department with assistance from the Yuba County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Quinn Hochhalter are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Butler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
DOJ Charges 500+ Domestic Violence-Related Firearm Cases in FY20Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said Attorney General Barr. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes.”
“According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner,” said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. “Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities.”
Of the more than 500 cases charged, 13 cases have been brought by the Eastern District of California, announced U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
“Our goal of ending domestic violence cannot be reached as long as those with a history of domestic violence against their partners have access to guns,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office routinely works with federal, state, and local law enforcement to charge previously convicted felons with firearm possession crimes, especially domestic violence convictions. This is an effective way to reduce violent crimes against women across the country.”
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence)
- 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order
Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges, and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Mexican Meth Courier Arrested in Merced County Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alejandro Lopez, 50, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Lopez was stopped for a traffic violation in Merced County as he was driving northbound on Highway 99. Following the stop, law enforcement officers discovered approximately 32 pounds of methamphetamine in a spare tire of the vehicle that Lopez had been driving.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 11, 2021. Lopez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Sunnyvale Man Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cory Beck, 39, of Sunnyvale, pleaded guilty today to three counts of filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Beck worked in the information technology department of an electric vehicle and clean energy company based in Palo Alto. In his position, Beck had access to the company’s inventory of Apple MacBooks. From October 2015 through March 2018, Beck stole MacBooks from the company and sold them for cash. In total, Beck made over $220,000 from selling the stolen laptops. He failed to report any of the cash he received from the sales on his tax returns for 2015, 2016, and 2017, which were processed in Fresno.
This case is a product of an investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen is prosecuting the case.
U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller is scheduled to sentence Beck on Jan. 4. Beck faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine on each of the three counts to which he pleaded guilty. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the court’s discretion after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Former Stockton Resident Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Human Trafficking Convictions Related to Forced Labor of Foreign NationalsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sharmistha Barai, 40, formerly of Stockton, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 2 to 15 years and eight months in prison for forced labor violations. In addition, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. ordered more than $15,000 in restitution to the victims.
On March 14, 2019, after an 11-day trial, a federal jury found Barai and her husband Satish Kartan guilty of conspiracy to obtain forced labor and two counts of obtaining forced labor. Kartan is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott; Matthew Perlman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office; Sean Ragan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office; and Tatum King, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations for San Francisco and Northern California made the announcement.
“The United States abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago. Yet, inhuman forced labor and deprivations of liberty and dignity persist because human traffickers are modern-day slave masters who endeavor to exploit their fellow human beings for profit and other gruesome purposes. The sentence imposed today sends a strong message that human trafficking and forced labor will not be tolerated in the United States. The defendant’s role in this scheme to compel the victims into servitude for up to 18 hours a day, with minimal pay, through intimidation, threats, and violence, is an unconscionable violation of the victims’ individual rights, freedom, and dignity. The Civil Rights Division remains committed to relentlessly pursuing justice on behalf of victims of human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.
U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “The defendants’ horrendous conduct, done in the privacy of their home, was publically exposed during the trial. One by one the victims told their stories of the brutality they experienced: long hours of labor, inadequate food, and physical assault. Today’s sentence sends a clear message to others that systematic brutality against vulnerable victims will not be tolerated.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message: DSS is committed to ensuring that those who exploit and traffic individuals for personal gain will face severe consequences for their criminal actions,” said SAC Perlman of the Diplomatic Security Service, San Francisco Field Office.
“No human being should be lured into servitude with promises of employment. This form of human trafficking is heart wrenching: victims are often assaulted and live their lives in fear behind closed doors where escape seems all but impossible,” said SAC Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI will stand with our law enforcement partners to investigate reports of human trafficking and ensure victims receive the services they need.”
“This sentencing is a success in the fight against the heinous crime of human trafficking in our region and our dedication to bring these criminals to justice,” announced Tatum King, Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) NorCal. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their unwavering efforts not only in this investigation, but in our continued fight to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks worldwide. We also are appreciative of the critical work that Community Based Organizations provide in bringing these heinous violations to light as well as the critical resources they provide to victims to assist in their recovery.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labor in their home in Stockton. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the defendants made false claims about the wages and conditions of employment. Once the workers arrived at the defendants’ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai compelled them to work up to 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. Few of them were paid any wage. The defendants kept the domestic workers from leaving and coerced them to continue working by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim resisted or expressed a desire to leave, the threats and abuse became worse.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The Stockton Police Department provided the initial investigation and later assistance with victim services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Katherine Lydon prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The Eastern District of California (Sacramento) is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team, through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
Former Resident of Stockton, California Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Human Trafficking Convictions Related to Forced Labor of Foreign NationalsRead the Press Release
Sharmistha Barai, 40, formerly of Stockton, California, was sentenced Friday, Oct. 2 to 15 years and eight months in prison for forced labor violations.
On March 14, 2019, after an 11-day trial, a federal jury found Barai and her husband Satish Kartan guilty of conspiracy to obtain forced labor and two counts of obtaining forced labor. Kartan is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22.
“The United States abolished slavery and involuntary servitude more than 150 years ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “Yet, inhuman forced labor and deprivations of liberty and dignity persist because human traffickers are modern-day slave masters who endeavor to exploit their fellow human beings for profit and other gruesome purposes. The sentence imposed today sends a strong message that human trafficking and forced labor will not be tolerated in the United States. The defendant’s role in this scheme to compel the victims into servitude for up to 18 hours a day, with minimal pay, through intimidation, threats, and violence, is an unconscionable violation of the victims’ individual rights, freedom, and dignity. The Civil Rights Division remains committed to relentlessly pursuing justice on behalf of victims of human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendants’ horrendous conduct, done in the privacy of their home, was publicly exposed during the trial,” said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California. “One by one the victims told their stories of the brutality they experienced: long hours of labor, inadequate food, and physical assault. Today’s sentence sends a clear message to others that systematic brutality against vulnerable victims will not be tolerated.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message: DSS is committed to ensuring that those who exploit and traffic individuals for personal gain will face severe consequences for their criminal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Matthew Perlman of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office.
“No human being should be lured into servitude with promises of employment. This form of human trafficking is heart wrenching: victims are often assaulted and live their lives in fear behind closed doors where escape seems all but impossible,” said SAC Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI will stand with our law enforcement partners to investigate reports of human trafficking and ensure victims receive the services they need.”
“This investigation is just another unfortunate example of cruel and inhumane crimes, like labor trafficking, being committed by some of the worst violators our society has to offer. Though justice has been served, this sentence still pales in comparison to the lifelong emotional trauma the victims of these crimes are forced to live with,” said SAC Tatum King of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) of San Francisco. “Homeland Security Investigations agents globally remain committed to prioritizing, identifying, rescuing and providing services and benefits to victims of crime regardless of citizenship and continue to demonstrate a laser focus to bringing criminals to justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February 2014 and October 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labor in their home in Stockton. In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the defendants made false claims about the wages and conditions of employment. Once the workers arrived at the defendants’ Stockton residence, Kartan and Barai compelled them to work up to 18 hours a day limited rest and nourishment. Few of them were paid any wage. The defendants kept the domestic workers from leaving and coerced them to continue working by threatening them, by creating an atmosphere of fear, control, and disempowerment, and at times by physically hitting or burning them. When a victim resisted or expressed a desire to leave, the threats and abuse became worse.
This case is the product of an investigation by HSI, the FBI, and the State Department’s DSS. The Stockton Police Department provided the initial investigation and later assistance with victim services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Katherine Lydon prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The Eastern District of California (Sacramento) is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team, through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
Fresno Man Charged with Offenses Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. – A federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against Todd Eric Mumma, 57, of Fresno, charging him with actual and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today.
According to court documents, Mumma used hidden digital video recording devices in a residence to create sexually explicit images of a minor. He edited recordings on a computer and then transferred selected images onto a cellphone where the images were stored in a password‑protected application. Forensic review of devices seized with a search warrant revealed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been downloaded onto a computer.
The investigation was conducted by the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, specifically Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Mumma faces a minimum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison for the count of sexual exploitation of a minor and a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the receipt of child pornography and a fine of up to $250,000 for both counts. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.