Eastern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Running Methamphetamine Ring Involving a Pipe Bomb and WeaponsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Emilio Marquez Barba, 39, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 17 and a half years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Barba was the leader and organizer of an attempted deal to sell 15 pounds worth of methamphetamine for $210,000 to undercover agents. When agents executed a search warrant on Barba’s residence, they found additional methamphetamine, cocaine packaged for distribution, marijuana, and a pipe bomb. Other weapons were found in connection with the co-conspirators. On July 20, 2017, Barba pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team (MAVMIT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.
Barba’s three co-defendants pleaded guilty in this case. Gabriel Vargas-Guerrero was sentenced to seven years in prison, Mario Lopez-Ayala was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, and Jose Jaime Diaz is set for sentencing on December 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
Last of Five Bakersfield Men Sentenced in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Carlos Gerrardo Blanco, 27, of Bakersfield, was sentenced yesterday by United States Chief District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill to ten years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between November 2014 through December 2015, Blanco distributed and conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine to various drug dealers and users in Kern County and Las Cruces, New Mexico. During this time period, Blanco and the other defendants charged in this case admitted that they distributed over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Based on wiretap evidence obtained in this case, investigators identified Salvador Morales, 28, and Jose Alejandro Jacobo, 25, both of Bakersfield, as the principal suppliers of methamphetamine to Blanco. Blanco was identified as the leader of a Bakersfield distribution organization that included Justin Alan Rivera, 22, Henry Polin Morales III, 22, and Josefina Blanco (Blanco’s wife), 25, all of Bakersfield. On May 6, 2015, Blanco purchased approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine in the Los Angeles area that he intended to sell with the help of Morales III, Josefina Blanco, and Rivera. DEA agents seized the drugs before they could be transported via bus to Las Cruces, New Mexico.
On September 26, 2016, Salvador Morales was sentenced to over six years in prison; on March 13, 2017, Jacobo was sentenced to over seven years in prison; on August 14, 2017, Rivera was sentenced to five years in prison, and on September 25, 2017, Henry Morales III was sentenced to over seven years in prison. Josefina Blanco is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2017, by Chief Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Task Force Officers from the Kern County Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Taft Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Mario Alvarez-Muniz, 49, a citizen of Mexico and former resident of Taft, entered a guilty plea today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in December 2016, Alvarez-Muniz delivered two pounds of methamphetamine during an undercover operation, but subsequently left the United States for Mexico. He returned to the United States and in May of 2017, orchestrated a shipment of six kilograms of heroin and eleven kilograms of cocaine from Bakersfield to Chicago. The drugs were intercepted by law enforcement and the defendant was ultimately arrested.
Alvarez-Muniz was previously detained as a flight risk and danger to the community and is scheduled for sentencing on January 22, 2018. Alvarez-Muniz faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, along with 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.
Darrell Leon Jennings, 49, a codefendant in the case, is currently a fugitive.
This case was the product of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and Kern County Probation Office. The OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General's drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and related criminal enterprises. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Tujunga Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Identity Theft and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Karapet Damaryan, 66, of Tujunga, CA, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to three years in prison for aggravated identity theft and bank fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2013, Damaryan assumed the identity of an innocent victim in order to take over the victim’s bank account. Posing as the victim, Damaryan fraudulently wired $141,395 out of the account to a gold coin and bullion store, where he and his co-defendant Garik Voskanyan attempted to use the stolen funds to purchase nearly 100 one-ounce gold coins. The fraud was detected when the victim checked his bank account on the day the fraudulent wire was attempted. Damaryan and Voskanyan were arrested outside the gold store when they arrived to pick up the coins.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew G. Morris and Amy Schuller Hitchcock prosecuted the case.
Co-defendant Voskanyan pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced on September 15, 2017, to 15 months in prison for his role in the offense.
Manteca Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Possession of Mdma with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Matecki, 46, of Manteca, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to six years and three months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute MDMA, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
MDMA, more commonly known as “Ecstasy,” is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance. According to the plea agreement, in March and April 2015, law enforcement seized two packages of MDMA destined for Matecki’s residence in Manteca, as well as one package of MDMA sent to Matecki’s condominium in Las Vegas. On April 21, 2015, federal agents searched both of Mateki’s residences. At his residence in Manteca, agents found a variety of drugs, including 1.7 kilograms of cocaine, 608 grams of MDMA and lesser amounts of marijuana, bath salts, steroids, methamphetamine, adrenaline, and prescription pills. A search of the Las Vegas residence resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of drugs, including MDMA. Matecki admitted to importing the MDMA from overseas and using the “dark web” to sell MDMA and cocaine. Mateki’s sentence was based, in part, on his possession of both MDMA and cocaine.
This case was the product of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southern Nevada Heroin Task Force (SNHTF), and Manteca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian prosecuted the case.
On March 31, 2017, Matecki’s co-defendant Catalin Kifan, 26, was sentenced to over eight years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing MDMA with intent to distribute.
This was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case. The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Sacramento Couple Indicted for Naturalization Fraud and Other Crimes Related to Fraudulent Use of U.S. Citizen’s IdentityRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment today against Gustavo Araujo Lerma, 62, and his wife Maria Eva Velez, 64, both of Sacramento, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Araujo is charged with aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, conspiracy to commit unlawful procurement of naturalization and citizenship, and five counts of voting by an alien. Velez is charged with conspiring to commit unlawful procurement of citizenship and unlawful procurement of citizenship.
According to court documents, Araujo committed passport fraud by applying for U.S. passports in the assumed identity of “Hiram Enrique Velez,” a now deceased U.S. citizen whose identity Araujo fraudulently used for over 25 years. Araujo allegedly used the false identity to commit various other offenses, including conspiring to obtain legal permanent resident status and ultimately U.S. citizenship for Velez, his wife. Although he and Velez had previously married in Mexico, they married again in Los Angeles in 1992 using Araujo’s fraudulent U.S. citizen identity, which allowed Velez to illegally obtain status as the purported wife of a U.S. citizen. Araujo also committed illegal alien voting by using the identity of Hiram Velez in numerous federal, state and local elections, including the five charged in the indictment. Araujo’s false representations concerning his citizenship in connection with his voting activity forms the basis for the aggravated identity theft count alleged in the indictment.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon is prosecuting the case.
Araujo's initial appearance on a criminal complaint was on October 16, 2017, and he will be arraigned on the indictment on October 30 2017.
If convicted, Araujo faces a maximum statutory penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Velez faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten 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.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Attempted Coercion of A MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Shane Kainoa Kelly, 45, of Tracy, charging him with attempted online coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity and the commission of an offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Kelly responded to a personal advertisement on Backpage.com and began conversing with an individual he believed to be 15 years old via text. Kelly discussed sexual activity with the individual, sent her multiple photographs and arranged to meet her when her mother was purportedly not at home. Unbeknownst to Kelly, the individual with whom he conversed was actually a law enforcement agent.
This case was the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Manteca Police Department Investigations Division, and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Kelly faces a mandatory statutory minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, as well as 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.
Los Angeles Lawyer Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Role in Wide-Ranging Marijuana ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nathan Hoffman, 57, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John A. Mendez to four years in prison for conspiring to manufacture and distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
As part of his plea agreement, Hoffman agreed to forfeit his license to practice law in California and was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Marshals in Los Angeles on December 7, 2017, to begin service of his sentence.
According to court documents, Hoffman conspired with Yan Ebyam and others to develop two industrial-sized marijuana cultivation sites in Sutter County and Sacramento. As part of the plea agreement, Hoffman admitted that he and his co-conspirators sought to make profits from the illegal distribution of large amounts of marijuana. Much of the marijuana grown in Northern California from this conspiracy was distributed by Hung C. Nguyen. Nguyen, who pleaded guilty on January 10, 2017, operated two Southern California marijuana stores: the Canna Clinic of Garden Grove and the South Bay Canna Clinic in Torrance. Sentencing for Nguyen is currently set for November 7, 2017, before Judge Mendez. Ebyam pleaded guilty on July 1, 2014, and was sentenced by Judge Mendez to 72 months in prison on January 24, 2017. Two remaining co-defendants, Steve Marcus and Brook Murphy, both pleaded guilty and are set to be sentenced on November 28, 2017.
The cases began when federal and state agents executed seven federal search warrants in Sacramento, Sutter, and Tehama Counties on June 21, 2011. Two of these warrants were executed at the sites of large, commercial greenhouses located at the Jopson Ranch in Rio Oso and at the Cal-Nevada Wholesale Florist in Sacramento. Law enforcement officers seized over 5,000 marijuana plants in all stages of growth from these two locations: approximately 2,168 plants at Jopson Ranch and approximately 3,305 plants at Cal-Nevada Florist. Two leaders arrested at the grow sites, Ebyam and Aimee Sisco, admitted their involvement in the marijuana cultivation business. Sisco pleaded guilty to conspiring to manufacture marijuana and was sentenced to approximately three years in prison in 2015. Subsequent investigation and search warrants uncovered the link to Hoffman, Nguyen, and others.
These cases are part of investigations into industrial-scale marijuana cultivation conspiracies operating within the Eastern District of California. A total of 16 defendants were charged in three separate indictments for crimes relating to marijuana cultivation (United States v. Hoffman et al., 2:15-cr-234 JAM, and United States v. Yan Ebyam et al., 2:11-cr-275-JAM and 2:11-cr-276-JAM). All defendants have now pleaded guilty to participation in the conspiracies, and most have been sentenced to prison.
These cases are the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. It was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, Todd A. Pickles, and Samuel Wong are prosecuting the cases.
Fresno Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Franklyn Collier Jones, 55, of Fresno, pleaded guilty yesterday to health care fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Jones practiced podiatry in Fresno. Between 2010 and 2015, Jones billed Medicare for surgical procedures called avulsions and matrixectomies that he did not perform. He only performed routine foot care on the patients, such as clipping of toenails.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon is prosecuting the case.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill on January 16, 2018. Jones 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.
DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Is SaturdayRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After collecting and destroying 900,000 pounds—450 tons—of unused prescription drugs last April, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is continuing its efforts to take back unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications. The DEA invites the public to bring their potentially dangerous, unwanted medicines to one of nearly 5,000 collection sites around the country that are manned by more than 4,000 of DEA’s tribal and local law enforcement partners.
The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. This service is free of charge, with no questions asked.
“The abuse of opioids and prescription drugs is at an all-time high in our country, and the effect is devastating, not only on the users, but on their families, friends, and communities,” U.S. Attorney Talbert stated. “Young people are particularly at risk, as they can gain easy access to unused and addictive prescription drugs inside the home. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this safe and easy way to dispose of unused prescription drugs.”
“America is in the midst of a prescription drug crisis and the home medicine cabinet is a major source. Let’s work together to help put an end to this epidemic by cleaning out that cabinet and disposing of unwanted medication at a take back location,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin.
Overdoses from prescription opioids are the driving factor in the 15-year increase in opioid overdose deaths. The removal from homes of unwanted prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold is an easy way to help fight the epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.
According to the DEA, in the previous 13 take-back events, approximately 8.1 million pounds or 4,050 tons of unused medication were collected by DEA and its partners.
Bakersfield Man Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment on October 19, 2017, against Luvell Ronell Blinks, age 34, of Bakersfield, charging him with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on September 25, 2017, Bakersfield police officers attempted to stop the vehicle Blinks was driving when he took off at a high rate of speed. Following a vehicle pursuit and a subsequent foot chase, Blinks was apprehended and found in possession of a loaded .357 caliber Smith and Wesson Revolver.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, defendant 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.
Sacramento Man Charged with Escape from Fresno FacilityRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment yesterday against Juhun Merrell Brown, 42, of Sacramento, charging him with escaping from custody, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Brown was sentenced to federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in 2014. In January 2017, Brown was transferred to the federal halfway house facility in Fresno as part of his sentence. On March 13, 2017, officials found that he failed to return to the facility as required. Brown was subsequently arrested and appeared in court on October 5, 2017, and he appeared for arraignment on the indictment today.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Brown 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.
Lemoore Woman Indicted on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Nancy Lopez Perez, 42, of Lemoore, California, charging her with two counts of distributing methamphetamine and three counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Perez obtained and delivered multiple pounds of methamphetamine and five firearms, including an assault rifle, during three separate undercover transactions. Perez is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
This case was the product of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kings County Narcotic Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case. The mission of the OCDETF Program is to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the United States and diminish the violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. To accomplish this mission, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its federal law enforcement agency members, including the FBI and ATF.
If convicted of the drug offenses, Perez faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of ten years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted of the firearms offenses, Perez faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten 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.
Atwater Real Estate Professionals Among Four IndictedRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On October 12, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against John Ballard, 55, and Judy (Calderon) Ballard, 54, of Atwater and Sherry Herbert, 54, and Andrea Todd, 53, of Fresno, charging them with conspiracy, wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with a fraudulent short-sale scheme, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the court documents, Ballard and Calderon were both licensed real estate salespersons and they owned a home in Atwater, which was their primary residence. When the couple defaulted on a loan on the property, they asked permission to short-sell the property to Herbert and Todd, but had no intention of actually transferring the property to them. They used a series of false and fraudulent representations to obtain approval from banks to conduct this transaction and caused these financial institutions to approve the charge-off of funds and the financing for the short-sale.
Herbert and Todd were arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Erica P. Grosjean. Ballard and Calderon's arraignments are currently set for November 29, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stanley A. Boone.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Merced County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael G. Tierney and Christopher D. Baker are prosecuting the case.
If any of the four defendants are convicted, they face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing 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.
Law Enforcement and Community Members United Against Hate and Intolerance at A Special Event Held at California State University, SacramentoRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. — On Tuesday, approximately 300 students and community members gathered to watch a movie telling the story of one of the deadliest hate crimes in recent U.S. history. The screening, which was held at the Harper Alumni Center on the Sacramento State University campus, was followed by a discussion between representatives from law enforcement agencies and community leaders, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The acclaimed film, “Waking in Oak Creek,” tells the empowering story of how the community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, responded when six worshipers at a Sikh Temple were killed by a white supremacist during prayer services in 2012. The entire community and law enforcement worked together to overcome tragedy and stand up to hate.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “In the aftermath of the deadly attack on the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the entire community rallied together to turn tragedy into an opportunity to unite against hate. The community found positive and inclusive ways to commemorate the victims, which included Sikh worshippers as well as law enforcement officers, and to raise awareness about hate crimes, particularly those directed at Sikhs. I am proud that my office could host a screening of the film that documents that community’s inspiring response to hate and facilitate a discussion about how our community can work together to prevent these crimes from happening in our district.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office organized this event in partnership with the FBI; the Sacramento Sikh and Muslim Communities; Sikh Temple Sacramento; the Tarbiya Institute; the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento; United Sikhs; Sacramento State University, including the College of Health and Human Services, College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Sociology, and the University Police Department; Sacramento Police Department; Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
After the screening of the 33-minute film, U.S. Attorney Talbert moderated a panel discussion where law enforcement officials and Sikh and Muslim community leaders offered their perspectives on identifying opportunities and strategies to collaborate in the fight against hate. The panel members were FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, Sikh Community leader and filmmaker AJ Singh, Imam and Founder of the Tarbiya Institute Dr. Mohamed Abdul-Azeez, Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert.
The panel discussion was followed by a lively and collaborative question and answer session that gave attendees the opportunity to engage with panelists and have their voices heard on this important issue.
Earlier, U.S. Attorney Talbert hosted similar screening of the film and panel discussions with local community and law enforcement leaders at California State University, Bakersfield and California State University, Fresno.
“Waking in Oak Creek” was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative.
Bakersfield Man Sentenced to More Than Eleven Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Eliot Brown, 29, of Bakersfield, California, was sentenced yesterday to more than eleven years in prison for receipt and distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill also imposed a term of supervised release of 15 years, during which Brown will be required to register as a sex offender and his access to the internet, computers, and children will be restricted.
According to court documents, between February 1, 2014, and October 7, 2015, he knowingly received more than 600 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which depicted violence. On at least two occasions, Brown encouraged a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and transmit the images to him.
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Bakersfield, California and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Trafficker of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Methamphetamine on Dark Web Marketplace Alphabay Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Emil Vladimirov Babadjov, 32, a Bulgarian and U.S. dual-national formerly residing in San Francisco, California, pleaded guilty today to distributing controlled substances, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Babadjov, using the vendor names “Blime-Sub” and “BTH-Overdose,” was a large-scale heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine distributor on the dark web marketplace AlphaBay. The reverse order of the word “Blime” is “Emil B.” Dark web marketplaces are operated on computer networks designed to conceal the true Internet Protocol addresses of the computers accessing the network. Dark web marketplaces allow for payments to be made only in the form of digital currency, most commonly in Bitcoin.
Babadjov accepted orders for heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines on AlphaBay, and then mailed the narcotics from a post office in San Francisco to customers throughout the United States. Babadjov received payment for the narcotics in Bitcoin. On October 20, 2016, law enforcement officers made an undercover purchase of heroin from “Blime-Sub,” which was delivered to a post office box in the Eastern District of California. The parcel contained a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. Law enforcement agents were able to identify Babadjov’s fingerprints on the parcel. U.S. Post Office records also revealed that Babadjov purchased the postage for the parcel mailed to law enforcement. In the plea agreement, Babadjov admitted to distributing approximately 1,141 grams of heroin, 66 grams of fentanyl, and 510 grams of methamphetamine on AlphaBay.
This case was a product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Grant B. Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Babadjov is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill on January 16, 2018. Babadjov faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 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.
Guilty Plea Entered for Marijuana Cultivation in Sequoia National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alfredo Cardenas-Suastegui (“Cardenas”), 56, a native and citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana in in the Sequoia National Forest, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Cardenas also agreed to pay restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage to public land and natural resources caused by the marijuana cultivation activities.
According to court documents, co-defendants Sair Maldonado-Soto, 22, and Coral Herrera, 21, both of Perris, California, were linked to two separate grow sites in the Lucas Creek drainage and an area known as the "Box 6" site in the Sequoia National Forest after a four-month investigation. The investigation revealed that they were supplying material, equipment, and personnel to the grow sites, which consisted of a total of 10,396 marijuana plants. They were also responsible for transporting Cardenas and co-defendant Abel Toledo-Villa, 34, of Michoacán, Mexico, away from the Box 6 grow site after it was raided. Both Cardenas and Toledo-Villa tended to the marijuana plants at the Box 6 grow site. A rifle, ammunition, and processed marijuana were seized from the vehicle occupied by the four defendants as it drove away from the Box 6 grow site.
The marijuana cultivation operations at both sites caused extensive damage to the land and natural resources. Harmful pesticides and fertilizers, miles of plastic irrigation lines, and large amounts of trash were found at both sites. Native trees and vegetation were also removed to make room for the marijuana plants.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Fontana Police Department, and Victorville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Cardenas, who has been detained as a flight risk and danger to the community, is scheduled for sentencing on February 12, 2018. He faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, along with a $5 million fine. Herrera and Maldonado previously entered guilty pleas and are scheduled for sentencing on December 4 and 18, respectively. Any sentence 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. Toledo-Villa previously entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Fresno Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Sell Fraudulent Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Maria Victoria Perez-Vasquez, 32, of Fresno and a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to transfer, possess, and sell false identification documents, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between June 2015 and June 2016, Perez-Vasquez conspired with others to sell fraudulent identification documents, including social security cards and alien registration receipt cards, to customers who placed orders and paid as much as $150 for a set of the fraudulent documents.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.
On June 16, 2016, Perez-Vasquez and five co-defendants were arrested for the scheme. Four of the other co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced. Charges are pending against the remaining co-defendant, Fidel Vasquez-Velazquez, who failed to appear in court for a bond forfeiture hearing on August 22, 2016. The charges against him are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Perez-Vasquez is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill on January 16, 2018. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen U.S. Mail and Possession of 15 or More Credit CardsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Jason Leroy Geiser, 37, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess stolen U.S. mail and to unlawfully possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices (credit or debit cards), United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from on or about October 1, 2016, and continuing to March 2, 2017, Geiser conspired with others to fraudulently and unjustly enrich himself from the unauthorized use of, and trafficking in, access devices stolen from the U.S. Mail.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Service and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.
Geiser is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on January 16, 2018. Geiser 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.
Fresno Gamecock Breeder Indicted on Animal Cruelty ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Thomas Lee Crow, 48, of Fresno, charging him with aiding and abetting an unlawful animal fighting venture, attending an animal fighting venture, and unlawfully possessing animals for an animal fighting venture, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The offenses all involve cockfighting.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers searched Crow’s rural Fresno residential property last summer after he was allegedly found on April 21, 2017, at a large cockfighting enterprise in Kerman. At the cockfight, Fresno County deputies and detectives recovered 129 fighting roosters, including 28 dead and 9 injured roosters. Three spectators were also arrested. Detectives also seized cockfighting equipment, such as gaffs, blades, sheaths, gamecock leather boots, and scales.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General – Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice also provided assistance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Rural Crimes and Animal Cruelty Unit of the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office in coordinating the filing of charges against Crow and three spectators at the cockfight in Kerman. The District Attorney’s Office has charged Job Hernandez, 35, of Visalia, Javier Flores-Arreola, 48, of Los Banos, and Javier Cerda, 65, of Reedley with animal cruelty charges. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case against Crow. Deputy District Attorney Lynette Gonzales is prosecuting the state charges against the three spectators arrested at the event.
If convicted of the most serious offenses, Crow faces a maximum statutory penalty of 5 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.
Chico Fraternity and Former Chapter President Plead Guilty and Are Sentenced for Cutting Down Trees in Lassen National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State University, Chico chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig M. Kellison to 9,800 hours of community service, a three-year term of probation, and a $4,000 fine after pleading guilty to illegally cutting or otherwise damaging any timber, tree, or other forest product. The court also ordered the fraternity to pay restitution in the amount of $4,387.97 to the Lassen National Forest, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
In addition, the former president of the Chico fraternity chapter, Evan Clinton Jossey, was sentenced to a term of court probation and $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to the same offense.
According to the criminal complaint, Jossey and other members of the fraternity participated in an initiation ceremony at the Deer Creek Trailhead in the Lassen National Forest. During the course of the initiation ceremony, 32 trees were cut down at the site.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Cook prosecuted the case.
Former Fresno County Administrator Pleads Guilty to Stealing Health Care FundsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Christina Hernandez, 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty today to embezzlement from a health care benefits program, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the plea agreement, Hernandez was a provider relations specialist at the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, which was responsible for administering mental health service benefits for Fresno County’s Medi-Cal beneficiaries. As a provider relations specialist, Hernandez was responsible for reviewing and approving claim forms from private mental health care providers who provide services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Fresno County. To steal funds from Fresno County, Hernandez submitted claim forms for medical services that were never provided. She then took the payment checks for those fake services and cashed the checks at check-cashing stores in Fresno for her personal benefit. In addition, Hernandez stole payment checks written to doctors for actual medical services provided. She also cashed those checks at convenience stores in Fresno for her personal benefit In total, Hernandez stole approximately $98,560 from the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Services.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Grant B. Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on January 8, 2018. Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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.
Pacific Western Bank Pays $1.75 Million to Resolve Firrea Allegations Relating to Kinde Durkee Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Pacific Western Bank (“PacWest”) has paid $1.75 million to resolve allegations that First California Bank, which PacWest acquired in 2013, violated Section 951 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), codified at 12 U.S.C. § 1833a, by facilitating the embezzlement scheme of Kinde Durkee, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Durkee, a former accountant for political campaigns and nonprofit organizations, controlled hundreds of client accounts held at First California. Over several years, Durkee siphoned millions of dollars from those client accounts to her own operating account at First California via unauthorized check transfers. Durkee pled guilty to federal mail fraud charges in March 2012.
The United States alleges that First California allowed Durkee to carry out her fraud scheme by ignoring obvious warning signs that Durkee was stealing from her clients and by failing to comply with the bank’s internal protocols and procedures designed to prevent and detect fraud. Given these failures by First California, Durkee’s fraud continued unabated for years and resulted in millions of dollars in losses to Durkee’s customers.
“People who commit white collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering often use the banking system to facilitate their crimes,” U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable financial institutions that allow such conduct to occur by turning a blind eye to obvious criminal activity.”
“The FBI is committed to protecting the American people by investigating violations of law by all entities, including sophisticated financial institutions,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento field office. “One of the FBI's mission priorities is combatting major white-collar crime, and that includes the investigation of not only individuals engaged in fraud, but financial institutions that facilitate such activity.”
“Integrity is a cornerstone of the banking industry,” said Wade V. Walters, Special Agent in Charge, FDIC Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, San Francisco Region. “The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring that individuals or entities seeking to undermine that integrity will be held accountable.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FDIC Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincente A. Tennerelli represented the United States in this matter.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The settled claims relate exclusively to conduct by First California prior to its acquisition by PacWest Bancorp in 2013.
Sacramento Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Obtain Mail by FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Norman Thompson, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay $38,086.75 in restitution for conspiring to obtain mail by fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from October 2016 through May 2017, Thompson conspired with his co-defendants, Joshua Yadon and Latomba Bishop, to obtain credit cards, checks, credit reports, and merchandise in other peoples’ names using the victims’ stolen personal identifying information. The conspirators then filed fraudulent mail forwarding requests and vacation holds with the U.S. Postal Service to divert those items from the victims’ true addresses into the conspirators’ possession.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley prosecuted the case.
Charges are pending against Johsua Yadon and Latomba Bishop. The charges are only allegations; these individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Attorney General Announces Reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Other Actions to Reduce Rising Tide of Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001. The Attorney General emphasized that Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department’s crime reduction strategy.
In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said: “Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated, “My 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 communities. We have developed a model that relies on cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies to target the most violent street gangs plaguing cities in our district. We have deployed this strategy most recently in Solano County, Stockton, and Fresno, and we are committed to sustaining these efforts to help keep our communities safe for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is alive and well in the Eastern District of California.”
Just last month, on September 8, 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, together with the Fresno County District Attorney, announced the conclusion of a multi-agency operation that targeted Fresno-area street gangs and their associates. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 defendants on federal drug and firearm charges and 14 defendants on similar state charges. The charges ranged from drug trafficking to illegally trafficking in firearms, and agents seized more than 30 firearms and multiple pounds of methamphetamine during the operation. This operation was the product of cooperative efforts by DEA, FBI, HSI, ATF, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC).
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a comprehensive program that emphasizes prioritized and targeted enforcement and focuses on violent crime prevention. In addition to its enforcement efforts, the United States Attorney’s Office is engaged in various prevention efforts throughout the district, including participation in a Ceasefire program in Stockton and the Safe Streets Partnership in Bakersfield, while also employing a full-time employee responsible for coordinating reentry resources.
Antelope Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling Counterfeit AirbagsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Vitaliy Fedorchuk, 28, of Antelope, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to one year and one day in prison and a $5,000 fine for an international scheme to sell counterfeit airbags via eBay and other internet sales sites, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between June 23, 2014, and July 27, 2016, Fedorchuk offered for sale airbag modules, covers, and manufacturer emblems at his eBay online store, redbarnautoparts. Fedorchuk falsely advertised that the counterfeit airbags were original equipment from major automobile manufacturers such as Honda, Fiat, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota, GMC and Ford. During the scheme, Fedorchuk sold hundreds of counterfeit airbags and obtained more than $95,000. Fedorchuk was ordered to pay $1,334 in restitution to identified victims in this case.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
Two Delano Residents Plead Guilty in Unemployment Insurance SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Raul Oropeza Lopez, 50, and Ana Maria Oropeza, 43, both of Delano, California, pleaded guilty today to mail fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Raul Oropeza Lopez obtained social security numbers, names, and other personal identifying information of U.S. citizens and legal residents and then fraudulently used such information to provide undocumented workers with false identities required to work in the United States as farm laborers. Then, when the undocumented workers were laid off at the end of the growing season, Lopez and his wife filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in the names of the assumed identities, fraudulently relying on the work performed by the undocumented workers to claim unemployment insurance benefits for the Lopezes’ benefit. Over a period of six years, Lopez and his wife submitted more than 520 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on behalf of over 70 individuals, collecting at least $1.3 million.
This case was the product of a joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the California Employment Development Department, Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon is prosecuting the case.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill on January 29, 2018. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Sacramento Man Sentenced for Role in Gold SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Garik Voskanyan, 34, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to 15 months in prison for bank fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2013, Voskanyan conspired with his
co-defendant, Karapet Damaryan, and others to steal the identity of an innocent bank account holder in order to gain control over the victim’s bank account. The conspirators then fraudulently wired $141,395 out of the victim’s account to a gold coin and bullion store, where Voskanyan and his co-defendant attempted to use the stolen funds to purchase nearly 100 one-ounce gold coins. The fraud was detected when the victim checked his bank account on the day the fraudulent wire was attempted. Voskanyan and Damaryan were arrested outside the gold store when they arrived to pick up the gold.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew G. Morris and Amy Schuller Hitchcock prosecuted the case.
Co-defendant Damaryan pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and bank fraud on January 20, 2017, and is set to be sentenced on October 27, 2017.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns for Prison InmatesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Donald Loyde Harned, 72, of Oklahoma, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to two years in prison and ordered to pay $219,984.00 in restitution for conspiring to defraud the United States with false claims for federal tax refunds, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, beginning in 2011, Harned and six other co-defendants operated a tax fraud scheme in which they filed false tax returns using the identities of prison inmates. To execute the scheme, the conspirators incarcerated inside the Susanville Correctional Center obtained the personal identification information of other inmates. They provided this information to those outside the prison, including Harned, who then used this information to prepare and file false income tax returns with the IRS using the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), containing information they knew to be false and claiming refunds to which they knew the inmates were not entitled. Harned was paid by the inmates for each return he prepared and filed, and retained a portion of the false refunds for himself.
"The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for working individuals and couples, particularly those with children, who earn a low to moderate income," said Michael T. Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. "Mr. Harned and his co-conspirators devised a scheme to illegally use the EITC for inmates that had no income and did not qualify for the credit. IRS-CI will aggressively investigate these types of prison schemes ensuring the EITC program is applied correctly."
This case was the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Investigative Unit at the California Correctional Center. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock prosecuted the case.
To date, six of the seven individuals charged in this conspiracy have pleaded guilty. The six have been sentenced, including Edwin Ludwig IV, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for leading the scheme. Charges are pending against one remaining defendant. The charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Man Indicted for Growing Marijuana on Public Land and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment yesterday against Crescencio Pastor Carmona Venegas, 32, of San Diego, charging him with cultivation of marijuana and being an alien in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, a clandestine marijuana grow site on U.S. Forest Service land in the Stevenson Creek area of Madera County was observed from the air in early September 2017. On September 13, 2017, USFS officers and other law enforcement personnel hiked into the grow site and apprehended Venegas. Officers found 2,052 live marijuana plants, a .22 caliber rifle, a .22 caliber handgun, and ammunition in the grow site. Venegas is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Venegas faces a mandatory prison term of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life, 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.
Fresno Area Man Indicted for Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment yesterday against James Gonzales-Gay, 35, of Sanger, charging him with assault with the intent to rob and steal mail matter, theft of government property, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on September 15, 2017, a mail carrier delivering mail in the area of Maple and Huntington, in Fresno, felt someone jump onto his mail delivery truck. Gonzales-Gay allegedly pulled the driver from the truck and began driving it. After driving a short distance, Gonzales-Gay was stopped by Fresno Police Department officers. They found parts of a Taurus handgun on Gonzales-Gay’s person and near the truck. Gonzales-Gay is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gonzales-Gay 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.
Former Bureau of Prisons Employee Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking A MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Charles Carstersen, 54, of Manteca, pleaded guilty today to one count of sex trafficking a minor, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2014, while employed at the Bureau of Prisons, Carstersen met the 16-year-old victim and engaged in commercial sex acts with her. Between February and March 2015, knowing she was underage, he encouraged her to engage in prostitution, renting hotel rooms for her in the Sacramento area and helping her to post ads online. He also encouraged her to engage in prostitution with at least one other female that he knew. On May 11, 2015, Carstersen was arrested and he has been in custody as a flight risk and a danger to the community since that time.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force of which the Sacramento Police Department is a member, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, and the Roseville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michele Beckwith is prosecuting the case.
Carstersen is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. on April 6, 2018. He faces a minimum term of 10 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case 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.
Vacaville Man Pled Guilty to Disability Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Michael McCree, 65, of Vacaville, CA, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, McCree worked for the United States Post Office for approximately six months in 1988 and 1989, before he filed a workers’ compensation claim for an alleged back injury. Since 1989, the Department of Labor, on behalf of the Postal Service, has been paying McCree monthly wage loss compensation and reimbursements for medical-related travel. The indictment alleges that from January 2007 through June 2012, McCree received over $120,000 in reimbursements for medical-related travel, but that McCree in fact did not travel to the location listed and further did not receive medical treatment at the location in any event.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.
McCree is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Troy L. Nunley on January 11, 2018. McCree faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Solano County Man Indicted for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On September 21, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Wilfred Wallace Bryant, 55, of Vacaville, charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Bryant was taken into custody today and the indictment was unsealed.
According to court documents, on or about July 14, 2017, Bryant was found to be in possession of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and a Hi-Point CF-380 handgun. Bryant is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department and the FBI Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Owen Roth is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Bryant faces a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in prison and a $1,00,000 fine for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He also faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for unlawful possession of a firearm. 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.
Supplier of Marijuana Cultivation Operation in the Sequoia National Forest Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Sair Maldonado-Soto (Maldonado), 22, of Perris, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute, and manufacturing marijuana in connection with two separate large-scale marijuana cultivation operations in Kern County in the Sequoia National Forest, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Maldonado also agreed to pay restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage to public land and natural resources caused by the marijuana cultivation activities.
According to court documents, Maldonado and co-defendant Coral Herrera, 21, also of Perris, were linked to grow sites in the Lucas Creek drainage and an area known as the Box 6 site after a four-month investigation. The investigation revealed that they were supplying material, equipment, and personnel to the grow sites, which consisted of 10,396 marijuana plants. The marijuana cultivation operations caused extensive damage to the land and natural resources. Harmful pesticides and fertilizers, miles of plastic irrigation lines, and large amounts of trash were found at both sites. Native trees and vegetation were also removed to make room for the marijuana plants.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Southern Tri‑County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Fontana Police Department, and Victorville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Maldonado is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2017. He faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, along with a possible maximum $5 million fine. Herrera previously entered a guilty plea and is scheduled for sentencing on December 4. Codefendant Toledo-Villa previously entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to five years in prison. Codefendant Cardenas-Suastegui has requested a jury trial, which is set for November 7. The charges are only allegations; Cardenas-Suastegui is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Kern County Man Sentenced for Marijuana Cultivation in Sequoia National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Russell Lee Riggs, 69, of Weldon, was sentenced today to five years in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana grown in the Sequoia National Forest, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The sentence was imposed following his guilty plea in June. According to court documents, Riggs delivered supplies and material to a marijuana cultivation site containing over 3,000 marijuana plants in the Fay Creek drainage in the Sequoia National Forest. He also received and removed processed marijuana from the site. Springs were dammed and diverted to irrigate the marijuana plants and large amounts of trash were scattered throughout the site, including in a flowing stream. Law enforcement officers also seized marijuana cultivation equipment and supplies, over $7,000 in cash, 16 firearms and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition at the site and during follow-up searches of Riggs’s residence and that of co-defendant Juan Penaloza-Ramirez, 46, a native and citizen of Mexico.
In sentencing Riggs, U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd also ordered Riggs to pay $1,719.31 to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage to public land and natural resources caused by the cultivation activities. He also ordered the forfeiture of the seized firearms and ammunition.
Penaloza-Ramirez pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June to serve seven years and three months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), and Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.
Two Solano County Men Indicted for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned two separate indictments today against Maurice Darnell Jones, Jr. 21, of Vacaville, and Jerry Lyle Andrews, Jr., 34, of Vallejo, charging each with one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
U.S. v. Maurice Darnell Jones Jr., 2:17-cr-173 JAM
According to court documents, on August 27, 2017, the Vacaville Police Department encountered Jones and recovered a .40-caliber handgun near his vehicle. Jones is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, the Vacaville Police Department, and the Vallejo Police Department.
U.S. v. Jerry Lyle Andrews Jr., 2:17-cr-174 MCE
In a separate case, on July 26, 2017, law enforcement officers confronted Andrews in a hotel parking lot in Fairfield where he allegedly discarded a .40‑caliber semi-automatic handgun under a car before he was arrested. The gun was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, including seven rounds of hollow point ammunition. Andrews is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, the Vallejo Police Department, and the Fairfield Police Department.
If convicted, Jones and Andrews each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the district court after considering any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stockton Man Sentenced for Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tosh Babu, 33, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to two and a half years in prison for conspiracy to submit false claims, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Judge Nunley also ordered Babu to pay $94,451 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents, between September 28, 2010, and October 30, 2012, Babu conspired with others to submit tax returns to the IRS that falsely claimed that the persons named on the returns were entitled to tax refunds. The conspirators obtained the names, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information of various individuals and used that information, often without the knowledge of those people, to submit the tax returns in their names. Altogether, they submitted at least 1,367 false tax returns, requesting approximately $962,853 in tax refunds. The IRS paid more than $252,000 in fraudulent tax refunds as a result of the scheme.
“Mr. Babu took personal identifiable information (PII) from homeless individuals and used the PII for personal gain by preparing and filing false tax returns with IRS,” said Michael T. Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation. “He then negotiated those fraudulent tax refund checks by depositing them in bank accounts under the control of co-conspirators. Individuals thinking about participating in fraudulent tax schemes should consider the real consequences of these types of illegal actions. Those include going to prison, being branded a convicted felon for the rest of their lives, and paying back restitution to the IRS for all the taxes owed.”
Babu pleaded guilty on May 25, 2017. On July 14, 2017, co-defendant Christopher M. Grady, 35, of Stockton, was sentenced to three years of time already served in prison for conspiring to submit false claims to the Internal Revenue Service and aggravated identity theft. Co-defendant Jacob Cook, of Stockton, pleaded guilty on May 4, 2017. He was sentenced by Judge Nunley on September 7, 2017, to two and a half years in prison.
Co-defendant Jeffrey Grady, of Stockton, is next scheduled for a status hearing before Judge Nunley on December 14, 2017. The charges against him are allegations only, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris is prosecuting the case.
Bakersfield Man Arrested for Conspiring with Law Enforcement Officers to Sell Methamphetamine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Noel Carter, 44, of Bakersfield, was arrested today for conspiring with Bakersfield Police Department officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana that Diaz and Mara seized in the course of their duties as police officers, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On September 14, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Carter with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment was initially sealed and was unsealed today.
The indictment alleges that from April 2012 to August 2015, Carter conspired with Mara and Diaz who deliberately failed to submit the seized drugs into the BPD evidence room, and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter so Carter could sell those narcotics for profit. The indictment also alleges that Mara took marijuana and provided it to Carter to process so it was suitable for sale. Finally, the indictment alleges that Carter conspired with Mara to unlawfully manufacture, process, and sell marijuana for profit.
Earlier court records indicate that in May 2016, Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as receiving bribes and making a false income tax return. In June 2016, Mara pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, methamphetamine. Diaz was removed from active duty with the Bakersfield Police Department in approximately February 2015, as was Mara in the summer of 2015. Diaz and Mara are currently serving federal prison sentences.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Delaney and Angela Scott are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Carter 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.
Stockton Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Dealing Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Prom, 23, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 12 years in prison for conspiring to deal firearms without a license, dealing firearms without a license, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between January and June 2016, Prom led a nine-person, interstate conspiracy to sell firearms without possessing the required federal license. During this time, members of the conspiracy illegally sold a total of 47 firearms to undercover agents in Stockton and Las Vegas. The firearms included five automatic weapons, a short-barreled rifle, and at least half a dozen guns with obliterated serial numbers. They also included two stolen guns and another half-dozen guns that had never been serialized. Many of these firearms were military-style assault weapons.
Prom himself sold the majority of the weapons and several high-capacity magazines to the undercover agents. He planned out-of-state supply trips, placed orders for semi-automatic Glocks to be converted to automatics, negotiated prices, and supervised the removal of serial numbers.
Prior to January 28, 2016, Prom had been convicted of two felonies and was prohibited from possessing any firearm. He was on parole for these felony convictions during the entirety of the conspiracy.
On July 21, 2016, Prom was indicted along with Kenny Prach, 22, of Las Vegas; Gary Loch, 28, of Oregon; Stockton residents Ariana Diaz, 22; Adam Nhem, 21; Hilberto Arevalos, 36; Sean Chaichanhda, 25; and Ronnie Dethvongsa, 26.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Stockton Police Department and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Beck and Richard Bender are prosecuting the case.
Prom and four co-defendants have pleaded guilty. They are scheduled to be sentenced as follows: Prach on September 27, Dethvongsa on October 11, Diaz on November 8, and Arevalos on December 6.
Charges are pending against Loch and Chaichanhda. Nhem has not been arrested. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Law Enforcement and Community Members United Against Hate and Intolerance at a Special Event Held at California State University, BakersfieldRead the Press Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Tuesday, over 600 people gathered to watch a movie telling the story of one of the deadliest hate crimes in recent U.S. history. The screening, which was held at Dore Theater on the CSU Bakersfield campus, was followed by a discussion between representatives from law enforcement agencies and community leaders, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The acclaimed film, “Waking in Oak Creek,” tells the empowering story of how the community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin responded when six worshipers at a Sikh Temple were killed by a white supremacist during prayer services in 2012. The entire community and law enforcement worked together to overcome tragedy and stand up to hate.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “In the aftermath of the deadly attack on the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the entire community rallied together to turn tragedy into an opportunity to unite against hate. The community found positive and inclusive ways to commemorate the victims, which included Sikh worshippers as well as law enforcement officers, and to raise awareness about hate crimes, particularly those directed at Sikhs. I am proud that my office could host a screening of the film that documents that community’s inspiring response to hate and facilitate a discussion about how our community can work together to prevent these crimes from happening in our district.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office organized this event in partnership with the FBI; the Bakersfield Sikh Community; Sikh Riders of America; Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield; California State University Bakersfield, including the School of Social Sciences and Education, the Departments of Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Sociology, the University Police Department, and the Kegley Institute of Ethics; Bakersfield Police Department; Kern County Sheriff’s Office; and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
After the screening of the 33-minute film, Kirk Sheriff, chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fresno, moderated a panel discussion where law enforcement officials and Sikh and Muslim Community leaders offered their perspectives on identifying opportunities and strategies to collaborate in the fight against hate. The panel members were FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, Sikh community representative Mandeep Singh Chahal, President of the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield Ollie Zachary, Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin, Kern County Undersheriff Brian Wheeler, and Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green.
The panel discussion was followed by a lively and collaborative question and answer session that gave attendees the opportunity to engage with panelists and have their voices heard on this important issue.
“Waking in Oak Creek” was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative. Follow this link to view the documentary in full.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Tuesday, over 600 people gathered to watch a movie telling the story of one of the deadliest hate crimes in recent U.S. history. The screening, which was held at Dore Theater on the CSU Bakersfield campus, was followed by a discussion between representatives from law enforcement agencies and community leaders, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The acclaimed film, “Waking in Oak Creek,” tells the empowering story of how the community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin responded when six worshipers at a Sikh Temple were killed by a white supremacist during prayer services in 2012. The entire community and law enforcement worked together to overcome tragedy and stand up to hate.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “In the aftermath of the deadly attack on the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the entire community rallied together to turn tragedy into an opportunity to unite against hate. The community found positive and inclusive ways to commemorate the victims, which included Sikh worshippers as well as law enforcement officers, and to raise awareness about hate crimes, particularly those directed at Sikhs. I am proud that my office could host a screening of the film that documents that community’s inspiring response to hate and facilitate a discussion about how our community can work together to prevent these crimes from happening in our district.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office organized this event in partnership with the FBI; the Bakersfield Sikh Community; Sikh Riders of America; Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield; California State University Bakersfield, including the School of Social Sciences and Education, the Departments of Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Sociology, the University Police Department, and the Kegley Institute of Ethics; Bakersfield Police Department; Kern County Sheriff’s Office; and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
After the screening of the 33-minute film, Kirk Sheriff, chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fresno, moderated a panel discussion where law enforcement officials and Sikh and Muslim Community leaders offered their perspectives on identifying opportunities and strategies to collaborate in the fight against hate. The panel members were FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, Sikh community representative Mandeep Singh Chahal, President of the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield Ollie Zachary, Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin, Kern County Undersheriff Brian Wheeler, and Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green.
The panel discussion was followed by a lively and collaborative question and answer session that gave attendees the opportunity to engage with panelists and have their voices heard on this important issue.
“Waking in Oak Creek” was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative. Follow this link to view the documentary in full.
Former Scout Leader Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Online Distribution of Child Pornography and Attempted Deletion of EvidenceRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dennis Boyle, 53, of Davis, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to seven years in prison for distributing child pornography and obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents identified a user on a messenger service who was offering videos of child pornography in an online chat room. The investigation led to Boyle’s residence, which was then in Orangevale. Boyle was a financial auditor for the State of California and a charter organization representative for the Boy Scouts.
Between August and October of 2015, Boyle distributed and received depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Boyle obstructed justice when he attempted to persuade a friend to delete electronic evidence stored on a laptop computer and on remote servers. The friend reported the solicitation to authorities, and assisted in the investigation by recording a meeting with Boyle who admitted to viewing, downloading, and distributing child pornography, and, further, admitted to online chats with girls aged 14 to 18.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Segal prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Indictment Unsealed Today Charging Stockton Man with Possessing Stolen Interstate Shipments and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On July 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Raeef Ohan Ohan, 58, of Stockton, charging him with possession of goods stolen from interstate shipments and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Ohan was arraigned today and entered a plea of not guilty. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. on October 26, 2017.
According to court documents, Ohan was found in possession of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen goods, which had been embezzled or stolen from truck trailers, vehicles or warehouses while the goods were being shipped and transported interstate. The stolen goods included pet food, nutrition drinks, and concrete, and were stolen over the course of several years beginning in at least 2012.
This case is the product of an investigation by the TRaCE (Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement) Task Force. The TRaCE Task Force joins existing state and federal resources to collaboratively combat illegal business activities that rob California of public funds and its citizens of public services. The TRaCE Task Force is composed of investigators and special agents from multiple agencies working together to investigate, prosecute and recover revenue lost to the underground economy. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; California Department of Justice - Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General; California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; California Franchise Tax Board; California Employment Development Department; and California Department of Motor Vehicles. Assistant United States Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Amy Schuller Hitchcock are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ohan 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.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to More Than 6 Additional Years in Prison for Assaulting Fellow Inmate in Federal Prison in Lassen CountyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Willie James McNeal, 60, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to six years and five months in prison for an assault on another inmate that resulted in serious bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. McNeal was also ordered to pay more than $39,000 in restitution, which includes restitution to the victim of the assault to cover resulting medical costs.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2015, McNeal, attacked another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Herlong, causing multiple fractures of the bones in his face. The victim required two surgeries and experienced extreme pain, as well as disfigurement and impairment of his nasal and breathing functions. Two surveillance videos documented the assault. The videos showed that McNeal, after speaking briefly with the victim, punched him near his right eye. McNeal continued to punch the victim multiple times in the forehead before tossing the inmate onto the concrete floor.
On April 20, 2017, a federal jury in Sacramento found McNeal guilty of the assault.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Owen Roth and Amanda H. Beck prosecuted the case.
“Dino the Casino” Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Operating Illegal Gambling Business from Bakersfield to SacramentoRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nive Hagay, 31, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for conducting an illegal gambling business and distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between 2008 and November 2016, Hagay, who also went by the name “Dino the Casino,” placed video slot machines in small businesses from Bakersfield to Sacramento. Hagay then laundered the proceeds from the illegal gambling business through clothing companies in Los Angeles, as well as by making large purchases with the cash proceeds, such as a $202,000 cash transaction for a 2014 Audi R8.
On October 15, 2016, at a smoke shop in Sacramento, Hagay sold approximately one ounce of a mixture that tested positively for cocaine.
In addition to the sentence imposed, Hagay forfeited various assets acquired with cash from the illegal gambling business, including a 2010 Aston Martin Rapide, a 2016 Mercedes Benz AMG GT, several Ducati motorcycles, and hundreds of thousands of dollars seized from his home, the illegal slot machines, and various bank accounts.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Yelovich and Justin L. Lee prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian handled the forfeiture.
Woodland Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Raul Gonzalez, 43, of Woodland, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, this case originated from a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning an email address that was linked to an online photo-sharing site featuring images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The email address was registered to Gonzalez, and a search of his home uncovered a cellphone containing multiple images of child pornography.
Officers discovered that two of the minor victims portrayed in those images had been exploited and photographed by Gonzalez himself, and that one of the victims was his prepubescent relative. According to court documents, on October 13, 2013, Gonzalez caused his minor relative to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he recorded with his cellphone camera. Gonzalez also sexually abused another minor who was less than 14 years old.
Gonzalez was convicted in Yolo Superior Court (case 14-3642) for the abuse of the two minors and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Judge England ordered that the sentence in this case be served concurrently with the 30‑year sentence imposed in Yolo County Superior Court case, and that the sentence be served in federal prison. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the federal charge on June 1, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “Today’s long sentence underscores the egregious nature of the defendant’s crime. Gonzalez preyed on and exploited two very young children, and compounded that abuse by recording it. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute and incapacitate those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the Sacramento Field Office stated: “The production of child pornography is an assault against the most vulnerable members of our society. While Gonzales will serve a 30-year sentence for his crimes, his victims may suffer the effects of this crime for a lifetime. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who prey upon our nation's children.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a federally and state‑funded task force managed by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department with agents from federal, state, and local agencies. The Sacramento ICAC investigates online child exploitation crimes, including child pornography, enticement, and sex trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Three Modesto Residents Indicted for Large Quantity Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Ricardo Rumbo Vasquez, 37; Andres Dominguez Aguirre, 24; and Eric Oswaldo Felix, 43, all of Modesto, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, all of the defendants were arrested after meeting in a parking lot to negotiate the delivery of methamphetamine. Felix’s car was searched by law enforcement, resulting in a seizure of 60 plastic bags of methamphetamine located in a secret compartment in the roof of the car.
This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Stanislaus County Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison and maximum statutory penalties 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.
Alleged Marijuana Growers in Siskiyou County Indicted for Conspiring to Bribe SheriffRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Chi Meng Yang, 31, of Montague, and his sister Gaosheng Laitinen, 36, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, charging them with conspiring to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacturing marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Yang and Laitinen will be arraigned on the indictment on Friday, September 15, 2017, in Sacramento at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Barnes. Future court dates will be set at that hearing.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey in Yreka. During the meeting, Yang offered $1 million to the Sheriff in exchange for his assistance with an interstate marijuana distribution business that Yang and others were in the process of organizing in Siskiyou County. Immediately after the meeting, the Sheriff reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Federal agents asked the Sheriff to continue meeting with Yang.
The subsequent meetings were audio and video recorded by the FBI and Laitinen attended some of those meetings. Because Yang’s offer of $1 million depended on Yang securing and profiting from certain out-of-state marijuana licenses, Yang and Laitinen promised to pay the Sheriff a total of $80,000 if he would exempt eight properties from the Siskiyou County ban against outdoor marijuana grows. Yang and Laitinen gave the Sheriff several initial payments, totaling $10,500 in cash. These funds were immediately seized by the FBI as evidence.
This case is a product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), North State Marijuana Investigations Team (NSMIT), Tehama Inter-agency Drug Enforcement (TIDE), Shasta Inter-agency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF), Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team (SUMIT), and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Beckwith is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Yang and Laitinen face the following maximum penalties: (1) five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge; (2) 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bribery charge; and (3) a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for each of the drug 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 against Yang and Laitinen are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Turlock Attorney Sentenced for Importing SteroidsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Erik Harald Moje, 40, a California-licensed attorney and resident of Turlock, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to nine months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release for importing raw anabolic steroids from China, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. They are regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a Schedule III controlled substance and may not be possessed lawfully in the United States without a prescription. Importing anabolic steroids by a person who is not a Drug Enforcement Administration registrant, such as a physician or a pharmacy, is unlawful and a violation of the CSA.
On February 6, 2017, Moje pleaded guilty to unlawfully importing anabolic steroids. According to court documents, between December 1, 2013, and September 1, 2015, Moje, a licensed attorney and professional bodybuilder, unlawfully purchased and obtained anabolic steroids from a supplier in China. Encrypted emails documented shipments and indicated that the purchase money would be deposited into the bank account for the Law Office of Eric Moje. He routed shipments of steroids through a mail-forwarding service in New York, as well as private citizens in other parts of the country.
In May 2015, agents intercepted a parcel containing one kilogram of steroids, which equates to 40,000 dosage units. In September 2015, agents executed a search warrant at Moje’s residence. Behind a false wall in the garage, they found 538 10‑milliliter vials containing liquid anabolic steroids, which equates to 10,760 dosage units, and 17,700 steroid capsules.
In sentencing Moje, Judge Drozd ordered the forfeiture of Moje’s residence. Also forfeited were: $29,925 in cash found during the search of the residence, a 2011 BMW 750Li, and 11 firearms.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Turlock Police Department and Modesto Police Department. The case was also part of Operation Cyber Juice, a nationwide initiative targeting domestic and international steroid trafficking organizations. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Khasigian handled the asset forfeiture proceedings.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.