Southern District of California
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three San Diego Residents Sentenced for Conspiring to Kidnap a Former Business Associate with Intent to Intimidate or MurderRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Salam Razuki, Sylvia Gonzales and Elizabeth Juarez were sentenced in federal court yesterday for conspiring to have a former business associate kidnapped. Razuki and Gonzales were sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Juarez was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
All three defendants pleaded guilty in November of 2022, admitting that they conspired in a plan to have the intended victim kidnapped and taken to Mexico to be intimidated or murdered. The victim had ongoing business disputes and civil litigation pending against Razuki and others, which could have resulted in significant monetary judgments. The person they solicited and eventually paid to commit this crime contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately, at which point a federal investigation was initiated. Through the cooperation of that individual, subsequent planning meetings were recorded, leading to the arrest of Razuki, Gonzales, and Juarez before the plan could be executed.
In pronouncing the sentence, the Honorable Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo noted the “extremely egregious” nature of the defendants’ plan to have the victim “brought to Mexico to disappear, whether that meant leaving him there, intimidating him there or, as the defendants have all pled to, anticipating him being killed there."
“Fortunately, due to a tip from a conscientious citizen, this cold, calculated and terrifying plan was thwarted,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The tables have been turned, and the justice system has held all perpetrators accountable.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI agents for their excellent work on this case.
“These three defendants callously conspired to kidnap and use violence in order to resolve a business dispute, reducing the value of a person's life to a dollar figure,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The tireless work of FBI personnel alongside our law enforcement partners in the DEA, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department has held these defendants accountable for this bad business. It is another example of our agencies’ collaborative commitment to public safety and our collective determination to bring criminals to justice.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18-cr-05260-CAB
Salam Razuki Age: 53 San Diego, CA
Sylvia Gonzales Age: 53 San Diego, CA
Elizabeth Juarez Age: 42 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Kidnap, a Felony in violation of 18 U.S.C § 1201(c)
Maximum Penalty: Life imprisonment
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Office
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the District’s Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Selling the Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Young WomanRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Jaimee Ashley Koryn was sentenced in federal court today to 130 months in prison for selling the fentanyl pills that resulted in the fatal overdose of 23-year-old Sherie Gil on September 30, 2021. Koryn pleaded guilty in October 2022, admitting that she sold Gil the fentanyl pills that caused her death.
According to the government’s sentencing memo, on the morning of September 30, 2021, law enforcement officials and paramedics responded to a 911 call from a commercial office building in San Diego, California. Law enforcement found Gil deceased in a bathroom along with drug paraphernalia, Gil’s cell phone, and “blues,” or counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Gil had died as the result of the “toxic effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and alprazolam.”
During a search of Gil’s cell phone, agents discovered that Gil had exchanged text messages with another phone number asking if she could “pick up” blues on a number of occasions in the days leading up to Gil’s death. During the investigation that followed, law enforcement discovered that the other phone number was registered to Koryn. The text messages also indicated that, on September 29, 2021, Gil again messaged Koryn requesting blues; Koryn sent Gil her address and Gil then responded that she was seven minutes away.
On October 8, 2021, during the execution of a search warrant at Koryn’s residence, law enforcement located and arrested Koryn.
Per the plea agreement, Koryn and the government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury would apply.
“The loss of yet another young life serves as a reminder of the ongoing devastation inflicted by fentanyl counterfeit pills,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This office remains dedicated to pursuing individuals who seek to profit from the trade of fentanyl in all its deadly forms. Those who contribute to the tragic loss of life caused by overdose will held accountable to the full extent of federal prosecution.” Grossman thanked the federal prosecutors and Overdose Response Team agents who diligently pursued this case.
“Fentanyl continues to destroy lives in San Diego,” said Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The DEA and its partners will continue to vigorously pursue the people that deal this poison and bring them to justice.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prioritize our efforts and resources toward combatting this fentanyl crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge, Chad Plantz, HSI San Diego. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those who deliberately push deadly fentanyl into our communities will be held responsible.”
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation into Gil’s death. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. In 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
For those who suffer from addiction, please know there is help. Call the Crisis line at 888-724-7240; it’s always open.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-CR-0214-LL
Jaimee Ashley Koryn Age: 34 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in Prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Police Department
Homeland Security Investigations
California Department of Health Care Services
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Mexican Businessman Admits to Brokering Spyware Used to Monitor Political and Business RivalsRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Sabrina L. Fève (619) 546-6786SAN DIEGO – Mexican-American businessman Julio Santamaria pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he conspired to sell and use private computer-hacking tools in Mexico and the U.S. in order to monitor political and business rivals.
According to court documents, beginning in or about January 2016, Santamaria began working for a consortium of U.S. and Mexican companies, including a company called Elite By Carga, for which he brokered the sale of interception and surveillance tools to private citizens and Mexican politicians. Prior to working for this consortium, Santamaria worked for Mexico’s Procuraduría General de la República, or “PGR.”
Santamaria admitted to knowing that, in some cases, their Mexican government clients intended to use the interception equipment for political purposes, rather than for legitimate law enforcement purposes. In one case, they knowingly arranged for a Mexican mayor to gain unauthorized access to a political rival’s Twitter, Hotmail, and iCloud accounts. Guerrero and Moreno also admitted that the hacking tools and technologies they brokered would be used for commercial and personal purposes by private clients.“Today’s guilty plea helps stem the proliferation of digital tools used for repression and advances the digital security of both U.S. and Mexican citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This office is committed to disrupting malicious cyber activities and mitigating unlawful surveillance.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and federal agents for their hard work on the case.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates cyberspace is not a refuge from American justice, and as seen in this case, those who violate privacy rights will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge, Chad Plantz, HSI San Diego. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting the American public from individuals attempting to illegally intercept private communications for illicit gain.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 23cr0185JLS
Julio Santamaria Age: 49 Los Angeles, CaliforniaSUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371 (to violate 18 U.S.C. §§ 2511(1)(a) and 2512(1)(b))
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fineAGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations*The charges and allegations contained in an Information are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Naval Captain Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Sabrina L. Fève (619) 546-6786SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Capt. Theodore E. Essenfeld was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him with cyberstalking a civilian woman.
According to the indictment, over an 18-month period, Essenfeld registered fake Facebook, LinkedIn, email, and cellular phone accounts using the woman’s name, biographical information, and photographs without her knowledge or consent. Essenfeld posted erotic and sexually-explicit content to the Facebook account, including photos and videos of the woman that she had previously privately shared with him, as well as graphic media files, or “memes.”
Essenfeld also used the imposter Facebook account to engage with Facebook-related dating services, which falsely made it appear that the woman was seeking dates, the indictment said. The imposter LinkedIn account that Essenfeld created in the woman’s name falsely advertised her as professional pole dancer.
“The indictment alleges a disturbing campaign of betrayed trust, harassment, and intimidation,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This Office is committed to protecting victims of cyberstalking and holding perpetrators accountable for malicious internet activity.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents for their excellent work on this case.
“The alleged behavior outlined in this indictment is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua Flowers of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to fully investigating and rooting out criminality within the ranks that threatens Department of the Navy readiness.”
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
If you or someone you know has experienced cyberstalking by an active duty service member, please contact the following anonymous tip lines: www.ncis.navy.mil (Navy and Marines), https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html (Army), and https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ (Air Force), or call the Department of Defense Hotline at (800) 424-9098. Victims of cyberstalking by non-active duty members should contact local law enforcement or the FBI or HSI field office.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0177-RSH
Theodore E. Essenfeld Age: 51 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Human Smuggler Sentenced to 51 Months in Fatal Christmas Day CrashRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Paul Benjamin (619) 546-7579 and Larry Casper (619) 546-6734SAN DIEGO – Human smuggler Kevin Antonio Quevedo-Moncada, whose attempt to escape Border Patrol agents resulted in a Christmas-Day crash that killed one unauthized immigrant and seriously injured two others, was sentenced in federal court today to more than four years in prison.
When imposing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo said: “Human trafficking is a very serious offense. This case underscores the situation at its worst.” Judge Bencivengo also noted that, despite multiple opportunities to stop before the fatal crash, the defendant’s failure to do so coupled with the “nature and circumstances make this much more aggravated.”
Quevedo-Moncado, 23, pleaded guilty in October 2022, admitting that on December 25, 2021, he picked up three undocumented migrants hiding around Otay Mountain Wilderness, a remote area in San Diego County about 12 miles east of the city of Otay Mesa and just north of the Mexican border. When Border Patrol agents attempted to stop his car, Quevedo-Moncada sped into a nearby campground where he drove erratically, nearly hitting several Border Patrol cars. He escaped the campground by ramming a Border Patrol car positioned at the exit.
Quevedo-Moncado then continued to flee down a winding, dark rural road that was slick from the rain and lost control of the car, launching it off the road and into a tree, killing one of his passengers. The two other passengers, who both survived, were hospitalized in critical condition. One of them suffered, among other injuries, a broken jaw, a collapsed lung, eight rib fractures, and injuries to his spleen and kidneys, and had to be placed into a medically-induced coma before he was stabilized. CHP accident reconstructions showed that Quevedo-Moncado’s car was travelling at speeds of up to 93 miles per hour around a curve with a speed limit of 35 when he crashed. Please see photos below of the crashed vehicle, which were included with the government’s sentencing materials.
Quevedo-Moncada, who was not seriously hurt in the crash, pushed himself out through the windshield of his car and continued his effort to flee from Border Patrol agents. When they caught him, he continued to struggle to avoid being handcuffed. After his arrest, Quevedo-Moncada admitted he was being paid $2,000 to smuggle his passengers to Anaheim. Quevedo-Moncada also admitted that, following the crash, he heard one of his passengers moaning in pain and believed that the passenger was bleeding, but did not stop to help him. Quevedo-Moncado claimed that he did not assist because he did not know the man and because Quevedo-Moncado was also in pain.
“This was an aggravated crime motivated by profit and committed with no regard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The passengers were treated as disposable cargo with predictably tragic results. We will continue to hold unscrupulous human smugglers responsible for the consequences of their greedy and deadly actions.”
Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“We are grateful for the hard work and tenacity that our Border Patrol agents and partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrated in bringing this criminal to justice,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “To prevent further tragedy, it is imperative that we continue holding smugglers and their transportation cells accountable for reckless and life-threatening behavior.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California helps lead Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorney’s Offices along the Southwest Border, from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and Border Patrol. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the Task Force.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22-CR-0038-CAB
Kevin Antonio Quevedo-Moncada Age: 23 Lake Forest, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Transportation of Certain Aliens Resulting in Death – Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (v)(II), and (a)(1)(B)(iv)
Maximum Penalties – Life in prison or death; $250,000 fine
Transportation of Certain Aliens Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury – Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (v)(II), and (a)(1)(B)(iii)
Maximum Penalties – Twenty years in prison; $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
United States Border Patrol
Federal Bureau of InvestigationLocal Pimp Admits Sex Trafficking Women to Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Williams (619) 546-8917 or Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951SAN DIEGO, CA – A local man who engaged in sex trafficking of women in California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Virginia from November 2019 through January 2021 pleaded guilty in federal court today to sex trafficking charges.
In November 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Davon Dunn, aka “Lil Kant,” with sex trafficking women by fraud, force and coercion and transporting women in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. Dunn was arrested in December 2022 and ordered detained without bail by the Court.
Today, Dunn entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell D. Dembin. According to the plea agreement, Dunn admitted to knowingly recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, and maintaining an adult female (“AF1”), knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion, and any combination of such means would be used to cause AF1 to engage in commercial sex acts. Dunn admitted that these sex acts occurred in the Southern District of California and elsewhere.
More specifically, between April 2020 and January 2021, within the Southern District of California, and elsewhere, Dunn admitted he used a combination of force, fraud, and coercion to cause AF1 to engage in commercial sex acts. In particular, Dunn harbored AF1 in an apartment in Riverside County, where he provided transportation for AF1 to travel to and from “dates” (which is the meeting between the customer and commercial sex worker for the activity of prostitution), including “dates” in San Diego County, where AF1 engaged in commercial sex acts. Dunn maintained AF1 by providing her with food and supplies needed to engage in commercial sex acts. Dunn also admitted that AF1 shared the proceeds of her commercial sex acts with him. Dunn used his cellular phone to post, repost, and “bump” (which means to push to the top of the webpage) commercial sex advertisements featuring AF1.
As provided in the plea agreement, Dunn admitted on or about October 1, 2020, while AF1 was working as a commercial sex worker, Dunn struck AF1 in her face, ribs, and back to cause her to resume engaging in commercial sex acts after AF1 indicated she no longer wished to engage in commercial sex acts. Dunn’s use of force against AF1 resulted in injuries to her face and caused her to experience multiple fainting episodes. Dunn also admitted to posting commercial advertisements, and booking hotel and airline travel all related to his commercial sex trafficking of AF1.
In addition to trafficking AF1, Dunn admitted in his plea agreement to causing the transportation of two other adult women (AF2 and AF3) from San Diego to Massachusetts, Virginia, and Nevada for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts and prostitution between November 2019 and June 2020. Dunn also admitted to using force against AF3 in connection with the commercial sex acts. In particular, Dunn slapped AF3 and used force to make her continue engaging in commercial sex acts.
“These are crimes that haunt victims for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will seek justice for them in hopes that it will ease their suffering.” Grossman commended the prosecution team as well as FBI agents and members of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their continuing effort to investigate and prosecute this important case.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2023, at 9 a.m. before the U.S. District Robert S. Huie. Dunn has been in custody since his arrest in December 2022.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 22CR2727-RSH
Davon Dunn Age: 30 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Sex trafficking by Fraud, Force, and Coercion – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in Prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- California Department of Justice
- California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole
- California Highway Patrol
- ICE/Homeland Security Investigations
- National City Police Department
- San Diego City Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- San Diego County Probation Department
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
- San Diego Police Department
- The United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California
Former U.S. Navy Captain Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison in International Navy Bribery ScandalRead the Press Release
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Pletcher (619) 546-9714 and Valerie H. Chu (619) 546-6750SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) David Williams Haas was sentenced today to 30 months in prison by a federal district judge in San Diego on charges that he received more than $90,000 in bribes from foreign defense contractor Leonard Francis, who plied him with luxurious hotel stays, travel, and prostitutes. Haas was also ordered to pay a criminal fine of $30,000 and restitution in the amount of $90,968.82.
“Public corruption erodes the very fabric of our democracy, threatening the reputation and functioning of our institutions and thus the ability of the United States to lead with credibility,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “Today’s sentencing, in part, replenishes the well of democracy, signaling to all Americans that the business of your public institutions will be conducted in the light, without bias or favor.”
According to court documents, Haas reciprocated by using his influence within the Navy’s Seventh Fleet to steer ships to GDMA-controlled ports and otherwise advance the interests of Francis and GDMA.
According to the court documents, Haas received the following bribes, among others, from Francis:
- On May 11-15, 2012, Francis paid for rooms at the Shangri-La in Jakarta, Indonesia, plus dinner, entertainment at a night club, alcohol and prostitutes for Haas and others.
- On June 29-30, 2012, in Tokyo, Japan, Francis paid for a two-day party for Haas and others including transportation, dinner at Nobu Restaurant and entertainment at several hostess clubs where the services of prostitutes were provided, at a cost of more than $75,000.
“Mr. Haas’ sentencing brings accountability and closure to the willful illegal acts of a former U.S. Navy officer, who abused his position, to illegally enrich himself and others, at the expense of the American taxpayer, as well as the safety and security of our naval forces in the Pacific area of operations,” said Kelly P. Mayo, the Director of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). “This outcome, and others associated with it, demonstrate the steadfast commitment of DCIS and our law enforcement partners to expose corruption within the Department.”
“Mr. Haas betrayed his oath to his country by soliciting, receiving, and accepting a stream of lavish gifts from GDMA, including over $90,000 in meals, entertainment, hotel expenses, and the services of prostitutes, in return for doing and omitting to do acts in violation of his official Navy duties,” said NCIS Director Omar Lopez. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to fully investigating all allegations of bribery and corruption that threaten the integrity of the Department of the Navy.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher, Valerie Chu, Michelle Wasserman, and David Chu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 18CR3656
Captain (Retired) David Williams Haas Age 54 Kailua, Hawaii
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain or twice the gross pecuniary loss, whichever is greater
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Defense Contract Audit Agency
Chula Vista Man Sentenced for Blowing up ATMsRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Shital H. Thakkar (619) 546-8785 and Andrew Sherwood (619) 546-9690SAN DIEGO – Chad Lee Engel was sentenced in federal court today to 138 months in prison for blowing up ATM machines to steal the money contained inside.
Engel pleaded guilty in July 2022, admitting that he participated in conduct outlined in the original indictment, including his part in causing the explosion that damaged a California Coast Credit Union ATM, located at 4285 Ruffin Road in San Diego, on July 4, 2017; and an ATM located at a Chevron gas station, located at 9650 Miramar Road in San Diego on August 13, 2017.
In the first incident, Engel admitted that he and a coconspirator made and detonated a pipe bomb on a metal shelf underneath the ATM, which caused significant damage to the ATM’s structure, but did not expose the money contained inside. After a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Metro Arson Strike Team and the FBI, bomb technicians identified the post-blast debris as a destructive device.
Engel admitted that in the second incident, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2017, he and an accomplice approached an outdoor ATM located at a Chevron gas station. They worked together to drill a hole in its housing, and dispersed an unknown gas (such as acetylene or propane) into the ATM. Engel then placed and ignited a hobby fuse inside the drilled hole, which resulted in an explosion that destroyed the ATM. After the explosion, Engel retrieved a cash box from the post-blast debris that contained approximately $7,000, and both he and the coconspirator fled. Later that day, bomb technicians identified the use of the gas to blow up the ATM as a destructive device.
After Engel and his coconspirator were charged in 2017, additional investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF investigators revealed that Engel and the accomplice attempted to locate and break into other ATM machines before their activities on July 4 and August 13 of 2017 were discovered. Through his plea of guilty, Engel admitted that on June 18, 2017, they broke into a Super Laundry in National City where they hoped to burglarize an ATM machine located inside. Although they were unsuccessful in breaking into that ATM machine, they stole approximately $140 from within the Super Laundry.
One week later, on June 25, 2017, Engel and his coconspirator broke into another ATM machine located at a 76 Gas Station located at 12860 Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard in San Diego. They loaded the ATM into their vehicle, took the ATM to an area near Fiesta Island, and used a grinder and cutting torch to break into the ATM, which allowed them to steal the money located inside. Eventually, a subsequent indictment incorporated these actions into Engel’s charges, and he admitted to them in his plea agreement.
“This is a just sentence for a defendant whose dangerous actions caused significant damage,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “If you use explosives to break the law, you are going to prison for a long time.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Metro Arson Strike Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National City Police Department for their excellent work on this case.
“ATF is dedicated to preventing and reducing violent crime involving the criminal misuse of explosives, and protecting the public by enforcing laws and regulations governing the explosives industries,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. “ATF remains vigilant about working with its partners to keep the public safe by investigating and perfecting charges against those who misuse explosives for greed and public destruction.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 17-cr-03401-JLS
Chad Lee Engel Age: 50 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Use of an Explosive to Commit a Felony in violation of 18 U.S.C § 844(h)
Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence;
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary in violation of 18 U.S.C §§ 2113(b) and 371
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison
AGENCY
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
San Diego Fire Department
San Diego Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National City Police Department
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Leader of Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization that Smuggled Multi-Ton Quantities of Drugs Sentenced to 17.5 YearsRead the Press Release
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari (619) 546-8402SAN DIEGO – Willian Estuardo Lemus-Lara, aka “Humilde,” a high-level cartel boss from Guatemala, was sentenced in federal court today to 210 months in federal prison.
According to public documents, Lemus-Lara was identified as the leader of a transcontinental criminal organization that moved multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America via maritime smuggling routes to Guatemala and ultimately to conspirators in northwest Guatemala and Mexico, who in turn imported that cocaine into the United States.
Lemus-Lara, 51, was the head of the organization, and despite the best efforts of the United States to stymie his cocaine operation, he was a prolific trafficker. As the government described in its sentencing papers, a five-day snapshot of his operation gave unparalleled insight into Lemus-Lara’s cocaine trafficking prowess. During a five-day span in May 2017, Lemus-Lara coordinated and oversaw a smuggling venture involving four cocaine-laden vessels. Through this investigation, three of those vessels were interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Guatemala FEN, which is Guatemala’s Naval Special Forces. The vessels had between 810-914 kilograms of cocaine each. A fourth boat made it through and delivered 814 kilograms of cocaine to Lemus-Lara and his organization.
Lemus-Lara was targeted as part of a long-term joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation has led to the indictment and extradition of several high-level South and Central American drug traffickers, including several, like Lemus-Lara, from Guatemala.
“This office is committed to aggressively pursuing leaders of drug trafficking organizations who use international waters as a corridor to smuggle cocaine to the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Today’s sentence marks the culmination of years of efforts by agents and prosecutors to keep those who flood the United States with drugs accountable for their actions.”
Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the law enforcement agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“This sentencing of Lemus is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI, DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and government of Guatemala,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. “The joint effort has significantly impacted this international criminal organization’s ability to import dangerous drugs into the United States.”
“International drug trafficking organizations are driving addiction and overdose deaths in the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “Today’s sentencing of Lemus-Lara is a win for DEA and our law enforcement partners. We are committed to stopping these organizations from bringing large quantities of drugs into our country and holding their leaders accountable.”
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18CR0390-DMS
Willian Lemus-Lara Age: 51 Guatemala
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1- Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine on Board a Vessel –
Title 46, U.S.C., Section 70503, 70506(b)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
Count 2 - International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances –
Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, 963Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Coast Guard
HSI Attaché Guatemala City, Guatemala
HSI Attaché Mexico City Mexico
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
Joint Task Force-Investigations (JTF-I)
Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S)
San Diego Resident Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in 15-Year-Old’s DeathRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720SAN DIEGO - Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap, a 21-year-old San Diego resident, was sentenced in federal court today to 156 months in prison for distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Coronado High School sophomore Clark Jackson Salveron on May 12, 2021.
Beltranlap pleaded guilty in July, admitting that he used his Instagram account to coordinate a drug transaction with Salveron. According to admissions in his plea agreement, Beltranlap warned Salveron to only take half the pill because it was “strong as hell.”
According to the government’s sentencing memo, on the morning of May 13, 2021, law enforcement officials and paramedics responded to a 911 call from a home in Coronado. Salveron was found deceased in his bedroom. The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the teen had died as the result of “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
During a search of Salveron’s room at that time, law enforcement observed a small desk in the corner next to his closet. On the desk was a laptop still open and running. Detectives were able to see the teen’s personal Instagram account which included a conversation with the user account “chefkaylar.” A subsequent database search showed that the username “chefkaylar” was registered to Beltranlap with an address in San Diego. The messages between the two showed that the night before the victim’s death, Salveron and Beltranlap discussed the purchase of “percs.” The next day, law enforcement located and arrested Beltranlap.
Per the plea agreement, Beltranlap and the government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury would apply.
During today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo noted that by dealing drugs, the defendant went for the “easy money” with “callous disregard for the poison he was putting into the community and into a very young victim.”
“A 15-year-old child tragically lost his life to fentanyl, leaving behind a devastated family and community.", said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Parents – the defendant in this case advertised these counterfeit blues on Instagram and Snapchat. I implore you to actively take steps to ensure that your children are not buying drugs online. We invite you to review the Fentanyl Toolkit which describes the various codes used by drug dealers in their online advertisements: https://www.sdpdatf.org/community-parent-fentanyl-toolkit.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the DEA Overdose Response Team for their excellent work on this case.
“Drug dealers are using social media to target kids,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “Parents, be vigilant about checking your children’s social media, it may save their life. For additional information visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill for resources on fake pills and fentanyl.”
“One child’s death from fentanyl is far too many,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge, HSI San Diego. “HSI and our San Diego law enforcement partners will continue our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who sell poisonous drugs in our community.”
“A family lost a child and that is more than any family should have to experience,” said Coronado Police Chief Chuck Kaye. “We are grateful for all the work that went into today’s sentencing.”
In the government’s sentencing memorandum, the Salveron was described by his family as a fun-loving kid with braces, a leader and role model to his younger sister and twin brothers, and a volunteer who always lovingly assisted his disabled grandparents. He was a “kind, sweet, helpful young man who cared deeply about his family.”
In the memo, the boy’s parents described the devastating impact of their son’s death.
“I will never recover from my oldest son being poisoned and taken from me,” his mother said. “Clark had a full life to live and now it’s gone. I will never see my son, graduate high school, go to college, get married, and have grandchildren.”
In explaining how Clark’s death has affected him, the victim’s father wrote: “Everything I did was with (my son). I don’t really go out anymore. We hiked, biked, he was my partner through nature. I don’t feel very deserving…I miss him so much. I cry every day. I think of him all day. I still can’t believe it.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, the California Department of Health Care Services and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The DEA created the DEA Overdose Response Team (formerly Team 10) which investigates overdose deaths in San Diego County. Investigators from the Overdose Response Team, as well as the Coronado Police Department and NTF Team 3, contributed to the investigation into Salveron’s death.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-CR-3442 CAB
Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap Age: 21 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribute of Fentanyl– Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Coronado Police Department
San Diego Police Department
California Department of Health Care Services
CEO Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Repay Millions for Defrauding the United States in Connection with Military and Humanitarian Projects in AfricaRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher (619) 546-9714 and Eric R. Olah (619) 546-7540SAN DIEGO – Micheline Pollock, a citizen of Canada and resident of the United Kingdom, was sentenced in federal court today to time served, which amounts to approximately a 30-month term of imprisonment, for her role in a conspiracy to defraud the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in connection with military and humanitarian construction projects across Africa. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw also ordered Pollock to pay more than $7 million in restitution.
As charged in a 98-count indictment, Pollock was the chief executive officer of Dover Vantage, a U.S. construction firm that had its primary office in Dubai and specialized in expeditionary projects in Africa. Between 2011 and 2018, Dover Vantage won construction contracts for USACE and NAVFAC projects in Africa, including a maternity ward and a school for the deaf in Togo, and a military aircraft hangar in Niger.
Pollock was arrested on September 22, 2020, in Tbilisi, Georgia by Georgian authorities based on a provisional arrest warrant issued at the request of the United States. Pollock was in custody for approximately nine-months before she was extradited to the United States on June 18, 2021. For their efforts in this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California specially acknowledges the assistance provided by our international partners in Georgia, including the Office of the Prosecutor General of Georgia, Georgia Border Police, Isani Police Department, and the Isani Prosecutor’s Office.
Upon her extradition to the United States, Pollock entered a guilty plea to conspiring with others at Dover Vantage to defraud the United States. Pollock admitted in her plea agreement that she and her co-conspirators fraudulently represented that they had quality control plans and inspections, that they met these supposed quality control standards, and subsequently they falsely represented that work was done according to design specifications. As a result of the fraudulent conduct, many of the structures built by Dover Vantage were so poorly constructed that they collapsed, including an aircraft hangar in Niger and a training facility in Senegal.
"We will continue to combat fraud and corruption as the United States expends military and humanitarian resources across Africa,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“The special agents of the DoD Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) will traverse the globe to bring individuals who threaten our nation's military readiness to justice,” said Stanley A. Newell, Special Agent-in-Charge of DCIS’s Transnational Operations Field Office. “DCIS and our partner agencies will continue to leverage a vast international law enforcement network to protect the integrity of the DoD procurement system.”
“Today's sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit and capture of those who choose to defraud the United States Government anywhere in the world,” said Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud Field Office.
This case arises out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Africa Strike Force initiative, developed to combat fraud and corruption as the United States expends military and humanitarian resources across Africa. For information about the second case prosecuted as a result of the initiative, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/us-navy-concrete-contractor-djibouti-admits-fraudulent-conduct-and-will-pay-more-125.
The case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, European Post of Duty in Germany, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, European Fraud Resident Agency. Additional investigative assistance was provided domestically and internationally by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Substantial ongoing assistance in prosecuting this case has been provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
DEFENDANT Case Number 20-CR-3167-DMS
Micheline Pollock Age: 52 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SUMMARY OF CHARGE
Conspiracy to Defraud the United States – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
AGENCIES
Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Department of the Army, Criminal Investigative Command
Department of the Navy, Naval Investigative Service
Organizer of Armed Jewelry Store Robbery Sentenced to 96 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Mario J. Peia (619) 546-9706SAN DIEGO – A street gang member who led and organized an armed robbery was sentenced in federal court today to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty in April to one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery.
According to his plea agreement, Trenelle Cannon, a member of the O’Farrell Park Criminal Street Gang, admitted that he and other individuals agreed to rob the Alpha and Omega Jewelry Store in National City at gunpoint. Other individuals entered the store, pointed a gun at the store clerk, smashed the jewelry cases open, and placed jewelry into bags before fleeing the store with the stolen property.
While Cannon never entered the store, he admitted to having a leading and organizing role in the conspiracy. His leadership included instructing other individuals on what materials to obtain for the armed robbery and instructing them on what to do during the robbery. Cannon also provided the gun used and actively worked to sell the sell the stolen merchandise afterwards.
“We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute not only those who commit the violent crimes, but those who organize, aid, and support the crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI for their excellent work on this case.
“Mr. Cannon didn’t just commit this crime, he organized and planned it for his accomplices to help carry out,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe by finding, investigating, and dismantling criminal organizations one person at a time. Today’s sentencing represents the unwavering teamwork between the FBI and our law enforcement partners to see that dangerous criminals are no longer a danger to the public.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr2938-WQH
Trenelle Cannon Age: 23 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in Prison
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National City Police Department
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Ocean Beach Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for His Role in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720 and Daniel D. Shin (619) 546-7609SAN DIEGO—Alexander Michael Randise of Ocean Beach was sentenced today in federal court to 188 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of 30-year-old Tyber Joseph Lustig.
According to his plea agreement, Randise admitted providing four counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl, commonly referred to as “blues,” to Lustig on December 11, 2021. These pills caused Lustig to have a fatal overdose. Randise had been selling counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl to Lustig and others for at least one year prior to Lustig’s death. Randise instructed Lustig in a drug transaction approximately one year prior to Lustig’s death that Lustig needed to “be careful” because the pills were “[really] strong.”
On January 5, 2022, law enforcement officials conducted a search of two of Randise’s residences in Ocean Beach. During the search, authorities seized approximately 680 counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl, 2.33 grams of cocaine, suspected MDMA, $1,175 in U.S. currency, and a loaded 9-millimeter non-serialized handgun.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said: “Fentanyl has taken so many lives. Our community lost another bright and extremely talented young man to this epidemic. We stand together with our law enforcement partners in stating directly: If you choose to sell drugs and a death results, you will be held accountable for that death.”
Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“Another young person is gone too soon and another family is shattered because of fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “Fentanyl dealers are a top priority for the DEA and our law enforcement partners and we will continue to attack this crisis at every level.”
“HSI will continue to work tirelessly alongside its San Diego law enforcement partners to bring justice to those who distribute fentanyl in our community,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation into Lustig’s death. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. In 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-CR-497-JLS
Alexander Michael Randise Age: 29 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)(C)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
State of California Department of Health Care Services
Victims of BitConnect Scheme to Receive More than $17 Million to Compensate for LossesRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Carl Brooker, Lisa Sanniti, and Mark W. Pletcher
SAN DIEGO — A federal judge has ordered Glenn Arcaro - one of the leaders of a massive cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded investors worldwide - to pay $17,646,801 dollars in restitution to approximately 800 victims from over 40 countries.Arcaro, 45, the top U.S.-based promoter for BitConnect, pleaded guilty in September of 2021, admitting that he conspired with others to exploit investor interest in cryptocurrency by fraudulently marketing BitConnect’s proprietary coin offering and digital currency exchange as a lucrative investment.
Arcaro and others misled investors about BitConnect’s “Lending Program.” Under this program, Arcaro touted BitConnect’s purported proprietary technology, known as the “BitConnect Trading Bot” and “Volatility Software,” as being able to generate substantial profits and guaranteed returns by using investors’ money to trade on the volatility of cryptocurrency exchange markets.
In truth, however, BitConnect operated a textbook Ponzi scheme by paying earlier BitConnect investors with money from later investors. Arcaro and others ensured up to 15 percent of the money invested into BitConnect went directly into a slush fund to be used for the benefit of its owner and promoters. Arcaro was sentenced in September of 2022 to 38 months in prison.
On February 25, 2022, the founder of BitConnect, Satish Kumbhani, was indicted for his central role in the multibillion-dollar fraud. He remains a fugitive from justice and anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the FBI at 216-522-1400.
"Hundreds suffered devastating financial losses as a result of this terrible deception, and we hope today’s ruling will provide some relief to the victims," said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.
Grossman thanked the prosecution team as well as the FBI’s Cleveland Cyber Crime and White Collar Crime teams, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force - a multiagency task force based in San Diego and Imperial counties that is funded by the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture, for their excellent work on this case.
“To perpetrate a massive fraud scheme that intentionally deceived hundreds of people around the globe is horrendous,” said Cleveland FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Today’s hearing serves as a blunt warning to others who plot to trick investors that we will uncover the truth and seek restitution. The FBI is committed to protecting investors from sophisticated cryptocurrency scammers that seek to capitalize on the novelty of digital currency. We applaud the collaborative work with our federal, state, and local partners to bring justice to the victims.”
“Glenn Arcaro and his co-conspirators took advantage of innocent investors worldwide utilizing cyberspace to reach victims from over 40 countries. Investors believed they were investing in cryptocurrency, but BitConnect’s proprietary coin and digital coin exchange were indeed fraudulent,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s order of restitution will return over $17 million to those that were misled and invested in BitConnect. IRS Criminal Investigation, our law enforcement partners and the USAO in the Southern District of California worked hard to assist both foreign and domestic victims of this Ponzi scheme.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Brooker, Lisa Sanniti, and Mark W. Pletcher of the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and United States Postal Inspection Service provided indispensable assistance to the investigation.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21CR2542-TWR
Glenn Arcaro Los Angeles, CA Age: 45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349
Criminal Forfeiture—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 982
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater; forfeiture and restitution
AGENCIES
FBI
IRS Criminal Investigation—Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force
United States Postal Inspection Service
Crypto Fraud Victims Receive over $17 Million in Restitution from BitConnect SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal district court in San Diego ordered today that over $17 million in restitution be distributed to approximately 800 victims from over 40 different countries due to their investment losses in BitConnect, a massive cryptocurrency investment scheme, which defrauded thousands of investors worldwide.
On Sept. 16, 2021, Glenn Arcaro, 44, the top U.S.-based promoter for BitConnect, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Separately, on Feb. 25, 2022, the founder of BitConnect, Satish Kumbhani, was indicted for his central role in the multibillion-dollar fraud.
As part of Arcaro’s plea, he admitted to conspiring with others to exploit investor interest in cryptocurrency by fraudulently marketing BitConnect’s initial coin offering and digital currency exchange as a lucrative investment. Arcaro and co-conspirators misled investors about BitConnect’s “Lending Program.” Under this program, Arcaro touted BitConnect’s purported proprietary technology, known as the “BitConnect Trading Bot” and “Volatility Software,” as being able to generate substantial profits and guaranteed returns by using investors’ money to trade on the volatility of cryptocurrency exchange markets.
In truth, however, BitConnect operated a textbook Ponzi scheme by paying earlier BitConnect investors with money from later investors. Arcaro and his co-conspirators ensured that up to 15% of the money invested into BitConnect went directly into a slush fund to be used for the benefit of its owner and promoters.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Cleveland Field Office and IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided indispensable assistance to the investigation.
Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Brooker, Lisa Sanniti, and Mark W. Pletcher and Contract Attorney Mark McDonald for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Skimmer Builder Sentenced to Prison for Role in Stealing Financial Identities at Gas PumpsRead the Press Release
Potential Victims Urged to Contact Justice Department
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Sabrina L. Fève and Nicholas W. PilchakSAN DIEGO – A Los Angeles resident was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for his role building specialized devices to steal the financial information of unwitting victims at gas pumps throughout Southern California.
Robert Fichidzhyan, age 40, admitted in his plea agreement that he built “skimmers”—customized electronic devices that his accomplices secretly installed at dozens of gas stations to steal credit and debit card information from unknowing patrons. Fichidzhyan admitted that the conspiracy he participated in stole at least $619,923.45 during the period that he was involved.
“Identity thieves should not assume they are safe committing electronic larceny,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “Anyone who victimizes the public in our jurisdiction will be brought to justice.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, IRS-CI and Secret Service agents for their excellent work on this case.
As set out in court documents, Fichidzhyan’s accomplices broke into gas pumps throughout Southern California and installed customized skimming devices to steal victims’ credit and debit card information during otherwise legitimate transactions. Next, they made unauthorized cards encoded with victims’ information for their own use, stole victims’ funds, or otherwise sold victim financial information outright to others who would exploit it for their own gain.
Fichidzhyan admitted in his plea agreement that he personally received $249,890.00 from the scheme. He was ordered to forfeit that amount, and to participate in paying restitution of $619,923.45 to the victims of his crime together with his codefendants.
Another defendant in a related case previously received prison time for similar conduct. On June 23, 2022, Margar Simonyan was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in custody in related case number 21-cr-2659-BAS, together with $11,810 of forfeiture and restitution. The next hearing in the case against the remaining defendants is set for March 20, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant.
This investigation involved significant contributions from many different sources, including state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, and assistance from and partnerships with the financial and private sectors, such as the National Cyber-Forensics Training Alliance (NCTFA). Anyone who believes that they may be a victim of this offense can visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s large case website for more information: www.justice.gov/largecases.
“The U.S. Secret Service works vigorously to combat financial fraud perpetrated against the Southern California community, particularly crimes related to skimming,” said SAIC Jason Reynolds of the San Diego Field Office. “The Secret Service, along with our local, state, and federal partners, will continue to be proactive in suppressing this criminal activity, and remains ready to investigate financial crimes wherever they occur.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21-CR-2660-BAS
- Haykaz Mansuryan 33 Residence: Granada Hills, California
- Hayk Shakaryan 34 Residence: Glendale, California
- Davit Babayan 36 Residence: Granada Hills, California
- Artour Hakobyan 39 Residence: Glendale, California
- Petros Armutyan 36 Fugitive
- Hakop Karayan 44 Residence: Glendale, California
- Robert Fichidzhyan 40 Residence: North Hollywood, California
- Vasiliy Polyak 32 Residence: Glendale, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Use Unauthorized Access Devices and Possess Device-Making Equipment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(b)(2), 1029(a)(2), and 1029(a)(4)
Maximum Penalty: five to ten years in prison, depending upon prior convictions; fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss
Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A (Defendants 1, 2, and 4 through 6 only)
Maximum Penalty: mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence
AGENCIES
U.S. Secret Service
Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation
Flight Attendant Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorney Katie Grammenidis (619) 203-9715SAN DIEGO— Terese L. White, a flight attendant residing in Dallas, Texas, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a drug-trafficking charge, admitting that she used her privileges as a flight attendant to bypass the more robust security screening process at San Diego International Airport in order to smuggle fentanyl which was taped to her abdomen.
White admitted in her plea agreement that on October 4, 2022, while off-duty, she flew from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas to San Diego International Airport. Following her arrival, White exited the airport’s secure area. Later that same day, in advance of her scheduled flight to Boston, Massachusetts, White attempted to bypass the regular security screening procedures by using the Known Crew Member queue. White, however, was selected for the regular passenger screening process. During that screening process, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers found that White had concealed packages taped to her abdomen that contained more than three pounds of fentanyl. As part of her plea, White admitted that she attempted to use her status as a flight attendant, a position of trust, to facilitate the offense.
White is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
"Drug traffickers use air, land and sea for personal gain, putting people’s lives in danger,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “We will continue the great work with our partners to bring traffickers to justice and keep our community safe."
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21-CR-2510-CAB
Terese Lea White Age: 41 Dallas, Texas
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Transportation Security Administration
California Highway Patrol
Harbor Police Department
Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Medicare, Manufacture and Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
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Assistant U. S. Attorneys Owen Roth and David ChuSAN DIEGO – Dr. David J. Smith, a pain management physician, and his office manager, Julia Ann Oertle, are charged in a federal grand-jury indictment with perpetuating a long-running scheme to commit healthcare fraud and to manufacture and distribute adulterated fentanyl.
Smith made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal. Smith’s bond was set at $1 million, secured by real property, with a limitation on his ability to practice medicine. Oertle was still at large.
According to allegations in the indictment, Smith purports to specialize in the installation and maintenance of intrathecal pain pumps which are surgically placed in a patient’s stomach with two catheters implanted on the spine; pain medicine is then infused into a reservoir in the pump periodically, and meted out directly into the spine.
Beginning in December 2017, Smith and Oertle began compounding fentanyl citrate into vials, in a room at Smith’s principal medical practice, San Diego Comprehensive Pain Management Center. According to the indictment, this compounding practice was grossly improper and resulted in the production of adulterated fentanyl. Smith nevertheless directed administration of this fentanyl to patients repeatedly.
The indictment alleges that beyond providing patients with adulterated fentanyl, Smith violated the applicable standards of care by, among other things, prescribing materially excessive quantities of fentanyl, prescribing unnecessary oral opioid medications in conjunction with pain-pump medication, and installing pain pumps in patients without proper assessments for patient need. Smith then had false and fraudulent reimbursement claims submitted to Medicare for these administrations. Among other things, the claims were inflated by nearly 60 percent; they sought reimbursement for large volumes of unnecessarily manufactured fentanyl; they falsely represented that excess fentanyl had been discarded, when in fact it was used; and they did not disclose that the fentanyl was adulterated.
According to the indictment, Oertle illegally ordered fentanyl citrate for compounding; compounded fentanyl with Smith; and helped direct the illegal billing practices.
“We are supposed to be able to trust our doctors with our lives,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This office will use all its resources to protect vulnerable patients from doctors who use them to make money, with no regard for their safety.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI, the DEA, the FDA, and the other members of the investigative team for their excellent work on the case.
“Criminal misconduct within the healthcare system is not only deceitful, but also destructive,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office.
“David Smith and Julia Oertle allegedly abused their positions of trust by manufacturing and propagating this toxic poison to patients over an extended period of time, further unraveling the fentanyl crisis our country is experiencing. This investigation clearly demonstrates that the threat of the opioid crisis extends far beyond street level dealing. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and ensure justice is served.”
"The DEA is committed to bringing to justice doctors that take the public’s trust and abuse it for their own purposes,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “We are grateful for our relationships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the other agencies who worked to bring these defendants to justice.”
“U.S. consumers must be able to trust that their medicines meet FDA’s required standards of safety and effectiveness,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Alston, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public’s health and the public’s trust.”
“According to allegations in the indictment, these defendants were trusted with the medical care of their patients but instead used treatments that were not medically necessary in order to gain financially,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to serve the public and help put a stop to schemes like this that take advantage of our medical system and put patients’ care at risk.”
In California, patients receiving treatment at this practice who feel they want to change providers may contact their primary care provider for continued care. Individuals seeking access to primary care or pain management service can find a provider through a local Federal Qualified Health Center. Patients with insurance should contact their health insurance company. Those who are struggling with their intake of opioids can find local providers at Choose Change CA or 1-800-879-2772. Those needing emergency access to substance-use treatment or who are experiencing opioid withdrawal can visit a California Bridges Emergency Room.
In Nevada, patients receiving treatment at this practice who feel they want to change providers may contact their primary care provider for continued care. Individuals needing access to primary care or pain management service can find a new provider through a local Federal Qualified Health Center. Patients with insurance should contact their health insurance company. Those who are struggling with opioid addiction may contact the Nevada Substance Abuse Help Line: 1-775-825-4357 or toll free 1-800-450-9530. Individuals can also contact the Nevada 24-hour help line at 1-800-273-8255 or Text CARE to 839863.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22-CR-
David James Smith Age: 62 Rancho Santa Fe, California
Julia Ann Oertle Age: 52 Las Vegas, Nevada
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy –18 U.S.C. § 371
Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Controlled Substances –21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a), 841(b)(1)(C), 846
Healthcare Fraud – 18 U.S.C. § 1349
False Claims – 18 U.S.C. § 287
Manufacture of Controlled Substances – 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)
Adulteration of Fentanyl – 21 U.S.C. §§ 331, 333
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison; a $10,000,000 fine; supervised release for a maximum of life, and a mandatory minimum term of 5 years; $100 special assessment per count of conviction.
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Drug Enforcement Administration
Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Marshal Service
Internal Revenue Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
San Diego Tax Preparer Sentenced for Illegal Operation of a $5 Million Money Transmission BusinessRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Carl Brooker
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY—December 5, 2022
SAN DIEGO - Jose Luis Gonzalez was sentenced in federal court today to 30 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $5,052,037 for transmitting more than $5 million dollars through an unregistered money transmission business and claiming more than $19 million dollars in fraudulent tax deductions in connection with the scheme.
According to court documents, Gonzalez, 50, conspired with others to operate an unregistered money transmission business in the Southern District of California. Gonzalez and his co-conspirators accepted and deposited cash throughout the United States, wire transferred the cash deposits throughout the United States, and ultimately transferred the funds to Mexico.
For example, Gonzalez and co-conspirators opened approximately 11 bank accounts for “shell” corporations in the Southern District of California. From just October 1, 2018 to May 2, 2019, no less than $5,052,037 in U.S. currency, checks, and money orders were deposited into the “shell” accounts at bank branches and ATMs throughout the United States.
About 95 percent of the funds were transferred to Mexico-based bank accounts. The co-conspirators charged a money transmission fee or commission. The purpose of this scheme was to evade domestic and foreign laws regarding money transfer and reporting.
According to his plea agreement, Gonzalez prepared 12 false corporation income tax returns for 10 of the “shell” corporations. In total, Gonzalez created $19,615,192 in bogus deductions that nearly ‘zeroed’ out the corporations’ gross receipts. One egregious example was a fraudulent 2017 corporate income tax return that Gonzalez prepared for Jeva International, Inc. Per the income tax return Gonzalez prepared and filed with the IRS, Jeva reported gross receipts of $3,092,253 and listed a false deduction of $3,053,359 for legal and professional outside services.
In addition, in the spring of 2019, an Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation undercover operation was conducted at Gonzalez’s office. Gonzalez was recorded explaining to the undercover officer how he was taking discrete steps to fraudulently reduce the undercover officer’s taxable income.
“No matter the sophisticated means a criminal organization uses to evade laws governing the international transfer of money, federal law enforcement will follow the money back to the criminal mastermind,” U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said.
“We will not hesitate to prosecute that organization’s criminal enablers, including professional tax preparers who unlawfully assist these schemes.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and agents from IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), and the San Diego Police Department for their excellent work on this case.
“Tax preparers like Gonzalez, who use their knowledge and profession to aid in the execution of money laundering schemes, will be held accountable,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s sentencing shows our commitment to unraveling complex financial transactions and holding professionals responsible for their role in these schemes.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force, a partnership targeting unlawful transactions through the financial system. The task force brings together the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22-cr-01472-W
Jose Luis Gonzalez 50 Chula Vista, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1960
Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False Income Tax Returns – Title 16, U.S.C., Section 7206(2)
Criminal Forfeiture—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 982(a)
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Internal Revenue Service
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General
San Diego Police Department
Man Indicted for Stealing Chief Federal Judge’s Identity and Forging Court DocumentsRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Mark Conover (619) 546-6763Honolulu, Hawaii – Edmond Abordo of Honolulu was arrested by the FBI today in connection with a federal grand jury indictment charging that he forged the signature of a federal judge in order to trick a woman into paying him thousands of dollars for bogus legal services.
According to the indictment, Abordo used the forged signature and a federal court seal to create a phony court order, which he then used to prove to the victim that he’d pulled her Ewa Beach, Hawaii, home out of foreclosure. Abordo allegedly claimed to be a legal expert, which he was not.
The case was initiated when the Clerk's Office of the District Court, District of Hawaii learned of the forged court order containing the signature and seal of U.S. Chief District Judge Derrick K. Watson. The FBI began investigating.
The indictment alleges that Abordo first met the elderly victim in late 2017 and described himself to her as a “non-licensed attorney” who could help her prevent foreclosure. Abordo, who is not a lawyer and has no legal training, claimed that he had expertise on several legal subjects, including mortgages and adverse possession. He convinced the victim to file a federal lawsuit challenging foreclosure of her home. Nearly each time that Abordo met with the victim, he demanded a cash payment of $1,000 to $3,000 dollars.
Abordo ultimately convinced the victim that the federal judge assigned to the lawsuit had awarded her possession of her home, the indictment said Abordo stated that he would not give her the court order until she paid him additional money. In reality, the victim’s home had been lost to foreclosure and the federal lawsuit had been dismissed months earlier. The victim, believing Abordo had a real court order, paid him thousands of dollars in exchange for the forged court order.
The forged court order was a two-page document dated June 26, 2019 and titled “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion For Adverse Possession Pursuant HRS § 657-31.5 Adverse Possession and 43 U.S. Code § 1068 Lands Held in Adverse Possession.” The document contained the caption of the federal lawsuit as well as the purported signature of U.S. District Judge Watson, and the seal of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii.
Abordo assured the victim that the forged court order was a genuine court document and that the judge’s signature on the forged order was genuine, and that the forged court order gave legal possession of the Ewa Beach property to the victim. In reality, and as Abordo then well knew, the forged court order was not genuine, was never issued or signed by the judge, and did not confer any property rights to the victim.
“We will always act to protect the integrity of the court and seek justice for victims of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman of the Southern District of California. Grossman applauded the work of the prosecution team and the FBI in this matter.
“Trust in our court system is paramount to our society,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “When individuals forge court documents and victimize our kupuna, the FBI will aggressively pursue those individuals to maintain the public’s confidence in the court system and protect the vulnerable.”
Abordo was arraigned on the indictment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendal Newman and entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Newman detained Abordo temporarily and ordered him to appear before U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill on January 19, 2023, at 9 a.m. for a motion hearing.
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEFENDANT
Edmund Abordo 67 Honolulu, HI
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution18 U.S.C. § 505, Forgery
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1), Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Penalty: Two years consecutive to underlying countAGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Poway Men Sentenced in Fentanyl Overdose Death of FirefighterRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Maritsa A. Flaherty (619) 546-6964 and Larry Casper (619) 546-6734SAN DIEGO – Justin Gale Mata and Everett Justin Curtis, both residents of Poway, were sentenced in federal court today to 180 months and 151 months in prison, respectively, for supplying the fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of Brian M. Parrish, a Cal Fire firefighter.
In their plea agreements, the defendants admitted that they knowingly supplied the fentanyl that led to Parrish’s death.
In imposing the fifteen year sentence on defendant Mata, U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant noted his criminal record and explained that she needed to “worry about protection of the public” in light of the ongoing opioid crisis and Mata’s dealing of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
On January 30, 2021, Curtis and Parrish exchanged text messages regarding the purchase of fentanyl to be acquired from Mata. Curtis picked up Parrish and the two drove to a casino to meet Mata. While at the casino, Curtis facilitated the drug deal. Ultimately, Mata supplied the fatal fentanyl and Parrish subsequently overdosed on the fentanyl. Parrish died early the following morning.
The victim’s family described Parrish in court records as a loving, funny, “nature boy.” Parrish’s father said he was “born smiling.” The loss of Parrish has left a “hole” in the hearts of his entire family, according to his mother, including his parents, his sisters, his three children, and grandchild. Likewise, Parrish’s girlfriend called him “the light” of her life. At sentencing, Parrish’s mother noted that, as a firefighter, her son “ran into danger when others would run away.” Parrish’s fire captain told the court that Parrish “was a great firefighter” who “loved what he did” and “what the job represented.”
“Brian Parrish dedicated himself as a firefighter to combatting California’s deadly wildfires, and his loss is tragic for his family and the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue justice for victims like Brian, and continue to hold dealers accountable under federal law when their drugs result in death. If you are a dealer – find a different business – you will be caught and no money you make from fentanyl is worth the hard time you will spend in a federal prison cell.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and agents from DEA’s Overdose Response Team, which was created to address drug overdose deaths in San Diego, for their excellent work on this case.
“The DEA and our law enforcement partners continue to aggressively pursue people who are supplying drugs in our community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “If a dealer provides drugs that cause someone to die, we will be laser focused on bringing them to justice.”
A third co-defendant in the case, Ashley C. Cohen, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Mata, her boyfriend, to distribute fentanyl. Cohen, who was not implicated in the death of Parrish, was previously sentenced to 41-months.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman praised prosecutors Maritsa Flaherty and Larry Casper as well as the agents from DEA’s Overdose Response Team that was created to address drug overdose deaths in San Diego, for their efforts on these cases.
For those who suffer from addiction, please know there is help. Call the Crisis line at 888-724-7240; it’s always open.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21-CR-2063-BAS Everett Justin Curtis Age: 48 Poway, CA Justin Gale Mata Age: 41 Poway, CA Ashely Chyanne Cohen Age: 28 San Diego, CASUMMARY OF CHARGES
Mata - Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison; five year minimumCurtis - Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prisonINVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police DepartmentArizona Woman Sentenced for Participating in Nationwide Grandparent ScamRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson (619) 546-9769SAN DIEGO – An Arizona woman was sentenced in federal court today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for participating in a large-scale “grandparent scam” racketeering conspiracy.
According to court documents, Lyda Harris, 75, of Laveen, Arizona, participated in a criminal enterprise that engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation. At least 10 elderly victims who resided in San Diego County lost over $300,000 to the fraud.
From approximately November 1, 2019, until October 14, 2020, the members of the criminal enterprise contacted elderly victims by phone, feeding them phony stories that their grandchildren were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, pay medical expenses for car accident victims, or prevent additional charges from being filed. Members of the conspiracy and their associates obtained money from victims through in-person cash pick-ups, by mail or commercial carriers, or via wire transfers. Conspirators laundered the proceeds by transferring the funds or converting from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
According to court documents, Harris participated in the conspiracy from December 2019 until October 2020. Harris was arrested in the Republic of Albania in August 2021 and extradited to the United States. According to Harris’s plea agreement, her role in the criminal enterprise was to receive victim proceeds and funnel them for a coconspirator to convert from fiat currency to cryptocurrency. As part of her sentence, Harris was ordered to forfeit $6,243 in proceeds she personally received from the offense, and to pay $1,208,291.93 to the victims in restitution.
“The defendant was a crucial member of a sophisticated criminal organization that shamelessly exploited the grandparents’ love for their grandchildren,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting fraud committed against elderly adults, and to warn the public about the dangers of elder fraud.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
Lyda Harris and the criminal enterprise she was a part of chose to line their pockets at the expense of one of our most vulnerable and trusting populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the effectiveness of San Diego’s Elder Justice Task Force and the future crime we can deter when working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. We remind the public that if you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to the FBI at IC3.gov
As of today, six of the eight defendants charged in the case have been sentenced. Two defendants are fugitives.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was established in February 2021 and is believed to be the first comprehensive law enforcement effort for this purpose anywhere in the country. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2216-CAB Tracy Adrine Knowles
Fugitive Age: 30 Orlando, Florida Adonis Alexis Butler Wong
Fugitive Age: 30 Northbay Village, Florida Timothy Ingram, aka Bleezy
Sentenced on August 31, 2022 to 108 months in prison. Age: 30 North Hollywood, California Anajah Gifford
Sentenced on November 17, 2022 to 57 months in prison. Age: 24 North Hollywood, California Lyda Harris
Sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison. Age: 74 Laveen, Arizona Joaquin Lopez
Sentenced on August 31, 2022, to 24 months in prison. Age: 46 Hollywood, Florida Jack Owuor
Sentenced on August 17, 2022, to 46 months in prison. Age: 25 Paramount, California Tracy Glinton
Sentenced on November 17, 2022, to time served – nine days. Age: 35 Orlando, FloridaSUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1962(d) – Conspiracy to Conduct or Participate in an Enterprise
Through a Pattern of Racketeering ActivityMaximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000
AGENCY
Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which includes:
San Diego FBI
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Carlsbad Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Escondido Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
National City Police Department
Coronado Police DepartmentLocal Firm and Owners Plead Guilty to Fraud and Illegal Sale of PesticidesRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976SAN DIEGO – Integral Hygienic Solutions, Inc, dba TruClean, a La Mesa-based sanitation company, pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding customers by falsely claiming that its antimicrobial cleaning product was tested and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The company had claimed that its antimicrobial product, TruClean 365, eliminates bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19, on treated surfaces for one year with a single application. The company also claimed that its product had been submitted to the antimicrobials division at the EPA for testing and that the EPA had validated their claim of one year of effectiveness through “rigorous testing.”
At the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the defendants put TruClean’s own labels on bottles of chemical products purchased from a chemical company on the East Coast. Ray Louis Smith Jr., Ramont Joseph Smith, and TruClean then marketed, sold, and distributed the newly re-labeled products as providing year-long protection against infection from viruses, including the virus that causes Covid-19, on its social media pages and its website.
Products represented to kill viruses in the environment are regulated by the EPA as pesticides. None of the products sold under the TruClean name was registered as a pesticide by the EPA, as required by law. Pesticides that are unregistered may not be sold or distributed in the United States. In pleading guilty, the company admitted that it sold over $800,000 worth of the unregistered pesticides.
"The defendants tried to gain commercial advantage during the pandemic by falsely claiming that the federal government had tested and validated their product,” said U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting criminal cases to assist in protecting the public from frauds such as this.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“The defendants in this case knowingly persisted in their false assertions that their pesticide application provided protection against COVID-19,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s criminal program in California. “As this case demonstrates, EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for false claims that put entire communities at risk.”
“This case demonstrates the EPA Office of Inspector General’s commitment to investigate crimes that undermine the integrity of EPA programs and defraud consumers,” said Special Agent in Charge Garrett J. Westfall of the U.S. EPA OIG. “Our investigative team and law enforcement partners held the subjects accountable by quickly uncovering the potential harm to health and safety and by exposing the false claims promoted by TruClean 365.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with our government partners are committed to protecting the American public against criminal networks attempting to illegally sell products that could endanger lives of U.S. consumers for financial gain,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “We remain vigilant and will use our broad legal authorities to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks seeking to exploit and benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This case was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section.
Sentencing is set for Feb 24, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Todd Robinson.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2607-TWR Integral Hygienic Solutions, Inc. Incorporated: 2020 Sheridan, WY Ray Louis Smith, Jr. San Diego, California Ramont Joseph Smith San Diego, CaliforniaSUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 (Integral Hygienic Solutions, Inc. only)
Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
Maximum penalty: Five years of probation for a corporation and/or a fine of $500,000, or twice the unlawful gain or lossCount 2 (all defendants)
Unlawful Sale/Distribution of Pesticides – Title 7, U.S C., Sections 136j and 136l
Maximum penalty: One year in custody and/or a fine of $100,000AGENCIES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations; California Department of Toxic Substances Control
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former Sheriff’s Captain’s Accomplice Sentenced to Prison for Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
For further information contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak (619) 546-9709 or Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961SAN DIEGO - Self-described “consultant” Waiel “Will” Anton was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for years of corrupt conduct after pleading guilty in July to two counts of obstruction of justice.
Anton admitted collecting cash payments from the operator of several unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in exchange for law enforcement information about impending searches, and for continuing to obstruct justice with the same dispensary operator while Anton was on federal pretrial release in one of his criminal cases.
Although he was never a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy, Anton was a close associate of former Sheriff’s Captain M. Marco Garmo, who pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearms trafficking and admitted an array of corrupt conduct in September 2020. Garmo is currently serving a two-year sentence in federal prison.
In describing the larger case against Garmo and all of his co-defendants, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel observed that, “had the [federal] government not conducted this investigation and prosecuted Captain Garmo, there was a possibility that we would have had one of the most corrupt government officers ever leading the San Diego Sheriff's Department. And one can only imagine what types of favors, what type of corrupt schemes would have been hatched, would have been employed, would have become the templates for how the sheriff's department operates. And it's horrifying to even think about that prospect.” In pronouncing sentence on Anton, Judge Curiel emphasized that “the public is entitled to honest services by government officials.”
In his plea agreement, Anton admitted providing supposed “consulting” services to multiple operators of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries between January 2017 and February 2019. In particular, Anton collected a fee from the operator of the lucrative “Empire” dispensary in Spring Valley—a region then included in Garmo’s jurisdiction. In return for regular cash payments, Anton provided the operator with advance warning of planned Sheriff’s Department searches of the operator’s business locations, information which Anton received from Garmo.
Anton’s text messages with Garmo reveal the pair discussing a Sheriff’s search of the Empire operator’s competition in May 2018. Garmo reported to Anton that he had instructed his lieutenant to search another illegal dispensary located close to the Empire operator, in order “to scare the fuk outta [him] lol.” Anton responded: “Fuck yeah gman” and “Close them all,” but Garmo wrote back “$$$,” apparently reminding Anton that their focus was Anton’s ongoing profit-making scheme rather than legitimate law enforcement. Anton replied: “I got you.”
In his own plea agreement, Garmo had admitted tipping off a different illegal marijuana dispensary part-owned by his cousin in July 2018, before a separate putative law enforcement search.
At about the same time, Anton ran a different “consulting” venture for applicants for County permits to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Per court records, in exchange for substantial fees, Anton would help his applicants submit their CCW paperwork and secure early appointments with civilian County staff. In his guilty plea, Anton admitted making an illegal $100 cash payment to a county clerk who ensured favored treatment for his CCW clients. Garmo admitted in his own plea papers that his role in Anton’s scheme was to refer CCW “consulting” clients to Anton in exchange for kickbacks of $100 apiece.
In February 2019, Anton met with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whom Garmo had referred to Anton after selling the undercover agent a pair of off-roster handguns. In exchange for a $1,000 cash payment, Anton called the Licensing clerk whom he had paid off and secured a two-week CCW appointment for the agent instead of the eight-month wait available to the public. During their meeting, Anton bragged that he would become the head of Sheriff’s Licensing after Garmo was elected Sheriff.
After ATF and FBI agents searched Anton’s home on February 13, 2019, Anton placed an unsolicited call to the undercover agent. During the call, Anton admonished the agent nine times in six minutes not to tell federal agents, if questioned, that he had paid Anton any money as part of their deal. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton added that the undercover agent should falsely claim that he and Anton were friends and business associates.
In March 2021, while on federal pretrial release for his criminal case with Garmo, Anton met with the owner of the unlicensed “Empire” dispensary to offer his services once again. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton met the illegal dispensary operator in a parking lot and showed him a page of Anton’s criminal discovery in violation of a court order. In exchange for another $5,000 in cash, Anton told the operator who to stay away from because they might be cooperating with law enforcement.
Court documents show that Anton was able to commit these offenses because his associates perceived him as almost a police officer himself. For example, Anton promised to “send a unit”—i.e., a marked police car—to a local businessowner complaining about a homeless person frequenting his shop.
“Proximity to power is not a license to break the law,” said Attorney for the United States Rebecca Church. “Anton leveraged his image as an apparent law enforcement insider to obstruct and subvert justice and to line his own pockets with criminal proceeds. This office will not tolerate unlawful corruption in any form.”
Anton was ordered to forfeit five firearms that he admitted were involved in a violation of criminal law for purposes of forfeiture. In total, approximately 302 firearms and 131,458 rounds of ammunition have been forfeited as part of this investigation. Anton was also ordered to pay a fine of $56,215.
Church praised the talented and dedicated investigators from the ATF and FBI who have worked on this case. She added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to once again extend its sincerest gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, without whose referral this case would not have been possible. Church also thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their assistance and support throughout the course of the investigation.
“Individuals who knowingly participate in firearms trafficking schemes must take accountability for their role in aiding individuals who acquire firearms illegally,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “This complex investigation involving multiple defendants was made possible by the cooperation and collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We have effectively disrupted yet another firearms trafficking operation.”
“Mr. Anton often purported to be a law enforcement officer and exploited his access to law enforcement information and influence for his own personal gain,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corruption and ensure those who violate the law will be held fully accountable.”
Defendants U.S. v. Garmo, et. al, 19-CR-4768-GPC Morad Marco Garmo, 55 years old sentenced to two years in custody, forfeiture of 58 firearms and 5,385 rounds of ammunition, and $8,350 fine, following felony guilty plea Leo Joseph Hamel 65 years old sentenced to one year of probation and 100 days of house arrest, forfeiture of 229 firearms and 126,073 rounds of ammunition, following felony guilty plea Giovanni Vincenzo Tilotta 41 years old sentencing pending, following conviction at trial Fred Magana 45 years old sentencing pending, following guilty plea Waiel Yousif Anton 38 years oldSummary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(b)(3) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Defendant U.S. v. Anton, 22-CR-1142-GPC Waiel Yousif Anton 38 years old
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(c)(2) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prisonInvestigating Agencies
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Former Sheriff’s Captain’s Accomplice Sentenced to Prison for Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak (619) 546-9709 or Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 28, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Self-described “consultant” Waiel “Will” Anton was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for years of corrupt conduct after pleading guilty in July to two counts of obstruction of justice.
Anton admitted collecting cash payments from the operator of several unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in exchange for law enforcement information about impending searches, and for continuing to obstruct justice with the same dispensary operator while Anton was on federal pretrial release in one of his criminal cases.
Although he was never a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy, Anton was a close associate of former Sheriff’s Captain M. Marco Garmo, who pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearms trafficking and admitted an array of corrupt conduct in September 2020. Garmo is currently serving a two-year sentence in federal prison.
In describing the larger case against Garmo and all of his co-defendants, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel observed that, “had the [federal] government not conducted this investigation and prosecuted Captain Garmo, there was a possibility that we would have had one of the most corrupt government officers ever leading the San Diego Sheriff's Department. And one can only imagine what types of favors, what type of corrupt schemes would have been hatched, would have been employed, would have become the templates for how the sheriff's department operates. And it's horrifying to even think about that prospect.” In pronouncing sentence on Anton, Judge Curiel emphasized that “the public is entitled to honest services by government officials.”
In his plea agreement, Anton admitted providing supposed “consulting” services to multiple operators of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries between January 2017 and February 2019. In particular, Anton collected a fee from the operator of the lucrative “Empire” dispensary in Spring Valley—a region then included in Garmo’s jurisdiction. In return for regular cash payments, Anton provided the operator with advance warning of planned Sheriff’s Department searches of the operator’s business locations, information which Anton received from Garmo.
Anton’s text messages with Garmo reveal the pair discussing a Sheriff’s search of the Empire operator’s competition in May 2018. Garmo reported to Anton that he had instructed his lieutenant to search another illegal dispensary located close to the Empire operator, in order “to scare the fuk outta [him] lol.” Anton responded: “Fuck yeah gman” and “Close them all,” but Garmo wrote back “$$$,” apparently reminding Anton that their focus was Anton’s ongoing profit-making scheme rather than legitimate law enforcement. Anton replied: “I got you.”
In his own plea agreement, Garmo had admitted tipping off a different illegal marijuana dispensary part-owned by his cousin in July 2018, before a separate putative law enforcement search.
At about the same time, Anton ran a different “consulting” venture for applicants for County permits to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Per court records, in exchange for substantial fees, Anton would help his applicants submit their CCW paperwork and secure early appointments with civilian County staff. In his guilty plea, Anton admitted making an illegal $100 cash payment to a county clerk who ensured favored treatment for his CCW clients. Garmo admitted in his own plea papers that his role in Anton’s scheme was to refer CCW “consulting” clients to Anton in exchange for kickbacks of $100 apiece.
In February 2019, Anton met with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whom Garmo had referred to Anton after selling the undercover agent a pair of off-roster handguns. In exchange for a $1,000 cash payment, Anton called the Licensing clerk whom he had paid off and secured a two-week CCW appointment for the agent instead of the eight-month wait available to the public. During their meeting, Anton bragged that he would become the head of Sheriff’s Licensing after Garmo was elected Sheriff.
After ATF and FBI agents searched Anton’s home on February 13, 2019, Anton placed an unsolicited call to the undercover agent. During the call, Anton admonished the agent nine times in six minutes not to tell federal agents, if questioned, that he had paid Anton any money as part of their deal. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton added that the undercover agent should falsely claim that he and Anton were friends and business associates.
In March 2021, while on federal pretrial release for his criminal case with Garmo, Anton met with the owner of the unlicensed “Empire” dispensary to offer his services once again. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton met the illegal dispensary operator in a parking lot and showed him a page of Anton’s criminal discovery in violation of a court order. In exchange for another $5,000 in cash, Anton told the operator who to stay away from because they might be cooperating with law enforcement.
Court documents show that Anton was able to commit these offenses because his associates perceived him as almost a police officer himself. For example, Anton promised to “send a unit”—i.e., a marked police car—to a local businessowner complaining about a homeless person frequenting his shop.
“Proximity to power is not a license to break the law,” said Attorney for the United States Rebecca Church. “Anton leveraged his image as an apparent law enforcement insider to obstruct and subvert justice and to line his own pockets with criminal proceeds. This office will not tolerate unlawful corruption in any form.”
Anton was ordered to forfeit five firearms that he admitted were involved in a violation of criminal law for purposes of forfeiture. In total, approximately 302 firearms and 131,458 rounds of ammunition have been forfeited as part of this investigation. Anton was also ordered to pay a fine of $56,215.
Church praised the talented and dedicated investigators from the ATF and FBI who have worked on this case. She added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to once again extend its sincerest gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, without whose referral this case would not have been possible. Church also thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their assistance and support throughout the course of the investigation.
“Individuals who knowingly participate in firearms trafficking schemes must take accountability for their role in aiding individuals who acquire firearms illegally,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “This complex investigation involving multiple defendants was made possible by the cooperation and collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We have effectively disrupted yet another firearms trafficking operation.”
“Mr. Anton often purported to be a law enforcement officer and exploited his access to law enforcement information and influence for his own personal gain,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corruption and ensure those who violate the law will be held fully accountable.”
U.S. v. Garmo, et. al, 19-CR-4768-GPC
Defendants
Morad Marco Garmo, 55 years old—sentenced to two years in custody, forfeiture of 58 firearms and 5,385 rounds of ammunition, and $8,350 fine, following felony guilty plea
Leo Joseph Hamel, 65 years old—sentenced to one year of probation and 100 days of house arrest, forfeiture of 229 firearms and 126,073 rounds of ammunition, following felony guilty plea
Giovanni Vincenzo Tilotta, 41 years old—sentencing pending, following conviction at trial
Fred Magana, 45 years old—sentencing pending, following guilty plea
Waiel Yousif Anton, 38 years old
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(b)(3) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
U.S. v. Anton, 22-CR-1142-GPC
Defendant
Waiel Yousif Anton, 38 years old
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(c)(2) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Investigating Agencies
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Court Rejects Claims of Medical Malpractice and Medical Battery Against the United StatesRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Steven J. Poliakoff (619) 546-7058 and Janet A. Cabral (619) 546-8715SAN DIEGO – A federal judge held, following a recent bench trial, that a San Diego woman failed to establish her claims of medical malpractice and medical battery against the United States.
Instead, the court found that the evidence at trial “overwhelmingly” supported the United States’ position that obstetrician Sandra Lopez, M.D., from the federally-funded Vista Community Clinic (“VCC”), met the standard of care in her treatment of the plaintiff and in performing an emergency Cesarean-section delivery with informed consent. VCC is one of many federally-funded health centers nationwide that receive federal funding to provide medical care in underserved communities.
The plaintiff, who was 41½ weeks pregnant, was admitted to Tri-City Medical Center for induction of labor on November 15, 2017. Her attending VCC obstetrician, Sandra Lopez, M.D., ordered Pitocin to induce labor. The plaintiff requested, and an anesthesiologist inserted, a continuous epidural anesthetic to relieve pain. Both the Pitocin and epidural anesthetic were administered pursuant to Tri-City Hospital Medical Center protocols, which the evidence demonstrated met the standard of care.
According to evidence presented at trial, at approximately 5:20 a.m, the following morning, nursing staff noted a markedly diminished fetal heartbeat, and called Dr. Lopez, who arrived at the plaintiff’s bedside by 5:21 a.m. Dr. Lopez confirmed that the baby’s heartbeat was dangerously slow and weak. Dr. Lopez consulted with the plaintiff, who agreed to undergo an emergency Cesarean-section delivery to prevent neurologic injury and possibly death to her baby. Dr. Lopez called for an emergency Cesarean-section delivery per Tri-City Hospital protocol, which should result in all members of the surgical team promptly appearing at the operating room. However, the hospital paging notification system (for which the United States was not responsible) was delayed, and the anesthesiologist did not receive timely notification.
The baby’s very slow and very weak heartbeat meant that its blood supply to critical organs, including the brain, was being severely compromised. If allowed to continue, the baby would suffer irreversible brain damage and possibly death. Not knowing when, or even if, the anesthesiologist would arrive, Dr. Lopez consulted with the plaintiff, who again consented to Cesarean-section delivery of her baby, but now with injection of a local anesthetic to augment the anesthesia that she already had in place with the epidural anesthetic. Dr. Lopez conducted a pinch test in the plaintiff’s lower abdomen, both before and after the injection of the local anesthetic, to confirm that the plaintiff did not have sensation in the area.
During the surgery, the anesthesiologist arrived and further anesthetized the plaintiff. Within one minute of beginning the surgery, Dr. Lopez delivered a normal and healthy baby.
In her complaint, which was reported by many local news outlets after its filing, the plaintiff alleged that the United States, through Dr. Lopez, breached the standard of care in the administration of Pitocin (thereby creating the baby’s distress) and committed medical battery by performing an emergency Cesarean-section delivery without anesthesia, and without the plaintiff’s consent. The Court disagreed and found that:
Plaintiff has failed to establish her claims of medical malpractice and medical battery in this case. The evidence overwhelmingly supports Defendant’s position that Dr. Lopez met the standard of care in her treatment of Plaintiff and proceeded to perform the emergency c-section with informed consent, and to perform it under local anesthesia with informed consent.
"Dr. Lopez’s quick thinking and her command of the operating room in this obstetrical emergency was of the highest order and resulted in the birth of a healthy baby,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The United States Attorney’s Office was honored to defend this case and is grateful that justice was found in the court’s ruling."
Case Number
Delfina Mota v. United States of America, 19-cv-1212-AJB-NLS
SUMMARY OF CLAIMS
- Medical negligence
- Medical Battery
AGENCY
Department of Health and Human Services
Four Defendants Indicted for Securities Fraud, Conducting International Pump-and-Dump Scheme, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Owen Roth and Aaron P. Arnzen
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 22, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Canadian resident David Stephens and California residents Donald Danks, Jonathan Destler, and Robert Lazerus are charged in a federal grand-jury indictment with securities fraud in connection with a pump-and-dump scheme, and Danks is additionally charged with money laundering, arising from their alleged manipulation of the market for shares of Quebec-based Loop Industries, Inc.
Danks, Destler, and Lazerus are scheduled to appear in federal court on November 28, 2022.
According to the allegations in the indictment, in 2014, Stephens acquired control over a publicly-traded “shell” entity whose free-trading shares were held in various offshore nominee entities, and in 2015 worked with Danks and Destler to conduct a reverse-merger of the shell with Loop, thereby generating publicly tradable Loop shares. Without disclosing his controlling interest in all, or nearly all, freely tradeable Loop shares, Stephens directed sales of shares on the open market and transferred large blocks to Danks, a Loop board member, and Destler, a controlling shareholder. In turn, Danks and Destler made material false statements and omissions about their interests in Loop, failed to disclose those interests, and directed and conducted transactions in Loop stock. Danks and Destler worked with Lazerus to promote the stock, including by having Lazerus successfully persuade an elderly investor to purchase millions of dollars of shares in 2017. Stephens, Danks, Destler and Lazerus then divided the proceeds from the sales among themselves.
The indictment further alleges that Lazerus, assisted by Danks and Destler, sought to promote Loop shares by passing material, non-public information about Loop to an investor, who was in fact an undercover agent for the FBI. Finally, the indictment alleges that Danks used more than $500,000, procured as a margin loan from Loop shares, to finance the purchase of a home in Southern California.
“Securities fraud schemes victimize investors and degrade the integrity of the securities markets,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This indictment reflects a commitment by this office and its agency partners to keep a vigilant watch for market manipulation and hold those who violate our securities laws accountable.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI, and the Securities and Exchange Commission for their excellent work on the case.
“Today’s indictment sends a strong message that the FBI will aggressively pursue anyone who thinks they can get away with defrauding innocent investors for their personal gain,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating allegations of significant financial crime and market manipulation, and in doing so, will work to restore public trust in a fair market.”
The Securities and Exchange Commission has also taken civil action against the named defendants.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2701-BAS
David Stephens Age: 66 Alberta, Canada
Donald Danks Age: 65 Newport Beach, CA
Jonathan Destler Age: 59 Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lazerus Age: 66 Solana Beach, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 371
Securities Fraud –Title 18, U.S.C. Secs. 78(b), 78ff & Title 17, C.F.R. Sec. 240.10b-5
Money Laundering – Title 18 U.S.C., Sec. 1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000.
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Securities and Exchange Commission Boston Regional Office
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Defendants Sentenced for Participating in Nationwide Grandparent ScamRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 17, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Two more defendants were sentenced in federal court today for participating in a large-scale “grandparent scam” racketeering conspiracy.
Anajah Gifford, 24, of North Hollywood, California, received a sentence of 57 months in custody. Tracy Glinton, 35, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to time served. According to court documents, the defendants participated in a criminal enterprise that engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle more than $2 million from 70-plus elderly victims across the nation. At least 10 elderly victims who resided in San Diego County lost over $300,000 to the fraud.
From approximately November 1, 2019, until October 14, 2020, the members of the criminal enterprise targeted elderly Americans, contacting them by phone and feeding them phony stories that their grandchildren were in legal trouble and needed money to pay for bail, pay medical expenses for car accident victims, or prevent additional charges from being filed. Members of the conspiracy and their associates obtained money from victims through in-person cash pick-ups, by mail or commercial carriers, or via wire transfers. Conspirators laundered the proceeds by transferring the funds or converting from fiat currency to cryptocurrency.
As part of her plea agreement, defendant Anajah Gifford admitted that she personally conducted cash pick-ups from victims under codefendant Timothy Ingram’s direction, and helped Ingram pay unlawful proceeds to codefendant Tracy Knowles. Gifford, personally and with co-defendant Ingram, also recruited and coordinated money mules in California. As part of her sentence, Gifford was ordered to forfeit $52,750 in proceeds she personally received from the offense and to pay $1,235,406.93 to the victims in restitution.
According to court documents, defendant Tracy Glinton’s primary role was to help codefendant Tracy Knowles receive proceeds from coconspirators who obtained victim funds. In her plea agreement, Glinton admitted that she knew the money she received constituted proceeds of grandparent scams. As part of her sentence, Glinton was ordered to forfeit $9,950 in proceeds she personally received from the offense, and to pay $471,600 to the victims in restitution. Ingram was previously sentenced to 108 months; Knowles remains at large.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies. The Elder Justice Task Force was established in February 2021 and is believed to be the first comprehensive law enforcement effort for this purpose anywhere in the country. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch.
“The defendants were members of a particularly sophisticated grandparent scam enterprise that callously and shamelessly targeted the elderly across our country,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Today’s sentencings hold the defendants accountable not only for the financial losses, but also the deep and long-lasting psychological damage their crimes can cause their victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice in frauds committed against elderly adults. We will also continue to warn the public about the dangers of elder fraud.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the Elder Justice Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“Because seniors are a particularly vulnerable victim group and are often specifically targeted for financial fraud crimes, the FBI and our law enforcement partners have prioritized our efforts to address elder fraud,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Using such deceitful tactics bilk hard-earned money from aging victims – leaving so many financially devastated in their retirement years without recourse for recovery. We encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud or know a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, to immediately report the incident to the FBI or another law enforcement agency.”
As of today, six of the eight defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty. Two defendants are fugitives and remain at large.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr2216-CAB
Tracy Adrine Knowles 30 Orlando, Florida
Fugitive
Adonis Alexis Butler Wong 30 Northbay Village, Florida
Fugitive
Timothy Ingram, aka Bleezy 30 North Hollywood, California
Sentenced on August 31, 2022, to 108 months in prison.
Anajah Gifford 24 North Hollywood, California
Sentenced today to 57 months.
Lyda Harris 74 Laveen, Arizona
Released on bond. Sentencing set for December 1, 2022.
Joaquin Lopez 46 Hollywood, Florida
Sentenced on August 31, 2022, to 24 months in prison.
Jack Owuor 25 Paramount, California
Sentenced on August 17, 2022, to 46 months in prison.
Tracy Glinton 35 Orlando, Florida
Sentenced today to time served – Nine days.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1962(d) – Conspiracy to Conduct or Participate in an Enterprise
Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than the greater of twice the amount of gain or loss associated with the offense or $250,000
AGENCY
Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, which includes:
San Diego FBI
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Carlsbad Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Escondido Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
National City Police Department
Coronado Police Department
Political Consultant Convicted for Scheme Involving Illegal Foreign Campaign Contribution to 2016 Presidential CampaignRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted a political consultant for his role in funneling illegal foreign campaign contributions from a Russian foreign national to a 2016 presidential campaign.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jessie R. Benton, 45, of The Woodlands, Texas, schemed with another political advisor to funnel political contributions to a 2016 presidential campaign from a Russian foreign national seeking to support, meet, and take a picture with the presidential candidate. Benton arranged for the Russian foreign national – whose nationality Benton concealed from the campaign and the candidate – to attend a political fundraising event for the campaign and to take a picture with the candidate.
As such attendance and engagement required a contribution, Benton caused the Russian foreign national to wire $100,000 to Benton’s political consulting firm for purposes of making an illegal foreign contribution to the campaign. To disguise the scheme, Benton created a fake invoice, which falsely identified the funds as payment for consulting services. Benton acted as a straw donor and contributed $25,000 of the Russian foreign national’s money to the campaign, falsely identified himself as the contributor, and pocketed the remaining $75,000. Because Benton falsely claimed to have given the contribution himself, the relevant campaign entities unwittingly filed reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that inaccurately reported Benton – instead of the Russian foreign national – as the source of the funds.
Benton was convicted of conspiring to solicit and cause an illegal campaign contribution by a foreign national, effecting a conduit contribution, and causing false records to be filed with the FEC. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 17, 2023, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the top count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia, and Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Diego Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rebecca G. Ross and Michelle K. Parikh of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Wasserman for the Southern District of California, while serving in her capacity as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, are prosecuting the case.
San Diego Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for His Role in Fatal Fentanyl OverdoseRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Sean Van Demark (619) 546-7657
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY—November 15, 2022
SAN DIEGO—Drug dealer Saul Caro was sentenced in federal court today to 15 years in prison for providing the fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a 35-year-old business owner who lived in downtown San Diego.
Caro pleaded guilty on June 1, 2022, admitting that he sold powdered fentanyl to a man identified in court records as M.S. on April 11, 2021. The victim overdosed in his apartment and was found two days later.
While investigating his death, federal agents posed as the victim and texted Caro, requesting drugs. They set up a meeting time near a restaurant on July 22, 2021. Caro was arrested there. Officers found a plastic bindle containing a white powdery substance with a green tint that fell out of his left pants leg. It tested positive for fentanyl.
During a subsequent search of Caro’s residence, a loaded, unregistered, semi-automatic privately manufactured firearm with no serial number, or “ghost gun,” was located along with more ammunition, more drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
According to the government’s sentencing memo, the defendant communicated with the victim via text not only about getting the drugs, but also about the strength of the drug or its authenticity. For example, on April 12, 2020, the victim texted Caro about the potency of some drugs he had received.
M.S.: OK lemme know when here
M.S.: Lotttttt stronger! … def need to warn ppl
Caro: I did
M.S.: Yeah thanks otherwise would been bad news for me lol
On November 6, 2020, M.S. informed Caro that the drugs he received were altered in some way.
M.S.: Man, so the shit has real stuff in it no doubt. But they cut it with something that makes ur heart slam like nothing I’ve ever felt. Was worried for a few mins. Heart pounds like a sledgehammer jack hammering out of my chest… ugh why the hell did they have to put that shit in here and ruin it!
M.S.: Literally hands shaking like a leaf it’s crazy
Caro: He told me to be careful cuz its strong
M.S.: Lol yeah
Caro: My bads
“The defendant chose to disregard the significant risk associated with selling fentanyl and other drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “His choices had severe consequences for a family that lost a beloved son and brother. The driving factor for all of us in law enforcement is the human toll that fentanyl is taking. We see the grief and destruction in person every day. We will continue to seek justice for every victim.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“There is no place to hide,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The DEA and its partners will continue to track down, arrest, and prosecute those who are driving addiction.”
“Today’s sentencing serves not only as a testament to HSI’s commitment to bring to justice those responsible for another overdose death but should also serve as a reminder to people; abusing drugs these days will likely kill you, said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The men and women of HSI, alongside our partnered law enforcement agencies, will stop at nothing to pursue those that deal deadly drugs in our communities.”
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-CR-3100-GPC
Saul Caro Age: 33 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
State of California Department of Health Care Services
U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins Community and Law Enforcement Partners in Launching San Diego’s First United Against Hate WeekRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Cindy Cipriani (619-546-9608) and Alicia Williams (619-546-8917) and Law Enforcement/Outreach Coordinator Shastity Urias (619-546-9399)
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 14, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Beginning today, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, along with community and law enforcement leaders, will participate in a statewide United Against Hate (UAH) Week campaign.
The week of Nov. 14-21 is a call for local civic action to stop the hate and biases that pose a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. The UAH campaign, which emerged from a poster campaign by Bay Area Cities, has spread to more than 200 communities. San Diego will participate for the first time this year.
Inspired by successful campaigns in prior years throughout California, the U.S. Attorney’s office, through its leadership role chairing the San Diego Regional Anti-Hate Crime Coalition, has collaborated with multiple partners to launch a week of positive messages and diverse events designed to empower local residents and communities to stand against racism and alter the course of growing intolerance.
“When law enforcement, community leaders and residents work together against hate, we can restore respect, embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all,” Grossman said.
Dozens of organizations, civic/law enforcement leaders and agencies have signed on as supporters. Scheduled events include a social media/Twitter storm on November 15th; several free National Conflict Resolution Center webinars on “The Art of Inclusive Communication” and the “Bystander Challenge;” training by the District Attorney’s Office on hate crimes and victim resources for vulnerable communities; an Antisemitism and Bias Seminar offered by Anti-Defamation League; and a ceremony honoring the winners of a school-based essay/poster contest, sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association Foundation. In addition, the County of San Diego and City of San Diego are expected to pass proclamations declaring this week “United Against Hate Week” in San Diego.
The full calendar of events can be accessed at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/united-against-hate.
“Hate Crimes are the highest priority of the FBI’s Civil Rights program due to the devastating impact they have on families and communities” said Stacey Moy, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office. “We will always work with our law enforcement and private sector partners to educate our communities about these violations while continuing to investigate and prevent violent incidents motivated by hate or bias. We also urge the public to report any suspected hate crimes to the FBI and local law enforcement.”
“I stand united against hate alongside the dedicated team at the DA’s office, our diverse communities and law enforcement,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Hate-fueled crimes that target people based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability harms the victim and also spreads fear throughout the community. We will not tolerate this, which is why prosecuting hate crimes is a priority for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. In combatting hate crimes, we nearly tripled the number of hate crime cases we have prosecuted in recent years, we protected victims harmed by hate and we increased access to reporting hate incidents online.”
“The San Diego County Sheriff's Department does not tolerate any acts of hate in our communities,” said Sheriff Anthony Ray. “We are proud to join the U.S. Attorney's Office, as well as our law enforcement and community partners, in promoting a message of unity and inclusion.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report hate incidents and hate crimes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at https://tips.fbi.gov/. Please call 911 if you need emergency assistance.
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Pleads Guilty to Stealing from CustomersRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Andrew Sherwood (619) 546-9690
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 9, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Breanna Wares pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that she stole approximately $2,700 worth of gift cards, cash and jewelry from customers.
According to her plea agreement, Wares stole these items from approximately 20 customers along her route near Camp Pendleton at the Brooks Street Station in Oceanside. Most of the addresses on her route were located on the U.S. Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton and many of the victims were active members of the military.
A customer along Wares’ route reported that she mailed two gift cards to two different people and neither person received them. This report prompted agents from the Office of Inspector General to launch an investigation and discover that there were several other complaints of missing mail along Wares’ route.
Through the course of the investigation, agents determined that Wares unlawfully redeemed over 30 Target gift cards that had been placed in the mail, totaling more than $1,400. During a search of Ware’s personal vehicle, agents discovered more than 40 gift cards valued at more than $1,300. Agents also found sheets of stamps, jewelry, foreign currency, rifled and unrifled First Class Mail greeting card envelopes. Agents also found a Trader Joe’s gift card in Wares’ wallet.
When interviewed by agents from the Office of Inspector General, Wares admitted to stealing mail from customers for over a year.
Wares has agreed to pay restitution to her victims and a condition of her felony guilty plea is that she is prohibited from working in the mail, package, receipt and/or delivery industry.
“The defendant stole from those who entrusted their confidence in the delivery system,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the U.S. Postal Service to protect the integrity of the system and bring justice to the victims of these crimes. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their excellent work on this case.
“The U.S. Postal Service employs over 630,000 men and women who are dedicated public servants,” said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Western Pacific Area Field Office, Executive Special Agent-in-Charge Glenn San Jose. “For over two centuries, the Postal Service has honored its fundamental commitment to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that theft of U.S. Mail, committed by a Postal Service employee, will not be tolerated. The public we serve can rest assured that the Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our partner law enforcement agencies, remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr1465
Breanna Wares Age: 39 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Theft of Mail by Postal Employee – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1709
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General
Former U.S. Military Pilot Sentenced for Acting as Paid Agent of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Lying on National Security Background FormsRead the Press Release
Former U.S. Army helicopter pilot-turned-civilian-contractor Shapour Moinian, 67, of San Diego, was sentenced in federal court today to 20 months in prison for acting as an agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and accepting thousands of dollars from representatives of the Chinese government to provide aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers.
According to court documents, Moinian served in the U.S. Army in the United States, Germany and South Korea from approximately 1977 through 2000. After his service, Moinian worked for various cleared defense contractors in the United States – including in San Diego - as well as the Department of Defense. “Cleared” is a term that indicates a contractor is permitted to work on projects that involve classified information.
According to his plea agreement, while Moinian was working for a cleared defense contractor, or CDC, on various aviation projects used by the military and U.S. intelligence agencies, he was contacted by an individual in China who claimed to be working for a technical recruiting company. This person offered Moinian the opportunity to consult for the aviation industry in China.
In March 2017, Moinian travelled to Hong Kong where he met with this purported recruiter and agreed to provide information and materials related to multiple types of aircraft designed and/or manufactured in the United States in exchange for money. Moinian accepted approximately $7,000-$10,000 in U.S. currency during that meeting. According to his plea agreement, at this meeting and at all subsequent meetings, Moinian knew that these individuals were employed or directed by the PRC.
Upon returning to the United States, Moinian began gathering aviation-related materials, which included transferring material from a CDC to a thumb drive. In September 2017, Moinian traveled overseas and, during a stopover at the Shanghai airport, met with Chinese government officials and provided aviation-related materials on a thumb drive, including proprietary information from a CDC. Thereafter, Moinian arranged to be paid for this information through the South Korean bank account of his stepdaughter. Moinian told his stepdaughter that these funds were payment for his consulting work overseas and instructed her to transfer the funds to him in multiple transactions.
Moinian also received a cell phone and other equipment from these individuals to communicate with them and aid in the electronic transfer of materials and information.
At the end of March 2018, Moinian traveled to Bali and met with these same individuals again. Later that year, he began working at another CDC. During this timeframe, the same individuals in China transferred thousands of dollars into the South Korean bank account of Moinian’s stepdaughter, who subsequently wired the funds to Moinian in multiple transactions.
In August 2019, Moinian traveled again to Hong Kong and met with these same individuals where he was again paid approximately $22,000 in cash for his services. Moinian and his wife smuggled this cash back into the United States.
According to his plea agreement, Moinian also admitted that he lied on his government background questionnaires in July 2017 and March 2020, when he falsely stated that did not have any close or continuing contacts with foreign nationals and that no foreign national had offered him a job.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California and Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.
The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Sheppard and John Parmley for the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Former U.S. Military Pilot Sentenced for Acting as Paid Agent of China and Lying on National Security Background FormsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Fred Sheppard (619) 546-8237 and John Parmley (619) 546-7957
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 7, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Army helicopter pilot-turned-civilian-contractor Shapour Moinian was sentenced in federal court today to 20 months for acting as an agent of China and accepting thousands of dollars from representatives of the Chinese government to provide aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers.
During today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller told the defendant: “This was industrial espionage, bordering on military espionage…These were extremely serious offenses against the United States.”
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said: “Today this defendant is being held to account for selling American technology and intellectual property to the Chinese. This crime was committed by a former member of the U.S. military who chose cash over his company and country. The United States will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who works at the direction of foreign governments to steal from Americans.”
“Mr. Moinian deserves to be held fully accountable for betraying his oath to the United States, selling sensitive information to the Chinese government, and lying repeatedly to cover up his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Brice Miller of the NCIS Office of Special Projects. “This sentencing should make it clear: NCIS and our partners are fully committed to protecting the U.S. military and rooting out criminality that threatens the superiority of the U.S. warfighter.”
Moinian served in the Army in the United States, Germany, and South Korea from approximately 1977 through 2000. After his service, Moinian worked for various cleared defense contractors (CDC) in the United States – including in San Diego - as well as the Department of Defense. “Cleared” is a term that indicates a contractor is permitted to work on projects that involve classified information.
According to his plea agreement, while Moinian was working for a CDC on various aviation projects used by the military and U.S. intelligence agencies, he was contacted by an individual in China who claimed to be working for a technical recruiting company. This person offered Moinian the opportunity to consult for the aviation industry in China.
In March of 2017, Moinian travelled to Hong Kong where he met with this purported recruiter and agreed to provide information and materials related to multiple types of aircraft designed and/or manufactured in the United States in exchange for money. Moinian accepted approximately $7,000-$10,000 in United States currency during that meeting. According to his plea agreement, at this meeting and at all subsequent meetings, Moinian knew that these individuals were employed or directed by the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Upon returning to the United States, Moinian began gathering aviation-related materials, which included transferring material from a CDC to a thumb drive. In September 2017, Moinian traveled overseas. During a stopover at the Shanghai airport, he met with Chinese government officials and provided aviation-related materials on a thumb drive, including proprietary information from a CDC. Thereafter, Moinian arranged to be paid for this information through the South Korean bank account of his stepdaughter. Moinian told his stepdaughter that these funds were payment for his consulting work overseas and instructed her to transfer the funds to him in multiple transactions.
Moinian also received a cell phone and other equipment from these individuals to communicate with them and aid in the electronic transfer of materials and information.
At the end of March 2018, Moinian traveled to Bali and met with these same individuals again. Later that year, he began working at another CDC. During this timeframe, the same individuals in China transferred thousands of dollars into the South Korean bank account of Moinian’s stepdaughter, who subsequently wired the funds to Moinian in multiple transactions.
In August 2019, Moinian traveled again to Hong Kong and met with these same individuals where he was again paid approximately $22,000 in cash for his services. Moinian and his wife smuggled this cash back into the United States.
Moinian also admitted that he lied on his government background questionnaires in July 2017 and March 2020, when he falsely stated that did not have any close or continuing contacts with foreign nationals and that no foreign national had offered him a job.
Grossman thanked the prosecution team as well as the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their excellent work on this case.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21CR02927-JM
Shapour Moinian Age: 67 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Section 951 (Acting as an Agent of a Foreign Government)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 per count fine
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001 (Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statement or Representation)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 per count fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Federal Jury Vindicates Navy’s Merit Selection Promotion Process, Rejects Allegations of DiscriminationRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Morgan Suder (619) 546-8819 and Betsey Boutelle (619) 546-8764
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 2, 2022
SAN DIEGO – A federal jury has returned a unanimous verdict on Thursday in favor of the United States, rejecting allegations that the Navy wrongfully discriminated in selecting a Hispanic applicant over a Caucasian applicant for a supervisory engineering position in 2018.
The dispute focused on the process for promoting civilian engineers at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (“FRCSW”), which supports the nation’s aviation warfighters through overhaul, repair, and maintenance of Navy and Marine Corps front line tactical, logistical, and rotary-wing aircraft and their components. In 2018, FRCSW posted a vacancy announcement for a Supervisory Electronics Engineer, a high-level supervisory position requiring excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The plaintiff, Brett Gardner, one of three internal applicants, was not selected. Gardner then initiated administrative proceedings, alleging that the selecting official, a Hispanic woman, discriminated against him based on race. Two years later, the plaintiff voluntarily left the Navy to start a consulting business.
Following a lengthy administrative process and two years of litigation in U.S. District Court, the case proceeded to trial before a jury on October 24, 2022. During four days of evidence, multiple current and former FRCSW employees testified, about the thorough, unbiased process the Navy follows to ensure that promotion decisions are based on merit, not on impermissible factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or disability.
During the 2018 promotion process, the selecting official—the department head of Avionics and Propulsion and Power—appointed a three-member advisory panel to evaluate the applicants. One panel member served as EEO representative for the process, and he received additional EEO training immediately before the candidate interviews.
The advisory panel members all testified that they independently reviewed and scored the applicants’ resumes, and that each candidate was asked the same five interview questions. The selecting official explained that she drafted the interview questions but gave the panel chairperson flexibility to modify them if desired.
The three panel members all testified that they scored the candidates based on merit, and that the selected candidate outperformed the plaintiff in the interview process. They presented the scores and a recommendation to the selecting official, and she followed the panel’s recommendation. Many witnesses testified about the selecting official, emphasizing that she makes promotion decisions based on qualifications, not on race or other impermissible factors. She had promoted numerous Navy engineers of many races over the past decades, and she did not consider race in any of those decisions.
After deliberating less than an hour, the jury of seven citizens returned a unanimous verdict for the Navy on October 27, 2022, rejecting the claims of racial discrimination.
“The jury’s verdict confirms that the Navy’s process in this case was fair and merit-based,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. Haden thanked the trial team for their excellent work on this case.
“Fleet Readiness Center Southwest takes its duty to eliminate discrimination seriously,” said Katerina Chau, attorney with the Office of Counsel, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. “We thank the jury for their time in hearing and considering the evidence in this important case.”
Case Number
Brett Gardner v. Secretary of the Navy, 20-cv-2172-MMA-RBB
SUMMARY OF CLAIMS
- Race Discrimination in Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Unanimous Jury Verdict in favor of the Navy)
- Retaliation in Violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Summary Judgment entered for the Navy prior to trial)
AGENCY
Department of the Navy – Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
Former U.S. Navy Service Member Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Peter Ko (619) 546-7359 and Mark Conover (619) 546-6763
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 27, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Christopher Toups, who at the time of his crimes was a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he and others participated in a scheme to file false claims to obtain unearned benefits from an insurance program that compensates service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty.
According to his plea agreement, participants in the scheme obtained approximately $2 million in payments from fraudulent claims submitted to the insurance program - Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program, or TSGLI - and Toups personally obtained about $400,000.
At today’s hearing, Toups pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He admitted that from 2012 to at least December 2015, he conspired with his then-spouse Kelene McGrath, Navy Dr. Michael Villarroel, and others to obtain money from the United States by making claims for life insurance payments based on exaggerated or fake injuries and disabilities. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3, 2023, at 9 a.m.
“The theft of military healthcare dollars directly harms service members and taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This fraud was costly for the U.S. Navy, and now for this defendant.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“Fraudulently filing claims for unearned TSGLI benefits diverts compensation from deserving service members who suffered serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “Worse yet, this defendant actively recruited others into the scheme to feed his greed for compensation he did not deserve. This guilty plea is a testament to the VA OIG’s commitment to investigating those who would defraud benefit programs administered by VA.”
“The Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program is designed to compensate service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty. Falsely claiming benefits from this program siphons money from deserving beneficiaries and makes medical care more costly for all of us,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “This scheme is particularly egregious given the service members involved deceitfully served themselves for their own financial gain. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who willingly defraud the American people are held accountable.”
The Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) program was administered by Prudential for the Navy and funded by servicemembers and the Department of the Navy. TSGLI provided financial assistance to servicemembers recovering from traumatic injuries.
According to the plea agreement, in addition to submitting his own TSGLI claims based on fake injuries and disabilities, Toups encouraged numerous current or former Navy servicemembers to submit claims and sometimes told them to provide medical records to McGrath. McGrath, a nurse, falsified or doctored medical records to exaggerate or fake injuries. Villarroel certified that he reviewed the records and determined activities of daily living were lost or impaired and consistent with the claimed injuries as required for claims to be processed and qualify, at times supporting the determination by falsely stating he interviewed the claimant. Villarroel also, at times, provided others’ medical records for McGrath to use in fabricating claims.
Toups admitted that he encouraged recipients of claim payments to give him part of the money, sometimes characterizing it as a “processing fee.” McGrath and Villarroel received part of the kickback depending on their involvement in the claim. Toups paid Villarroel in cash and by cashier’s check. At times, Toups and other conspirators conducted financial transactions in amounts under $10,000 to evade perceived financial reporting requirements.
According to court records, some of Toups’ co-defendants were part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”), based in Coronado, California. Toups was a Chief Petty Officer Construction Mechanic.
Ronald Olmsted and Anthony Coco, who each entered guilty pleas earlier this year, were previously sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino. Olmsted was sentenced to four months in prison followed by four months of home detention to be served as part of three years of supervised release. Coco was sentenced to four months of home detention to be served as part of three years of probation.
According to court records, Toups, Villarroel, and Meyer were at the center of the scheme, and together the conspirators defrauded the TSGLI program of nearly $2 million. Toups, Villarroel, and Meyer received kickbacks for creating and filing the fraudulent TSGLI applications for other U.S. Navy service members.
DEFENDANT 18CR1674-JLS
Christopher Toups 43 Woodstock, GA
RELATED CASES
Kelene Meyer 18CR1674-JLS 44 Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Michael Villarroel 18CR1674-JLS 48 Coronado, CA
Paul Craig 18CR1674-JLS 47 Austin, TX
Richard Cote 18CR1674-JLS 45 Oceanside, CA
Earnest Thompson 18CR1674-JLS 46 Murrieta, CA
Ronald Olmsted 20CR0659-JLS 48 Mobile, AL
Anthony Coco 20CR0197-JLS 43 San Diego, CA
Stephen Mulholland 20CR0052-JLS 51 Panama City Beach, FL
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Toups:
18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
Others:
18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Complaints Related to November 2022 General ElectionRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Seth Askins (619) 546-6692
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 26, 2022
SAN DIEGO - Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.
AUSA Askins has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of Election
Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Grossman stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Askins will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (619) 546-6692.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (858) 320-1800.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
U.S. Attorney Grossman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Nevada Man Sentenced for Bringing 17-Year-Old Girl to San Diego to Engage in Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Samaje Evans was sentenced in federal court today to 72 months in prison for transporting a 17-year-old girl from Arizona to Nevada to San Diego for the purpose of involving her in commercial sex acts. According to his plea agreement, Evans took all the money earned by the minor - about $1,500 a day. Evans also posted commercial sex advertisements for the girl online.
Evans pleaded guilty on February 2, 2022, to one count of Coercion and Enticement.
On April 22, 2021, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) received an alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a 17-year-old female runaway
believed to be involved in commercial sex in Texas, Arizona, Nevada and San Diego. The NCMEC alert identified a possible sex trafficker and provided social media photographs of that individual.
On April 22, 2021, Task Force Officers from the SDHTTF located the minor and Evans at a San Diego hotel. Evans had checked into the room and was in possession of a card key to the room. A search of the minor’s phone revealed messages from Evans in which he directed her to collect money from sex customers and informed the minor she would have to pay a “fee” for not following the rules. The phone also contained photographs that were used in the commercial sex advertisements. Task Force Officers also located recent videos of Evans and the minor together in the hotel room in San Diego.
“Our office will do everything we can to protect children from being exploited and harmed by sex traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“Evans’ exploitation of a minor is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “The FBI will never stop fighting for minors who are victimized by criminals who care more about money than people. We appreciate the collaboration of our partners at the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for working closely with us to ensure justice is served and victims receive all the resources they need.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr01513-CAB
Samaje Evans Age: 27 Las Vegas, NV
SUMMARY OF CHARGE
Coercion and Enticement – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2422(a) Maximum penalty: Life in Prison; $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation & The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section, which leads collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Law Enforcement Announces Creation of Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team and its First ProsecutionRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO— The United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations today announced the creation of, and first case brought by, the newly formed Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Formed in September 2022, the group known as “FAST” is a multi-agency task force led by Homeland Security Investigations working in conjunction with state and local agencies to target significant fentanyl distributors in San Diego County. FAST’s mission is to identify and disrupt distribution networks in San Diego County that are responsible for fatal and non-fatal overdoses. FAST will support and provide additional resources to build upon the work of the already-existing DEA’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) to ensure that the most significant fentanyl dealers and those who sell deadly doses of fentanyl face prosecution.
Today, federal authorities brought their first FAST prosecution. James Michael Bradford was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford on a single count of distribution of fentanyl. The complaint alleges that Bradford distributed fentanyl resulting in the death of a victim identified in court records as M.R.S.
On October 12, 2022, Carlsbad Police found the victim at a home in Carlsbad. After investigating the scene, law enforcement identified Bradford as M.R.S.’s source of supply, and they arrested Bradford later that day. Following his arraignment, Bradford was detained. Bradford’s next court date is a Preliminary Hearing set for November 3, 2022.
“FAST is an important step in targeting drug dealers in San Diego County driving our unacceptable number of fatal fentanyl overdoses,” according to U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Together with our state and federal partners, our Office will prosecute those engaging in this deadly trade.”
“By leading this critical task force, HSI’s unwavering commitment to closely work with our law enforcement partners to coordinate, deconflict, and prioritize individuals and criminal organizations responsible for supplying fentanyl that results in overdose deaths remains our priority,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Opioid deaths in San Diego are becoming all too common; we must address this issue at the root by utilizing all of our law enforcement tools as a united team.”
“The creation of FAST brings collaboration between law enforcement to a new level in the fight against fentanyl overdoses and the ongoing work being done to save lives across San Diego County” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Addressing the fentanyl overdose epidemic in our community remains a priority for my office through prosecution, prevention and education. FAST leverages the cooperative power of all the agencies involved to put fentanyl suppliers out of business and hold them accountable for the destruction they're causing to families in our region.”
Carlsbad Police Department Assistant Chief Christie Calderwood stated: “I want to thank our detectives involved in this case at the Carlsbad Police Department as they investigate overdose deaths while we navigate the fentanyl crisis affecting our nation. Our department prioritizes educational and investigative efforts, as well as collaborative work like this with our local law enforcement partners, and all the agencies involved in the newly formed FAST team. We appreciate the U.S Attorney’s Office amazing teamwork, while we move forward with an overarching goal of saving lives and arresting those that bring deadly criminal activity into our community.”
“Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous drug, one that we did not see ten years ago, and one that is incredibly potent in even very small amounts. Nearly every American community has been impacted by the opioid crisis,” said Anne Maricich, CBP Acting Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “The creation of FAST utilizes multi-agency collaboration with our federal and state law enforcement partners boosting our effectiveness to disrupt the illicit importation of this deadly narcotic. We need to aggressively continue to investigate and bring to justice those who are contributing to this epidemic.”
“San Diego law enforcement will continue to protect our community by targeting dangerous drug dealers driving addiction,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe.
“Removing fentanyl from our communities and those who distribute it are our top priorities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The FBI will continue to partner with our state and local agencies to bring to justice those who endanger public health and safety by propagating this deadly poison.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-MJ-3812
Jason Michael Bradford Age: 48 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(C)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Carlsbad Police Department
Drug Enforcement Administration
Enforcement and Removal Operations
Escondido Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
United States Customs and Border Protection
United States Marshals Service
Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Case Featured on HBO Documentary “the Crime of the Century”Read the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY — October 19, 2022
SAN DIEGO— Cole Thomas Salazar was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo to 120 months for his role in supplying the fatal dose of powdered fentanyl that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Fuzzell on November 3, 2020.
According to his plea agreement, Salazar used an online classified ads service to offer controlled substances for sale. After communicating with Fuzzell online, Salazar sold fentanyl to her on November 2, 2020, and she subsequently died from this fentanyl. On January 10, 2021, law enforcement arrested Salazar and found on his person packages of heroin and fentanyl.
A search of a nearby hotel room turned up numerous quantities of controlled substances including more fentanyl and dealer-related paraphernalia such as scales, baggies and pay-and-owe sheets. The plea agreement stipulates for Salazar that the commission of the offense of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury applies. The investigation and arrest of Salazar and his co-defendant Valerie Lynn Addison was featured in the HBO “The Crime of the Century.”
Addison is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Bencivengo on November 16, 2022.
“Our community lost a vibrant, intelligent 24-year-old victim to powdered fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We can’t stress enough the danger of powdered fentanyl. If you are a drug dealer who chooses to sell powdered fentanyl – disregarding the extreme risk – our office will prosecute you for any death resulting from your sale.”
“Drug dealers like Mr. Salazar must be held accountable for the rising fentanyl deaths we have seen in San Diego communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “Fake pills and powdered fentanyl have no place in San Diego, and we will continue to bring those who sell these drugs to justice.”
“The sentence imposed on the lethal dose of powered fentanyl that resulted in the tragic death of a young person sends a clear message to drug criminal drug dealers,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “There are serious consequences to peddling these dangerous substances. HSI along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to seek out and bring to justice those involved drug overdoses of any kind.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. Investigators from the DEA’s Overdose Response Team led the investigation into Fuzzell’s death.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr3518-CAB
Cole Thomas Salazar Age: 32 San Diego, CA
Valerie Lynn Addison Age: 40 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Salazar:
Possession with Intent to Distribute (Fentanyl) – Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
Addison:
Possession with Intent to Distribute (Fentanyl and Methamphetamine) – Title18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
California Department of Health Care Services
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Police Department
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Former San Diego Resident Sentenced to 20 Years for Funding ISIS Terrorist Activities in SyriaRead the Press Release
A Canadian national and former resident of San Diego, California, was sentenced in federal court today to 20 years in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for conspiring with others to provide material support to terrorists engaged in violent activities such as murder, kidnapping and maiming of persons in Syria.
According to court documents, Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi, 37, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada provided both money and personnel to support the violent jihadist activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization. From November 2013 through March 2014, Abdullahi encouraged, aided and financially assisted six North American nationals in traveling to Syria, where they joined ISIS and engaged in armed battles to gain control of the territories and civilian populations within Syria. These six individuals included his three cousins from Edmonton, Canada, an 18-year-old cousin from Minneapolis, as well as San Diego resident Douglas McAuthur McCain.
On Sept. 15, 2017, pursuant to an extradition request by the United States, Canadian authorities arrested Abdullahi. Abdullahi was detained in Canadian custody without bail, pending extradition. On Oct. 24, 2019, Canada extradited Abdullahi to San Diego to face the material support charges in the indictment. Abdullahi pleaded guilty to all charges on Dec. 17, 2021.
Abdullah admitted that following the departure of those foreign fighters, he also caused money to be wired to third-party ISIS intermediaries in Gaziantep, Turkey, located approximately 40 miles from the Syrian border, for the purpose of continuing to support his coconspirators in violent jihadist activities on the battlefield. All six individuals were subsequently reportedly killed fighting for ISIS.
Abdullahi also admitted that to finance the travel of others to Syria, members of the conspiracy encouraged Abdullahi and others to steal and commit fraud against the “kuffar,” a pejorative term used to describe non-Muslims, claiming that such criminal activity was permissible under Islamic law. Abdullahi admitted that in order to raise funds to support the violent terrorist activities in Syria, he personally committed a violent crime – the Jan. 9, 2014, armed robbery of an Edmonton, Canada, jewelry store. Within weeks after committing that robbery, Abdullahi wired monies to San Diego, totaling approximately $3,100, for the purpose of financing the travel of Douglas and the 18-year old Minneapolis cousin’s travel to Syria to join and fight for ISIS.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California, Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI, San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations investigated the case. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Canadian law enforcement partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Edmonton Police Services; the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service; the Public Prosecution Service of Canada; and the Canada Crown Prosecutor’s Office, were instrumental in the United States’ efforts to prosecute Abdullahi and combat international terrorism.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane Harrigan and Fred Sheppard for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former San Diego Resident Sentenced for Funding ISIS Terrorist Activities in SyriaRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Shane Harrigan (619) 546-6981 and Fred Sheppard (619) 546-8237
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 17, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi, a Canadian national and former resident of San Diego, was sentenced in federal court today to 20 years in prison for conspiring with others to provide material support to terrorists engaged in violent activities such as murder, kidnapping and maiming of persons in Syria.
“Today we have delivered justice to a man who directly funded violent acts of terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Our most important job is protecting Americans from terrorists. The case against Abdullahi has done just that.”
“Protecting the American people from terrorism—both international and domestic—remains the FBI’s number one priority,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Abdullahi committed violent, unlawful acts to obtain money, then used that money to support the murder, torture, and extreme violence that ISIS represents. The FBI will continue to investigate all who support terrorist organizations, whether it be financially or through other means.”
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum and Abdullahi’s plea agreement, Abdullahi provided both money and personnel to support the violent jihadist activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization. From November 2013 through March 2014, Abdullahi encouraged, aided and financially assisted six North American nationals in traveling to Syria where they joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and engaged in armed battles to gain control of the territories and civilian populations within Syria. These six individuals included his three cousins from Edmonton, Canada, an 18-year-old cousin from Minneapolis, as well as San Diego resident Douglas McAuthur McCain.
On September 15, 2017, pursuant to an extradition request by the United States, Canadian authorities arrested Abdullahi. Abdullahi was detained in Canadian custody without bail, pending extradition. On October 24, 2019, Canada extradited Abdullahi to San Diego to face the material support charges in the indictment and pleaded guilty to all charges on December 17, 2021.
Abdullah admitted that following the departure of those foreign fighters, he also caused money to be wired to third-party ISIS intermediaries in Gaziantep, Turkey (located approximately 40 miles from the Syrian border) for the purpose of continuing to support his coconspirators in violent jihadist activities on the battlefield. All six individuals were subsequently reportedly killed fighting for ISIS.
Abdullahi also admitted that in order to finance the travel of others to Syria, members of the conspiracy encouraged Abdullahi and others to steal and commit fraud against the “kuffar” (a pejorative term used to describe non-Muslims), claiming that such criminal activity was permissible under Islamic law. Abdullahi admitted that in order to raise funds to support the violent terrorist activities in Syria, he personally committed a violent crime – the January 9, 2014, armed robbery of an Edmonton, Canada, jewelry store. Within weeks after committing that robbery, Abdullahi wired monies to San Diego, totaling approximately $3,100, for the purpose of financing the travel of Douglas and the 18-year old Minneapolis cousin’s travel to Syria to join and fight for ISIS.
Douglas, a former San Diego resident, is the first known American to die fighting for ISIS. He departed from San Diego in March 2014, and on or about August 25, 2014, he was reportedly killed fighting for ISIS against Free Syrian Army forces. Douglas’ brother, Marchello McCain, was previously convicted in San Diego federal court and sentenced to 10 years in custody for illegal possession of a cache of firearms and providing false statements to FBI agents regarding his knowledge of the conspiracy, including the involvement of Abdullahi.
During the course of the conspiracy, Abdullahi and his coconspirators created and used email accounts so that foreign fighters, facilitators and recruits could communicate and avoid law enforcement detection. Abdullahi and his coconspirators used these draft emails to recruit others to travel to Syria and join ISIS, coordinate their travel from North America to Syria, communicate regarding the financial and other resource needs of the ISIS foreign fighters, and relay information regarding ISIS’ armed efforts to establish a Caliphate in Syria.
Grossman thanked the prosecution team as well as FBI San Diego and the federal, state and local law enforcement partners at the San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force for their hard work and dedication to the multi-year, complex investigation that led to today’s sentencing. Grossman also expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Canadian law enforcement partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Edmonton Police Services; the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service; the Public Prosecution Service of Canada; and the Canada Crown Prosecutor’s Office, all of whom have been instrumental in the United States’ efforts to prosecute Abdullahi and combat international terrorism.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 17CR0622-W
Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi Age 37 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terrorists – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 2339A(a)
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine (per count)
Providing Material Support to Terrorists – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 2339A(a)
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Joint Terrorism Task Force
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Air Marshal Service
Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations
Mexican National Sentenced to 108 Months Following Record-Breaking Seizure of Fentanyl and MethRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Carlos Martin Quintana-Arias of Mexico was sentenced in federal court today to 108 months in prison in connection with the record-breaking seizure of 17,584 pounds of methamphetamine and 388.93 pounds of fentanyl from a commercial trailer attempting to enter the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
The seizure, on November 18, 2021, was the nation’s largest in each drug category for the calendar years 2021 and 2022 so far, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
According to his plea agreement, Quintana-Arias admitted to driving the drug-laden tractor trailer into the United States through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. He acknowledged that he knew the tractor trailer contained methamphetamine, fentanyl or some other federally controlled substance.
“This massive seizure prevented a huge quantity of deadly drugs from saturating our community,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Because of the vigilance of border officials, this fentanyl did not kill anyone, and this meth did not destroy even one life. We will continue to work with dedication and passion to intercept these drugs and prosecute the traffickers, because drug seizures mean lives are saved.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“This was a brazen attempt to smuggle a record amount of deadly narcotics into our country, and as this sentencing reflects, those persons looking to make a quick profit from narcotics smuggling will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge, HSI San Diego. “HSI, along with our federal and local partners, is firmly committed to dismantling criminal organizations who blatantly ignore the laws of this nation.”
“The San Diego and Imperial Valley ports of entry account for approximately 61 percent of all the fentanyl CBP seizes nationwide,” stated Acting Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office Anne Maricich. “This significant seizure exemplifies the hard work and dedication our officers have to the mission. It is our steadfast commitment to keeping dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and methamphetamine off the streets and out of our communities. The sentencing announced today by Judge Janis L. Sammartino is a result of strong multiagency cooperation and local departments working towards a common goal.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 21-mj-4574-AHGCarlos Martin Quintana-Arias Residence: Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGESTitle 21, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960 Importation of a Controlled Substance
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison and a mandatory minimum of five years; and $5 million fine
AGENCIESHomeland Security Investigations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Top Money Launderer for the Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to More than 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Daniel E. Zipp (619) 546-8463
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 7, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza, a high-level money launderer for the Sinaloa Cartel, was sentenced to 188 months in prison today for his role in a conspiracy to transfer millions of dollars in drug proceeds out of the United States.
According to court records, starting in 2013, agents with Homeland Security Investigations intercepted the communications of Alvarez-Inzunza and other high-level Sinaloa Cartel members as they discussed the transfer of drug proceeds. Alvarez-Inzunza, who had a law degree and worked as an attorney in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, regularly received requests originating from the top leadership of the cartel—including Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman—to arrange for the collection of drug proceeds in cities across the United States including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit. Alvarez-Inzunza then worked with associates in Bogota, Colombia to arrange for the transfer of those funds to Mexico, Central America, and other locations.
Using information from wire intercepts, agents were able to seize over $4 million in bulk currency drug proceeds before they could leave the country, and intercepts showed Alvarez-Inzunza orchestrating the transfer of millions more on behalf of the cartel. Alvarez-Inzunza was arrested by Mexican authorities while traveling in the state of Oaxaca in March of 2016, and he was extradited to the United States last year. On May 3, 2022, He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956(h).
In court today, Chief Judge Dana M. Sabraw noted that the Sinaloa cartel is “a very violent organization” and “they don’t exist without money.” Money laundering operations, like that headed by Alvarez-Inzunza, are “integral” to the operation of the cartel and provide the “fuel that keeps these organizations in business.”
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said, “Large-scale drug cartels in Mexico can only survive by manipulating the international financial system to transfer the proceeds of their drug sales out of the United States. Today’s sentence sends a message to global money launderers that they are not safe, wherever they may reside, and we will continue to work with our international partiers to bring them to justice.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“Today’s sentencing is the result of relentless work by HSI targeting the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge of HSI Diego. “This multiyear investigation highlights HSI’s unwavering commitment to pursue cartel members responsible for importing dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods. This lengthy sentence serves as resounding message that transnational criminal organizations are being continuously investigated by HSI and their leaders will be brought to justice.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANT Case Number 14CR2253-DMS
Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza Age: 41 Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
Tijuana Man Pleads Guilty to “Double-Broker” Scheme Targeting San Diego TruckersRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Joseph Green (619) 546-6955
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 6, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Tijuana resident Alexis Castillo Padilla pleaded guilty in federal court today to criminal charges stemming from his scheme to defraud interstate carriers and brokers operating in the trucking industry.
According to his plea agreement, Padilla conducted what is known as a “double-broker” scheme. As a part of the scheme, Padilla stole the identity of a Spring Valley interstate carrier and agreed to make deliveries using the company’s stolen identity. Then, rather than delivering the loads, Padilla posed as a shipper and re-brokered the same loads to other carriers who delivered the freight. Padilla then collected the payments for the completed deliveries but did not pay the carriers who actually delivered the loads and were unaware that Padilla was running a double-broker scheme. Padilla orchestrated most of the scheme from Tijuana, Mexico.
Padilla pleaded guilty to these charges following his extradition to the United States from Italy. Padilla was arrested in Italy and extradited to the United States on May 27, 2022. As a part of his plea agreement, Padilla has agreed to pay restitution to his victims, estimated to be at least $239,904.
“Padilla used deceit and deception to defraud freight brokers and interstate carriers trying to make an honest living moving goods throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He will now be held to account for his crimes even though they were committed from outside the United States.” Grossman commended the prosecution team as well as the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General agents for investigating and prosecuting this case.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to detecting and pursuing those who engage in egregious acts of fraud that negatively affect both businesses and consumers,” said Andrea M. Kropf, Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region. “We are proud of our work with our prosecutorial partners in putting an end to this very complex ‘double-broker’ scheme.”
Padilla is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Houston on December 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19CR1611-JAH
Alexis Castillo Padilla Age 45 Tijuana, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Counts 1-4: Wire Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1343
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General
Owner of Telecommunications Store Convicted for his Role in a Robbery Spree Targeting Other Telecommunication StoresRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Mario Peia (619) 546-9706
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 6, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Adde Munin Adde, the owner of a telecommunications store in San Diego County, pleaded guilty today in federal court, admitting that he received stolen electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets that were unlawfully obtained through robbery.
Adde pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael S. Berg to three counts of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property. As part of his plea, Adde also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $59,740.55.
This conviction is the culmination of an investigation coordinated between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National City Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and San Diego Police Department, against those who committed 11 robberies and attempted robberies between January 14, 2020, and February 1, 2020.
The robbers targeted telecommunication stores such as Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, and used what appeared to be firearms to violently demand cell phones, tablets, and electronic devices. The firearms were later determined to be BB guns. Altogether, six defendants have been convicted for the robberies: Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Zielinski, Marqwell Green, Jose Manuel Garcia, Lavonte Green, Keon Glover, and Kameron Moore. Five of the defendants have been sentenced to multi-year terms.
“Owners of pawn shops and those who sell cell phones, jewelry, and other commonly-stolen items should take notice of this conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “When you buy stolen merchandise, you create a market for those who obtain the merchandise through violent means. As part of our fight against violent crime, we will prosecute you, along with those who commit the violent crimes, to the fullest extent permitted by law,” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the investigating agencies for their excellent work on this case.
“The FBI remains fully committed to investigating not only those who steal from local businesses, but also those who knowingly purchase stolen items,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI's San Diego Field Office. “I want to thank the National City Police Department, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for their commitment and partnership in holding all parties accountable.”
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Adde is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge William Q. Hayes.
DEFENDANTS CASE NUMBERS
Adde Munin Adde 22-cr-0972-WQH
Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Zielinski 20-cr-1565-WQH
Marqwell Green 20-cr-1565-WQH
Jose Manuel Garcia 20-cr-1565-WQH
Lavonte Green 20-cr-1565-WQH
Keon Glover 20-cr-1565-WQH
Kameron Moore 20-cr-1565-WQH
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2314
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
National City Police Department
Alleged Major Bolivian Drug Trafficker Extradited from Argentina to the United StatesRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Kyle Martin (619) 546-7726
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 5, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi, alleged leader of a large-scale transnational criminal organization, was arraigned in federal court yesterday following his extradition to the United States from Argentina.
On August 18, 2017, a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of California returned a superseding indictment charging Anez Vaca with conspiracy to distribute cocaine with the intent for that cocaine to be imported into the United States, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Anez Vaca, a Bolivian citizen, was arrested at the Buenos Aires, Argentina airport in January 2022, at the request of the United States, on a Red Notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Since his arrest, Anez Vaca has remained in custody pending extradition to the United States. He was flown by the United States Marshals Service from Buenos Aires to San Diego on October 3, 2022 and arraigned the following day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Butcher.
“Today is a reminder that international drug traffickers who profit by shipping narcotics into our community are not safe from prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We will work with our international partners to bring them to justice wherever they may travel.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations for their excellent work on this case. He also thanked INTERPOL, the Government of Argentina and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Anez Vaca.
“The extradition of Anez Vaca Diez to the United States is a perfect example of Homeland Security Investigations broad reach and successful partnerships fostered with our international colleagues,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. “This extradition should send a clear message to those who believe they can evade law enforcement. We will find you and work to bring you to the U.S. to face justice.”
“The DEA continues to work with our law enforcement partners to stem the flow of illegal drugs coming into the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The extradition of Anez Vaca is evidence that by working together we can make our communities safer and bring high-level international traffickers to justice in the United States.”
This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18CR0680-JAH
Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, aka Chi Chi
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 963
Mandatory Minimum 10 years’ imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment and $10 million fine
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841, 846
Mandatory Minimum 10 years’ imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment and $10 million fine
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
Drug Enforcement Administration
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson (619) 546-9769
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 4, 2022
San Diego, CA – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.
The Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“The Southern District of California is proud to take part in the Justice Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud by joining the expanded Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Our office is committed to investigating elder fraud and bringing to justice those who target seniors.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
This past year, the Southern District of California successfully pursued cases affecting seniors in our district and nationwide. With the help of Consumer Protection Branch and the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, our office indicted and is prosecuting United States v. Knowles et al., 21cr2216-CAB, a nationwide Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) conspiracy involving a “grandparent scam” where elderly victims were convinced, over the phone, that their loved ones were in jail and needed money to cover bail.
These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. The criminals engaged in extortion and fraud to swindle about $2 million from more than 70 victims across the nation. Ten elderly victims who resided in San Diego County lost over $300,000 to the fraud. Of the eight charged individuals, six have been arrested and pleaded guilty. Three of the convicted defendants were sentenced to 108 months, 46 months, and 24 months in prison for their roles in the criminal enterprise. In sentencing one of the defendants, the federal judge described the scheme as “heartbreakingly evil.” Three remaining defendants are set to be sentenced on November 17, 2022.
In another case prosecuted by our office, United States v. Phimmasone, 21cr3262-LL, the defendant admitted to embezzling over $350,000 from a local company that provided in-home care services for mostly elderly individuals. The sentencing hearing is set for November 14, 2022.
But prevention is just as important as prosecution. We continually reach out to community groups and stakeholders to raise awareness of red flags and increase reporting of suspicious behavior. In October 2021, our office conducted virtual training on common elder scams and fraud against seniors for residents of the White Sands La Jolla Senior Living Community. In August 2022, we presented information about recent fraudulent schemes and preventing victimization at the Senior Wellness Community Event held at One Safe Place, The North County Family Justice Center.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.
This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North County Man Indicted for Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Peter S. Horn (619) 546-6795 and Aaron P. Arnzen (619) 546-8384
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 4, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Richard Lee Ramirez is charged in a federal grand jury indictment with securities fraud and money laundering.
According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, Ramirez ran a fraudulent investment scheme with his company JMJ Capital Group (“JMJ”) and obtained at least $8 million from investors since 2018. The indictment alleges he used investors’ money for personal expenses and to make Ponzi-style payments to other investors, rather than advancing JMJ’s purported business and investment opportunities.
According to the indictment and statements made in court, Ramirez solicited investments in JMJ from dozens of people by falsely telling them JMJ purchased and resold personal protective equipment (PPE), factored accounts receivable, imported and sold furniture, and, among other things, contracted with a cruise line to refurbish ships’ air-conditioning units. Ramirez promised investors returns of approximately 10 to 14 percent within 90 days and 20 to 30 percent within one month, which purportedly would be generated by JMJ’s business opportunities. Ramirez misrepresented to investors that they could withdraw their money at any time. Also, as alleged in the indictment, he sent investors funding agreements and account statements that furthered his fraud by falsely representing returns and the value of investments with JMJ.
According to the indictment, instead of using investors’ money as he said he would, Ramirez used it to pay for luxury cars, travel, potential real-estate transactions, and other personal expenses, and to pay different investors who tried to redeem their investments and returns. Through his fraudulent scheme, according to the indictment and statements in court, Ramirez caused JMJ’s investors to lose money and ultimately stole at least $5 million of the $8 million or more he received from them.
Ramirez, a resident of North San Diego County, was arrested near Mira Mesa on Friday afternoon.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to achieving justice for victims of financial fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman also cautioned investors to perform their own due diligence and warned the public about business pitches and returns that “seem too good to be true.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission for their excellent work on this case.
“Ramirez gained the trust of his clients and allegedly used that trust to fund a life of luxury for himself by taking the hard-earned money of his investors,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to pursuing justice for all victims of fraud.”
The United States Attorney’s Office recognizes and appreciates the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission on this matter.
The next hearing in Ramirez’s criminal case is scheduled for November 7, 2022, at 2 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant.
DEFENDANT Case Number 22-CR-2264-BAS
Richard Lee Ramirez Age: 53 Carlsbad, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Securities Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 78j(b), 78ff, and Title 17, C.F.R., Section 240.10b-5
Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957
Criminal Forfeiture – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 981(a)(1)(C), 982(a)(1), 982(b), and Title 28, U.S.C., Section 2461(c)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $5 million fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Securities and Exchange Commission
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in U.S. Marine’s DeathRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Owen Roth and J’me K. Forrest
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY—September 28, 2022
SAN DIEGO— A jury convicted Nameer Mohammad Atta yesterday in federal court of distributing the fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of an active-duty lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps on May 21, 2020.
According to evidence presented at trial, Atta sold counterfeit “M30” pills in April and May 2020 to the Marine, identified in court records as C.M.R., knowing that these pills are counterfeit oxycodone pills that contain illicit fentanyl. Atta used social media to market and arrange sales of these pills, referring to them as the “most trusted” in San Diego, and in text messages as the “most trusted” and “most potent” in the area. Atta referred to these pills as “M30s,” “Percs” and “Perc30s,” nicknames for fentanyl-laced pills. Atta’s final sale to C.M.R. occurred on May 20, 2020. C.M.R. died from an overdose the next day.
“This verdict again demonstrates the resolve of this office to hold to account those whose callous actions result in overdose deaths,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Fentanyl kills indiscriminately, and tragically here it took the life of a Marine. We will continue to seek justice on behalf of victims.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigators of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for their efforts leading the investigation that led to the verdict, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations for their invaluable support.
“The illicit distribution and use of fentanyl in the United States poses a critical threat to our local communities, our nation’s service members, and ultimately our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Battaglia of the NCIS Marine West Field Office. “NCIS extends gratitude to our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts to bring Mr. Atta to justice for his role in the death of a U.S. Marine. We will continue to work aggressively with our partners to eliminate this threat to the Department of the Navy.”
“Once again, we’ve seen a life cut short by fentanyl in fake pills. DEA and its Overdose Response Team will continue to pursue the dealers and manufacturers who sell this poison,” said Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The only safe pill is one that comes from your doctor or a legitimate pharmacy.”
“This conviction is the result of painstaking work carried out by brave law enforcement officers in an effort to continue to keep these dangerous and deadly drugs out of our communities,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI, alongside our partners, will continue to identify and investigate those who seek to introduce lethal drugs into our communities.”
Atta is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Todd W. Robinson.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21CR1289
Nameer Mohammad Atta Age: 22 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, U.S. Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(C)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, with mandatory minimum 20 years in custody
AGENCIES
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations