District of Colorado
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan on Verdict in USA v. Lawrence Rudolph and Lori MillironRead the Press Release
"Today, a jury in federal court found Lawrence Rudolph guilty of murdering his wife, Bianca Rudolph, and of defrauding multiple life insurance companies. They also found Lori Milliron guilty of being an accessory after the fact to the murder, obstruction of justice, and two counts of perjury before the grand jury.
We are thankful for the jury’s diligence looking at all the evidence in this case. Bianca Rudolph deserved justice. This case was an exceptional example of the entire U.S. Attorney’s Office pulling together with our law enforcement partners to uncover the truth and seek justice for a victim who had no other voice.
I also want to specifically thank the efforts of the FBI, which worked to obtain justice by literally going around the world to interview witnesses and collect evidence. Their efforts were exemplary, and we are grateful to them.
The mission of the Department of Justice is just that -- to do justice. We are proud to perform that service for the people of Colorado, as well as the victims in this matter.
We can only hope this verdict brings Bianca’s family some amount of peace." - U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan
Haitian National Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Haitian national Peniel Olibris, age 32, was indicted on charges of smuggling goods, specifically firearms, from the United States.
According to the indictment, between April 8, 2019, and July 5, 2019, the defendant allegedly sent a semi-automatic firearm from the United States to Haiti. This is a violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Between October 19, 2019, and December 10, 2019, the defendant is accused of sending another semi-automatic firearm from the United States to Haiti in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
The defendant made his initial appearance on July 28, 2022 before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cramer-Babycz is handling the prosecution.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case number: 22-cr-00238.
Two Colorado Men Accused of 10 Violent Take-Over Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jonathan Gullette, age 24, of Aurora, and co-defendant, Jerome Bravo, age 37, of Denver, have been indicted for committing ten armed bank robberies from January through March 2021.
According to the superseding indictment unsealed today, the two are accused of a pattern of violent, armed “take-over” bank robberies where they entered the banks, held occupants at gunpoint, and forced employees to turn over cash. The suspects are also suspected of committing two armed carjackings prior to two of the bank robberies.
The victim bank are as follows:
- January 6, 2021- KeyBank on East Arizona Place in Aurora.
- February 4, 2021 – BBVA Compass 800 North Broadway in Denver.
- February 8, 2021 – KeyBank located on East Dartmouth Avenue in Aurora.
- February 8, 2021 – KeyBank East Smoky Hill Road in Centennial.
- February 9, 2021 – BBVA Compass on East Bellview in Denver.
- February 18 2021 – FirstBank on East Evans Avenue in Denver.
- March 1, 2021 – KeyBank on East Hampden Avenue in Denver.
- March 17, 2021 – FirstBank on East Hampden Avenue in Denver.
- March 31, 2021 – KeyBank East 1st Avenue in Denver.
- March 31, 2021 – BBVA Compass on North Yarrow Street in Arvada.
Bravo is detained and pending trial before Judge Daniel D. Domenico. Gullette has not been apprehended.
Indictments are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and Arvada Police Department.
If anyone has any information about a bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; or, you may remain anonymous by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).
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.
Case number: 21-cr-226-DDD
Three Men Indicted in Government Official Impersonation SchemeRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that James Albert Witte, age 68, Jason Lee Henderson, age 36, and Indian national Dhruv Jani, age 39, all formerly of Wray, Colorado, have been indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiring to commit money laundering.
According to the indictment, from January 2020 until April 2021, the three co-defendants were part of a conspiracy to launder funds obtained from a government official impersonation scheme. Victims in the United States were contacted by telephone and coerced into believing they were under investigation by “Agents” of federal law enforcement agencies (the FBI, SSA, DHS, Treasury, or U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration). It was further part of the conspiracy that the conspirators told these victims that their identities had been connected to a criminal incident, their imminent arrest and/or deportation from the United States had been ordered by law enforcement, and that the only way to avoid arrest and or deportation was to pay the “Government” large sums of money, as instructed. The victims were instructed to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and mail the cash to various addresses, which turned out to be Walgreens stores in northeastern Colorado.
Indian national Dhruv Jani allegedly paid Witte and Henderson to use fake identification cards to pick up victims’ packages of cash mailed to the Walgreens stores. The government to date has identified 54 victims who in total have lost over $7.5 million through this scheme. Of that $7.5 million, $1.5 million in cash was mailed to Colorado. Jani allegedly also threatened to kill his estranged wife in Colorado with his “own hands” due to her filing for divorce and withdrawing her support for his green card.
Witte made his initial appearance on July 27, 2022, before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews. Jani and Henderson made their initial appearances on July 26, 2022, also before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews.
This investigation is being conducted jointly with investigators from the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security-OIG, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Sterling, Colorado Police Department. The District Attorney for the 13th Judicial District has also provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha A. Paluch.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case number: 22-cr-202
Colorado Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Deadly Dose of FentanylRead the Press Release
DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Douglas Floyd, age 52, of Colorado Springs, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy in Colorado Springs.
According to the plea agreement, the defendant conspired with two co-defendants to violate federal drug laws. Specifically, between December 2021 and January 30, 2022, the three of them agreed to distribute blue pills to a juvenile and his friends. The blue pills contained fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and para-fluorofentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance. According to the plea agreement, the juvenile’s death on January 31, 2022, resulted from the use of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl contained within pills that were distributed as part of the conspiracy. The defendant was in the distribution chain of the drugs that resulted in the juvenile’s death.
Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the change of plea hearing on July 27, 2022. The defendant will be sentenced on October 17, 2022. The case against the two co-defendants remains ongoing in federal district court in Denver. Those defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the FBI Denver Division and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter McNeilly and Alyssa Mance.
Case number: 22-cr-080
Colorado Couple Indicted for Payroll and Personal Tax FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Jay G. Mills and Danielle A. Mills were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 23, 2022, on charges of failure to account for and pay over employment payroll taxes and failure to file income tax returns. Danielle Mills had her initial appearance on July 20, 2022, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Kato Crews and was released on bond. Jay Mills initially appeared in federal court on April 25, 2022.
According to information contained in the indictment, the co-defendants were the owners, operators and principal officers of Mills Solids Control Consulting LLC located in Colorado. During the period for quarters ending March 31, 2016, through June 30, 2017, it is alleged the co-defendants deducted and collected taxable wages from MSCC employees. The co-owners are alleged to have willfully failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service the federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes withheld during this six-quarter period. Both co-defendants are also alleged to have failed to file federal individual income tax returns for the 2015-2017 tax years.
Jay Mills and Danielle Mills each face six counts of failure to pay over employment payroll taxes and three counts of failure to file a federal tax return. The defendants face a maximum fine of $1,575,000 and up to five years in prison for each failure to pay over count and up to one year in prison for each count of failure to file income tax returns.
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service: Criminal Investigation.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Montrose Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Omar Briceno-Quijano, age 31, of Montrose, Colorado, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the plea agreement, between January 1, 2019, and December 18, 2019, Briceno-Quijano was mainly located in Mexico and was involved in sending illegal narcotics from Mexico to the western slope of Colorado, to include Montrose, Colorado. Once the narcotics were in the United States and Colorado, the defendant would receive telephone calls from drug customers. Once the defendant had the drug order, he would contact a drug courier, who would deliver the narcotics to the customer. One way the defendant received drug proceeds was through electronic wire transfers of funds from Colorado to Mexico.
Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced Briceno-Quijano on July 14, 2022. In addition to 14 years in prison, he will serve a term of five years of supervised release.
“This defendant was a ring-leader in a major drug trafficking operation, impacting a small community in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “This was a lengthy prosecution that involved 13 defendants. This significant sentence demonstrates our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to keep offenders from dealing drugs on our streets.”
“IRS:CI special agents are uniquely trained to trace financial transactions and use this expertise to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. “Omar Briceno-Quijano’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and IRS:CI’s commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of drugs into and drug proceeds out of the United States.”
“This sentencing proves that DEA and our law enforcement partners are aggressively committed to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities by stopping it at the source, whether here or abroad,” said Brian Besser, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Denver Field Office. “I applaud our Agents and Task Force officers who were able to stay the course on an extensive investigation and successful prosecution, as well as the U.S. Marshals who ultimately apprehended Briceno-Quijano in Mexico.”
IRS-CI, DEA Rocky Mountain Division-Montrose Post of Duty, the Montrose Police Department, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seventh Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Duncan and Zachary Phillips handled the prosecution.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Case number: 19-cr-00535
Jefferson County Woman Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Tanya Bui, age 24, of Littleton has been sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to facts contained in the plea agreement, on January 27, 2021, investigators searched the defendant’s Littleton residence as part of an investigation of a homicide that occurred in Denver in August of 2020. The defendant’s bedroom was located in the basement of the residence and was searched. In the nightstand drawer next to her bed was a clear plastic bag with 692 fentanyl pills. On top of the defendant’s dresser was a loaded magazine. In the defendant’s closet were jars of marijuana, a loaded firearm, a scale with apparent drug residue, plastic baggies, a large trash bag containing marijuana, two boxes of ammunition and $6,825 in cash. In addition, a search warrant was obtained for her social media accounts, which showed she was using her juvenile brother to aid her in distributing marijuana, fentanyl and firearms to various customers, including juveniles.
Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer sentenced Bui to 130 months in prison on July 15, 2022.
“This defendant’s outrageous actions, including dealing drugs to juveniles, are worthy of a lengthy prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We appreciate the diligent work of our partners at the ATF and the Denver Police Department.”
“Firearms and Fentanyl are the tools of violent crime. This investigation was not possible without our local law enforcement partners, and we are grateful to the prosecutors in acquiring a lengthy sentence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge David S. Booth.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Denver Police Department’s Homicide Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celeste Rangel.
CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-00012
Monte Vista Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary of a United States Post OfficeRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Edward Anthony Medina, age 60, of Monte Vista, CO, pleaded guilty to burglary of a United States Post Office.
According to the plea agreement, on December 19, 2021, the defendant knowingly broke into the Monte Vista Post Office, located at 150 Washington Street, Monte Vista City, Colorado, with the intent to commit larceny. Once inside, Medina accessed multiple safes and stole $702.91 in cash belonging to the United States Postal Service.
United States District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore presided over the change of plea hearing on July 12, 2022. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for September 23, 2022.
The United States Postal Inspection Service in Denver, CO, and the Monte Vista Police Department conducted a joint investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Albert Buchman handled the prosecution of the case.
Case Number: 22-cr-00060
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco Directs U.S. Attorneys and Law Enforcement Agencies to Prioritize Violent Crime in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – During remarks at the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco announced a directive to all U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement component heads addressing public safety in Indian country, including violence directed at indigenous women, youth and children. U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan contacted Colorado’s tribal leaders to discuss implementation of this new directive and looks forward to working with them to make Indian country safer for everyone.
In a memorandum, Deputy Attorney General Monaco declared it a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directs each U.S. Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.
“With this memorandum, we are reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to promoting public safety in Indian Country and to respecting Tribal sovereignty,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Tribes know best how to make their communities safer, and Tribal engagement has thus been the cornerstone of the department’s review of its policies and procedures. Federal law enforcement agencies will continue to work diligently with our Tribal partners in support of public safety in Indian Country.”
In November 2021, the department established a Steering Committee dedicated to marshalling the department’s resources and personnel to address public safety and the issues of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Steering Committee undertook a review — in close consultation with Tribal leaders and stakeholders — of the department’s relevant guidance, policies and practices to improve the law enforcement response in Indian country.
Today’s memorandum marks the first guidance from the Deputy Attorney General to U.S. Attorneys in Indian country since 2010, when then-Deputy Attorney General David Ogden required each U.S. Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction to establish a structure and plan for addressing public safety in Indian country. Deputy Attorney General Monaco’s memorandum sets forth needed updates, which account for significant legal and legislative developments in the intervening decade, including the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, Savanna’s Act, the Not Invisible Act of 2019 and the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act. The memorandum also recognizes that the department’s law enforcement components are essential to investigating crimes in Indian country, and it directs those agencies to adopt their own guidelines, policies, and protocols to address the unique public safety challenges in Indian country.
In particular, the memorandum instructs department prosecutors and law enforcement officers to update their operational plans, policies, and protocols to:
- Coordinate with Tribal, State and local law enforcement officers, as well as other federal agencies;
- Support victims, survivors, and their families in a victim-centered and culturally-appropriate manner; and
- Address cases, including unresolved cases, involving missing or murdered indigenous people.
The memorandum also directs U.S. Attorneys Offices and law enforcement agencies to engage with Tribes to better address priority public safety issues, including combatting violence against women, youth, and children and addressing the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and substance use disorder in Indian country.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks at the Closing Session of the Fourth Convening of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls | OPA | Department of Justice
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Directs U.S. Attorneys and Law Enforcement Agencies to Prioritize Violent Crime in Indian Country | OPA | Department of Justice
Second Montrose Woman Pleads Guilty in Mail Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Grand Junction-The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Shirley Koch, age 69, of Montrose, Colorado, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and aiding and abetting.
According to the plea agreement, the defendant was involved in meeting with families as a representative of Sunset Mesa Funeral Home to discuss the disposition of deceased individuals, and processing and preparing bodies for body broker services. Beginning in 2010, and continuing into 2018, Koch took part in a scheme to illegally sell body parts or entire bodies without the consent of the family of the deceased.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the change of plea hearing on July 12, 2022. Sentencing will take place at a later date.
This case was investigated by the FBI Denver Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy Chaffin and Tim Neff.
Due to public interest in this case, a copy of the plea agreement will be posted to the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office once the agreement is publicly available.
Case Number: 20-cr-00098
Montrose Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Grand Junction – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Megan Hess, age 45, of Montrose, Colorado pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and aiding and abetting.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in 2010 and continuing into 2018, Hess devised and executed a scheme to steal the bodies or body parts of hundreds of victims, and then sold those remains to victims purchasing the remains for scientific, medical, or educational purposes.
Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the change of plea hearing on July 5, 2022. Sentencing will be set at a later date.
This case was investigated by the FBI Denver Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy Chaffin and Tim Neff.
Due to public interest in this case, a copy of the plea agreement is posted here:
hessplea_1.pdfCase #: 20-cr-00098
Second Jamaican National Sentenced for Stealing more than $970,000 in Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Jamaican national Rajay Dobson of Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $881,477.41 in restitution for his role in a lottery scheme that targeted an elderly woman in Estes Park, Colorado.
According to court documents, Dobson and another Jamaican national, Leonard Luton, conspired to convince an elderly victim that she had won a $2.8 million dollar lottery and a Mercedes Benz but needed to pay thousands of dollars in “fees” in order to receive her winnings. During the scam, Dobson instructed the victim to mail packages of cash and cashier’s checks, in addition to six iPhones, to the addresses of Luton’s friends. Dobson called the victim hundreds of times, grooming her to convince her to carry out his instructions.
On two occasions, at Dobson’s direction, Luton made trips to the victim’s home in Estes Park to pick up packages of cash. During the first trip in October of 2018, one of Luton’s co-conspirators went to the victim’s door at 1:30 a.m., identified himself as an FBI agent, showed her a fake FBI badge, and directed her to hand over a package containing $65,000 in cash. On the second trip in January of 2019, Luton was arrested at the victim’s residence when he arrived to pick up more cash. Upon his arrest, Luton was in possession of one of the iPhones purchased by the victim. In total, the victim was scammed out of more than $970,000.
United States District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello sentenced Dobson on June 29, 2020. He pleaded guilty on March 24, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $881,477.41 and imposed a $100 special assessment fee.
“These fraudsters took advantage of one of our community’s most vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We want to make it clear: individuals who prey on the elderly will be held accountable.”
"Scammers often prey on elderly individuals, who might be embarrassed and reluctant to come forward. In this case, by the time legitimate law enforcement was notified, the victim was defrauded of almost one million dollars," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. "The FBI is committed to combating these scammers, even those located outside of the United States."
Luton was sentenced on August 4, 2021, to 108 months in prison after being convicted at trial in February of 2020. His sentence was enhanced due to multiple instances of obstruction of justice. He was also ordered to pay $881,477.41 in restitution to the victim and an order of forfeiture was issued in the amount of $484,123.16.
After Luton was sentenced, the United States successfully located, arrested, and extradited Dobson from Jamaica.
This case was investigated jointly by the FBI and the Estes Park Police Department with assistance from the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Martha Paluch, Sarah Weiss and Elizabeth Young prosecuted this matter.
CASE NUMBER: 19-cr-00098
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Diesel Trucking Companies Conspire to Violate Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Pro Diesel Inc. and Endrizzi Diesel, LLC were sentenced this month for conspiring with a Colorado-based diesel shop to tamper with the computers that monitor emissions control systems on Class 8, commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks.
Both diesel shops previously pled guilty to conspiring with a Colorado diesel shop identified as “E.D.” to disable the vehicles’ on-board diagnostic systems (“OBDs”) software programming, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. The diesel shops deleted emission controls on the vehicles and hired E.D. to disable the OBDs so they would no longer detect the malfunctions in the emissions control systems, allowing the vehicles to run seemingly normally. This tampering enabled the vehicle owners to avoid maintenance costs. However, as a result of removing the emission controls, the vehicles release tons of excess nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. The excess pollutant load is particularly substantial because Class 8 vehicles are the heaviest class of vehicle and include the semi-tractor trailers that were tampered with in this case. These toxic pollutants contribute to high levels of ozone and smog and present a danger to public health.
Missouri-based Endrizzi Diesel, LLC admitted to paying E.D. more than $149,000 to disable the OBDs on approximately 60 Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, and Iowa-based Pro Diesel Inc. admitted to paying E.D. more than $76,000 to disable the OBDs on 34 Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. A third diesel shop, Wisconsin-based McDermid Sales & Service, Inc., pled guilty on May 26, 2022 to conspiring with E.D. to violate the Clean Air Act. McDermid admitted to paying E.D. more than $71,000 to disable the OBDs on approximately 32 Class 8 heavy-duty trucks.
Both Endrizzi Diesel and Pro Diesel were sentenced to three-year terms of probation that include stringent monitoring, compliance, and reporting requirements to ensure that neither shop engages in further emissions tampering. Both shops also agreed to pay fines, with a portion of the penalty directed towards community service projects designed to address the environmental harms that resulted from each defendant’s conduct. Endrizzi Diesel was ordered to pay $110,000 to the Walnut Grove, Missouri school district to help purchase cleaner school buses, as well as a fine of $55,000 to the general court fund. Pro Diesel was ordered to pay $77,500 to the Des Moines Area Community College to develop a curriculum to teach diesel mechanic students about emission controls on diesel engines, how to detect tampering, how to restore tampered vehicles, and the legal ramifications of tampering violations. Pro Diesel was also ordered to pay a fine of $38,750 to the general court fund.
“The primary purpose of the Clean Air Act is to protect the quality of the nation’s air resources. When companies or individuals conspire to violate this federal law, they must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.
“By deleting the emission controls from heavy duty Class 8 vehicles and overriding the on-board diagnostics system that monitors these controls, the defendants are responsible for the release of tons of excess pollutants,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Enforcement Program, West-Central Region. “This illegal practice and the excess pollutants emitted have serious consequences for air quality and public health. These sentencings clearly demonstrate the EPA’s commitment to vigorously enforce laws designed to protect public health and the environment.”
Pro Diesel, Inc. was sentenced by Judge Daniel Domenico on June 14, 2022. Endrizzi Diesel was sentenced by Judge Regina Rodriguez on June 29, 2022. McDermid Sales & Service, Inc. will be sentenced by Judge Philip A. Brimmer on August 5, 2022.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Weber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Linda Kato.
Case numbers: 22-cr-00064-RMR, 22-cr-00062-DDD, 22-cr-00065-PAB.
To report a suspected violation of environmental laws and regulations go to https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.
Colorado Couple Indicted for Fraud and Illegally Obtaining COVID-19 PPP FundsRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Ronald Philip Wallace, age 65, and Stace Yater Wallace, age 67, of Basalt, Colorado, were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 22, 2022 on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and bank fraud. Both defendants appeared in front of U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Nina Wang on June 27, 2022 and were released on bond.
According to information contained in the indictment, it is alleged Wallace made false and misleading statements to obtain nearly $1.5 million in investments from individuals for the purpose of funding, production, and marketing of CBD products. Additionally, it is alleged the couple worked together to obtain over $200,000 in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program funds through the inclusion of false information on the loan applications.
Ronald Wallace faces nine counts of wire fraud, 31 counts of money laundering, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of conducting a monetary transaction in criminally derived property greater than $10,000.
Stace Wallace faces 31 counts of money laundering, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of conducting a monetary transaction in criminally derived property greater than $10,000.
Each count of wire fraud carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000. Each count of money laundering carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $500,000. Each count of bank fraud carries a penalty of not more than 30 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000. Conducting a transaction greater than $10,000 in criminally derived proceeds carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.
This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Brown.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00211
Two Colorado Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Daniel Walker, age 38, of Evergreen was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover ATF agents on several occasions.
According to the plea agreement, on March 5, 2021, Walker sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 12 grams of heroin and approximately 30 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant and two undercover ATF agents. At the time, he was armed with a loaded pistol. On March 10, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and 43 fentanyl pills to the undercover agents. On April 20, 2021, Walker sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. At the time, he was armed with a different pistol than the defendant possessed on March 5. On June 11, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, as well as smaller amounts of heroin and fentanyl pills to undercover ATF agents. The total sale price of the controlled substances was just over $18,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced the defendant on June 22, 2022. He also sentenced him to 5 years of supervised release. Co-defendant Michael Robbins, age 42, of Denver was sentenced to 84 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release in May of this year.
“We are currently facing a crisis with the amount of illicit drugs flowing into our communities. These lengthy prison sentences demonstrate that if you peddle this poison, we will prosecute you and hold you accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We appreciate the work done by our partners at the ATF to bring these drug traffickers to justice.”
“Daniel Walker’s willingness to use crime guns while trafficking dangerous drugs such as heroin, meth and fentanyl supports the necessity of this strong sentence of over 16 years in federal prison,” said ATF Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge David. S. Booth.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Teitelbaum.
Case number: 21-cr-00317
Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Election OfficialRead the Press Release
A Nebraska man pleaded guilty today to making multiple threatening posts on an Instagram page associated with an election official.
According to court documents, Travis Ford, 42, of Lincoln, made multiple threats in August 2021 toward the election official, specifically: “Do you feel safe? You shouldn’t. Do you think Soros will/can protect you?” and “Your security detail is far too thin and incompetent to protect you. This world is unpredictable these days….anything can happen to anyone.”
“The Justice Department will not tolerate illegal threats of violence against public officials,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Threats of violence against election officials are dangerous for people’s safety and dangerous for our democracy, and we will use every resource at our disposal to disrupt and investigate those threats and hold perpetrators accountable.”
“Threatening violence against election workers in an attempt to intimidate them while in performance of their duties will not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Threats to election workers have no place in our society, and today’s plea demonstrates the success of our collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of the workers we entrust to effectuate the democratic process.”
“We are proud to work with our partners at FBI Denver, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska, and the Justice Department’s Criminal Division to hold this defendant accountable for threatening an election official in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “If you make online threats of violence, do not count on remaining anonymous.”
Ford also posted similar messages on Instagram pages associated with the President of the United States and with another public figure.
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces up to two years in prison. 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 Steven A. Russell for the District of Nebraska, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
FBI Denver is investigating the case, with the assistance of FBI Omaha.
Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessie L. Smith for the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron M. Teitelbaum and Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Nearly a year after its formation, the Task Force is continuing this work and supporting the United States Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the Task Force has begun.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at: tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Colorado Election OfficialRead the Press Release
A Nebraska man pleaded guilty today to making multiple threatening posts on an Instagram page associated with an election official.
According to court documents, Travis Ford, 42, of Lincoln, made multiple threats in August 2021 toward the election official, specifically: “Do you feel safe? You shouldn’t. Do you think Soros will/can protect you?” and “Your security detail is far too thin and incompetent to protect you. This world is unpredictable these days….anything can happen to anyone.”
“The Justice Department will not tolerate illegal threats of violence against public officials,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Threats of violence against election officials are dangerous for people’s safety and dangerous for our democracy, and we will use every resource at our disposal to disrupt and investigate those threats and hold perpetrators accountable.”
“Threatening violence against election workers in an attempt to intimidate them while in performance of their duties will not be tolerated,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Threats to election workers have no place in our society, and today’s plea demonstrates the success of our collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of the workers we entrust to effectuate the democratic process.”
“We are proud to work with our partners at FBI Denver, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska, and the Justice Department’s Criminal Division to hold this defendant accountable for threatening an election official in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “If you make online threats of violence, do not count on remaining anonymous.”
Ford also posted similar messages on Instagram pages associated with the President of the United States and with another public figure.
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces up to two years in prison. 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 Steven A. Russell for the District of Nebraska, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
FBI Denver is investigating the case, with the assistance of FBI Omaha.
Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessie L. Smith for the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron M. Teitelbaum and Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Nearly a year after its formation, the Task Force is continuing this work and supporting the United States Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the Task Force has begun.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at: tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Cole Finegan encourages the citizens of Colorado to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2022, and to remain vigilant on behalf of our older family, friends, and loved ones who are at increased risk of abuse and fraud.
Older persons are at higher risk of exploitation, emotional and physical abuse, neglect, financial frauds, and scams, which can be perpetrated against them by strangers and trusted friends and family alike. In addition to exploiting close relationships, abusers can contact older adults by phone, email, mail, social media, and the internet. Staying connected with older adults, encouraging trust and transparency regarding their relationships and contacts, and reducing social isolation are some of the most powerful tools in our community arsenal for combatting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
These intentional and negligent acts affect millions of older adults every year, with wide-reaching implications on victims’ physical and emotional health, their finances, and their dignity and sense of trust. Unfortunately, the unprecedented challenges of the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated vulnerabilities that tend to disproportionally impact older adults.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado remains steadfastly committed to supporting and coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat abuse of our elder citizens. Schemes to defraud these citizens with tactics such as social security and tax imposter scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and romance scams are priorities the Office continues to investigate and prosecute on an ongoing basis.
Last year, this Office secured a sentence of 108 months in prison and more than $880,000 in restitution against a defendant who targeted an elderly woman in Estes Park, Colorado by way of a lottery scam. His co-defendant is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
The Department of Justice maintains a robust set of resources to educate yourself and your loved ones about these issues at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, please call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time. Services are available for speakers of English, Spanish, and other languages. You may also report suspected elder fraud by calling the Denver FBI field office at (303) 629-7171.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in order to raise the public consciousness to these too often underrecognized and underreported violations of human rights.
Montrose Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jared Newman, age 44, of Montrose, Colorado, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for wire fraud.
According to the plea agreement, the defendant was the ringleader of a bogus billing fraud scheme while employed as a subcontractor working in the warehouse at the Western Area Power Administration (“WAPA”) in Montrose, Colorado. WAPA is a government agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that is responsible for supplying and marketing electricity generated from federal dams to public entities within the U.S. As part of Newman’s scheme, he enlisted the assistance of friends and family members to create various shell companies which were in turn used to submit fraudulent invoices to WAPA for goods which were never provided to the government. After receiving funds for the nonexistent goods, Newman and his associates split the stolen funds. Newman received his funds by way of “kickbacks” which totaled $652,292. Newman used most of the funds to support his lavish lifestyle, which included making personal expenditures on such things as a private airplane and a vacation home located on Lake Havasu in Arizona. As part of his sentence, Newman will be responsible for paying WAPA’s total loss of $879,392 back to the government as restitution.
“This was a complex fraud, carried out over a long period of time, and it resulted in a substantial loss to the government,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We will go after anyone who cheats the government for their own personal gain.”
“Those who steal from the government steal from all of us, and we will continue to make sure they are found out and held accountable,” said Department of Energy Inspector General Teri L. Donaldson. “I’d like to thank our partners at DOJ and GSA for their hard work on this case, and also WAPA who brought this matter to our attention.”
"Procurement fraud schemes such as this one harm the taxpayer and are a violation of the public's trust," said Special Agent in Charge Jamie Willemin of the GSA Office of Inspector General, Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division. "GSA OIG special agents are committed to working with their partners to find and hold accountable those who violate that trust."
United States District Court Judge Regina Rodriguez sentenced the defendant Jared Newman on June 8, 2022.
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General jointly conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tim Neff handled the prosecution of the case.
Case number: 21-cr-00300-RMR
Fort Collins Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Selling Unapproved DrugsRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Mark Godding and Linda Godding have each been sentenced to six months in federal prison for selling unapproved new and misbranded drugs to treat serious medical conditions through their online business.
According to the plea agreement, in December of 2016, the couple purchased the business Mighty Stacks, LLC. In January 2017, Mighty Stacks, LLC, did business through Blue Brain Boost and sold products through the website bluebrainboost.com. The business sold products identified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as misbranded and unapproved new drugs, including Tianeptine Sodium Powder, a dangerous unapproved drug that the FDA has warned is linked with risk of abuse, particularly in those with a history of opioid use disorder and overdose. Some people have turned to tianeptine as an opioid alternative, or to self-treat anxiety or depression. The Goddings also illegally sold multiple other unapproved and misbranded drugs, including adrafinil crystalline powder, aniracetam crystalline powder nicotine solution, IDRA-21, methylene blue solution, noopept crystalline powder, oxiracetam, phenibut hydrocholoride crystalline powder, coluracetam chrystalline powder, phenylpiracetam crystalline powder, pramiracetam, and sunifiram. The Blue Brain Boost website identified its products as “nootropics,” a term widely used to market unapproved products as “smart drugs” and “cognitive enhancers.” The defendants purchased these drugs from China and repackaged and distributed them for consumer use.
The defendants fraudulently misled customers by advertising that their products were tested by independent labs and asserted that they were “compulsive” about quality control. In fact, they rarely tested any of their products before selling them to consumers, even after receiving complaints of side effects. One customer wrote to the company: “The batch I just received I am getting multiple reports from my clients that it causes vomiting.” Another customer wrote in, “After administering a single dose, he noticed a rapid heart rate, a pressure in brain and rapid breathing. The customer vomited out the product. He noted the smell and flavor were not quite right.”
The FDA has identified many nootropics as unapproved new drugs and has issued numerous warning letters and online advisory letters emphasizing that such products have not been proven safe and/or effective and could potentially prevent a person from seeking medical help for a serious medical condition.
Mark Godding pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022, before United States District Court Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer, who sentenced him to six months in federal prison on May 20, 2022. Linda Godding pleaded guilty on January 27, 2022, before Judge Brimmer. He sentenced her to six months in federal prison on June 10, 2022.
“The defendants knowingly, intentionally, and repeatedly placed customers at risk, and they undermined and evaded the extensive regulations put in place to protect those consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Their sentences should send a message to other businesses that we will hold you accountable if you disregard the law and threaten public health.”
“Prescription drugs that are smuggled from overseas and are outside the secure supply chain can present a serious health risk to those who use them. The drugs may contain unknown or dangerous ingredients and are manufactured under unknown or unregulated conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who traffic in illegal prescription drugs.”
This case was investigated by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations.
Case Number: 21-cr-000345
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Robbery and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Denver – A federal jury convicted David Houston Vargas, age 30, for his role in robbing two stores using a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to facts presented at trial, on November 14, 2020, the defendant committed two armed robberies, one at a Foot Locker store in Lakewood, Colorado, and another at a DSW store in Westminster, Colorado. In both robberies, he brandished a revolver in order for him and his co-defendant to grab merchandise from the stores. The defendant told one store employee something to the effect of, “This is my first time…don’t do anything stupid.” Later that evening, the defendant got into a car chase with an Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy, while his co-defendant in the car he was driving repeatedly fired shots at the deputy using the defendant’s revolver. Vargas was identified and arrested several days later.
The Honorable Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the four-day trial. The jury returned its verdict on June 3, 2022. Vargas faces over 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 16, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lakewood Police Department, the Westminster Police Department, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celeste Rangel, Melissa Hindman and Elizabeth Young.
Case number: 21-cr-00024-RBJ.
U.S. Attorney's Office Resolves Complaint from Customer with HIV Who Was Refused Service by Tattoo ArtistRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced today that the United States has resolved a discrimination claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act against Ikonik Ink Tattoo.
Ikonik is a tattoo and piercing shop located in Lakewood, Colorado. An individual who has HIV alleged that in March 2020, he asked Ikonik for a tattoo with a design related to his HIV status. The individual claimed that after requesting the tattoo and disclosing his HIV status, he was refused service by a tattoo artist who worked at the Ikonik studio. The individual then filed a complaint with the Department of Justice under the Americans with Disabilities Act. That Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, which includes people who have been diagnosed with HIV.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office then took steps to address the complaint and resolve the matter. Ikonik agreed to pay $4,400 in compensatory damages to the complainant, and the tattoo artist also agreed to pay $500 to the complainant. Ikonik also agreed to develop a non-discrimination policy, train its employees on the policy, and to cease asking potential customers about their HIV status.
“People with HIV have the right to equal access to businesses and services,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that those living with HIV do not face discriminatory barriers in any part of their everyday lives.”
This matter is part of an ongoing effort by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to enforce Title III of the ADA against companies and service providers that discriminate against individuals with HIV.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeyen Wu.
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Fentanyl Seizures in First Five Months of 2022 Surpass all of 2021Read the Press Release
Golden – Law enforcement partners across Colorado announced they have already seized more illicit fentanyl in the first five months of 2022 than they did in all of last year. In a press conference at the headquarters for the Colorado State Patrol in Golden, law enforcement officials presented data from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area showing that more than 2 million dosage units of fentanyl were removed from Colorado communities so far this year.
“We appreciate the work law enforcement is doing to take this deadly poison off our streets. We also need the help of the public in ending the demand for it. It is risky to take any drug not prescribed by a doctor and obtained from a pharmacy,” warned U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.
"Presently the Patrol's Interdiction Section has seized more fentanyl in the first five months of 2022 than all of 2021," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "While I would love to tell you that our troopers have eliminated the threat of this deadly drug, what we remove is a drop in the ocean. It's cheap, it's everywhere, including a strong counterfeit market where people think they are taking other forms of pills. If you have a loved one struggling with any form of drug abuse, get them help."
“When we analyze data that indicates increases in drug seizures and dramatic rises in fatal overdoses, it becomes alarmingly apparent that the user market for illicit fentanyl in the state is expanding. To save lives, a unified response between public safety and health professionals will be essential to counter this dangerous trend,” said Executive Director Keith Weis from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.
"We have seen the harm that fentanyl brings to our communities. FBI Denver works closely with our partners to combat and prevent drug trafficking. The FBI will continue to use all resources necessary to thwart these deadly drugs and protect our citizens from harm," said FBI Denver Division Special Agent in charge Michael Schneider.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado will collaborate with law enforcement partners from around the state at the first ever Colorado Fentanyl Summit on June 2, 2022 and June 3, 2022. The summit is a two-day intensive training for law enforcement on all aspects of fentanyl enforcement from investigation and case-building through interdiction and prosecution. The Denver City Attorney is organizing the Summit, which is hosted by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Available resources:
Office of Behavioral Health: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/behavioral-health
Stop The Clock (where to get naloxone): https://www.stoptheclockcolorado.org/map
How to recognize an overdose: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/opioid-overdose
SAMHSA's National Helpline: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov
CDC 24/7 Saving Lives, Protecting people: https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/index.html
DEA One Pill Can Kill Website: https://admin.dea.gov/onepill
Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Fatal Fentanyl-related Overdoses Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Task Force Seizures Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Fentanyl SeizedTwo Grand Junction Men Indicted for Fentanyl DeathsRead the Press Release
Grand Junction – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Mark Harold and Junior Anthony Highline have been indicted in separate cases on charges of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.
Both men were arrested and made their initial appearance in federal court in Grand Junction on Monday, May 25, 2022, where they were advised by a Federal Magistrate Judge of the charges pending against them.
Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death carries a potential penalty of no less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
The charges in the indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases were investigated by the DEA, Western Colorado Drug Task Force, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grand Junction Police Department. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin is handling the prosecution for both cases.
Case Numbers: 22-cr-00165 Mark Harold and 22-cr-00164 Junior Anthony Highline.
Highlands Ranch Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Using COVID Relief Funds for Plastic Surgery, Weight Loss and JewelryRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Daniel Stonebarger, age 50, of Highlands Ranch, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining funds intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the plea agreement, between April 5, 2020 and June 10, 2020, the defendant submitted numerous fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Grants (EIDLs and EIDGs), and Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP) through the Small Business Administration. The defendant used new and existing business names to apply for these loans, and falsified creation dates of businesses, numbers of employees, revenues, and costs. In total, the defendant fraudulently obtained $855,252.50 in EIDL, EIDG, and PPP funds. The defendant also applied for Colorado Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. As a result of this fraudulent claim he was paid $28,142 by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The defendant used these funds to pay for, among other things, plastic surgery for a relative, a weight loss program, bridal expenses, jewelry, a Peloton, travel, and resort expenses.
“This defendant took money that was supposed to be used to provide emergency financial assistance to small businesses and individuals suffering adverse economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecuting pandemic fraud is a priority of the Department of Justice and an ongoing focus for investigators here in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.
“This defendant was a criminal opportunist who took advantage of what he saw as easy money through programs created to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “This outcome is a reminder that the FBI aggressively pursues those who try to defraud the federal government.”
“We continue the pursuit of those who exploit taxpayer-funded relief programs for their own illicit gain,” said Marc DellaSala, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service Denver Field Office. “Along with partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, our unified law enforcement community has taken unprecedented measures to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible for pandemic-related fraud. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its tireless support of these efforts.”
“We created the Colorado Unemployment Fraud Task Force to investigate and prosecute those who steal critical pandemic-related government funds for personal gain. I am thankful and proud of the collaboration between the task force and the U.S. Attorney’s office that enabled us to bring this defendant to justice for defrauding the government. When the public is cheated, we are all cheated and we’ll continue to hold fraudsters accountable,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
United States District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced the defendant on May 26, 2022 to 41 months in federal prison. In addition to his prison sentence, the defendant was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $794,462.08 in restitution to the SBA and $28,142 to the CDLE. The Court also issued a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $822,794.50.
The Denver Division of the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Martha A. Paluch, Sarah H. Weiss, and Tonya S. Andrews handled the prosecution of the case.
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 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 via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Case number: 21-cr-00392-RM
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Telluride Man Charged with Making Threats to Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Telluride – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Bryan Randolph Cornwell, age 39, of Norwood, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making threats by means of explosives.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cornwell was contacted during an investigation of a fentanyl overdose. As a result of Cornwell’s interaction with the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement observed and reported that Cornwell became increasingly agitated. He then allegedly sent threatening text messages to one of the investigators.
Cornwall made his appearance in federal court in Grand Junction on May 23, 2022, where he was apprised of the charges pending against him. The Detention hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Gordon Gallagher. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 6, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge J. Candelaria.
If convicted, Cornwell faces no more than ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI is working with the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Graves and R. Josh Player are handling the prosecution.
The charges contained in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case number: 22-mj-91.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Ignacio Godinez-Mancilla, age 30, of Mexico, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to the plea agreement, on January 15, 2019, detectives with the North Metro Drug Task Force arranged for an order of six pounds of methamphetamine and ten ounces of heroin from the defendant. The defendant arrived at a location in Aurora arranged by detectives with the requested drugs, as well as over $1500 in cash, where he was placed under arrest. After being granted bond in the state case arising from these events, the defendant failed to appear for court proceedings and remained in warrant status until his apprehension by federal authorities in this case over two years later.
“We appreciate the work our partners are doing at the local, state and federal levels to take drug traffickers like this defendant off the streets,” said U.S Attorney Cole Finegan. “We cannot and will not allow these illicit drugs to continue to flood our communities. They are dangerous and can be deadly.”
"Drug trafficking cases remain a high priority for the FBI. In this case, the defendant was prepared to sell methamphetamine and fled to avoid prosecution. This lengthy sentence is a result of the common goals and valuable partnerships the FBI has with local and federal law enforcement agencies to stem the distribution of illegal drugs and make our communities safer,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael H. Schneider.
"While we are in the midst of a prolific nationwide drug crisis and fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths, we serve well to remember that methamphetamine and heroin are still readily available and deadly drugs," said DEA Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Besser. "This sentencing should be a clear message to those that push their poison in our communities that DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who traffics illicit drugs in the Rocky Mountain Region.”
“The investigation of drug traffickers is critical in our fight to reduce the surging violent crime in communities throughout Colorado,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Denver. “The men and women of HSI Denver are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and will remain laser focused in our joint efforts to bring individuals like Godinez-Mancilla to justice and stop the flow of illegal drugs.”
“Our priority is to identify and remove noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety in Colorado like Godinez-Mancilla,” said Tracey Cammorto, Acting Field Office Director, ERO Denver. “We are thankful our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office continue to work with us in the interest of public safety to stop the flow of illegal drugs in our community.”
Judge Daniel D. Domenico sentenced the defendant on May 11, 2022, to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the North Metro Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations assisted in the prosecution of the case, which was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung.
This prosecution 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.
Case number 21-cr-340-DDD
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U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan Joins African American Community Leaders at Vigil for Mass Shooting VictimsRead the Press Release
Remarks as delivered
It is a sad honor to be with you this afternoon. The news of the tragic shootings in Buffalo, and elsewhere, are at the forefront of our minds.
Our hearts are hurting for the victims, their families, their friends and for our country.
We don’t yet know all the details about these recent incidents, but we know enough to understand how deeply this has impacted all of us.
By all indications, the shooting in Buffalo was motivated by extremist rhetoric and racism. We also know hate crimes are among the most devastating because they impact everyone – not just where the event occurs – but all across the country. We feel it in Buffalo, in California, in Texas, and we feel it here in Colorado.
These crimes impact, not just members of the targeted group, but all of us. These crimes and the people who commit them are focused on driving communities apart. Instead, we must focus on our common humanity.
These evil acts try to tear us apart; and that’s why it’s so important to come together – like we are doing right now.
I want to assure you that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado stands with you today, and all days. We stand ready to marshal federal resources to investigate and prosecute any instances of potential hate crimes here in our community. We work with our partners at the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, along with state and local law enforcement to address all acts of violent extremism.
There is no room for hatred in this world. We will come together. We will not let this evil divide us.
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U.S. Attorney joins community and faith leaders at the State Capitol in the wake of the Buffalo mass shootingDenver Man Faces Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces 46-year-old Jesus Alfredo Moreno Olivas has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to the criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, law enforcement officers seized two firearms, approximately 70,000 fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 34 pounds of heroin, and approximately $20,000 in U.S. currency from Jesus Alfredo Moreno Olivas on or about May 5, 2022.
The defendant made his initial appearance in federal court in Denver on May 9, 2022, where he was advised by a federal magistrate judge of the charge pending against him.
If convicted of the charge against him, the defendant faces 10 years to life in prison.
“Because there is an abundant supply of illicit fentanyl, costs are low and deaths are up,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our partners at the local, state and federal level are working around the clock to get these dangerous and deadly drugs off the street.”
The Front Range Taskforce, comprised of the Denver Police Department, the Denver Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other local, state and federal law enforcement partners, investigated this case.
The charge in the criminal complaint is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 22-mj-00081-SKC
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Warning from U.S. Attorney's Office: Your Next High Could be Your LastRead the Press Release
Media Advisory
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado produced and released a public service announcement (PSA) on the dangers of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is killing our neighbors and our children at an alarming rate,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our office will prosecute the drug dealers and manufacturers who are bringing this poison into our community. If fentanyl causes a death, the dealers and manufacturers face at least 20 years and up to life in prison. But this is about more than prosecution. It’s about education. We need to warn people about this public health and public safety crisis.”
Please help us spread the message that fentanyl kills. Video links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/USAO_CO/status/1524850610612453392?s=20&t=5Su8-mTNY41BjLY9bdVREQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAOColorado/videos/322493246667059
Additional Resources:
- https://www.dea.gov/onepill
- https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html
- https://www.justice.gov/opioidawareness
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado Honors Law Enforcement Officers During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
DENVER— In honor of National Police Week, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“When a husband, wife, son, daughter, father, or mother puts on the uniform and heads out to protect our community, there are no guarantees they will return home safely. We owe them our gratitude. And when they make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe them our respect, and we owe their families our undying support,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.
This year, the names of ten Colorado law enforcement officers will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. They include Gordon Beesley, James Herrera, Clay Livingston, Joseph Pollack, Ty Alan Powell, Eric Scherr, Eric Talley, Daniel Trujillo, Wayne Weyler and Charles Wilcox.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to 30 years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Production and PossessionRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Brandon Gandy, 34 years old, of Colorado Springs was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography.
According to an earlier plea agreement, the defendant came to law enforcement’s attention after an internet service provider submitted multiple CyberTipline Reports to the “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children” between October 2018 and October 2019. The reports detailed the user uploading sexually explicit pictures depicting minors to the internet. Investigators tracked the user to a Colorado Springs address.
On March 4, 2021, investigators searched the address for child pornography. The defendant was present at the home when the search warrant was executed. Investigators did a forensic review of the defendant’s cell phone on scene and discovered that the defendant had been creating sexually explicit pictures of a minor victim. The minor victim was identified. Additional forensic examination of the defendant’s phone and review of his Google Photos account revealed that he had created numerous images and videos depicting his sexual abuse and exploitation of the minor victim over the course of one year. The defendant admitted the minor was under the age of 12 at the time he produced the child pornography images and videos.
In addition to the 30 years in prison, the defendant will serve a 10 year term of supervised release and is ordered to pay a $20,000 special assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).
“The details of this case are disturbing, and we commend our partners in law enforcement for their detailed investigation that put a stop to the defendant’s sick and outrageous conduct,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “This lengthy prison sentence sends a message to the community that we will track down and prosecute anyone victimizing the young and vulnerable.”
“Our agents work night and day to keep Colorado free from people like Gandy who seek to abuse and exploit children,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Denver. “Today’s sentence highlights the commitment our investigators, prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have to the children in our community.”
The Honorable Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the case and sentenced the defendant on May 10, 2022.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
Case #21-cr-00096-DDD
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Boulder Health System, Physician Assistant, and Nurse Practitioner Agree to Resolve Investigation into Improper Prescribing of OpioidsRead the Press Release
DENVER –The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Boulder Community Health, a not-for-profit health system in Boulder, Colorado, Christopher Kreider (a Physician Assistant), and Bonnie Wilensky (a Nurse Practitioner), have agreed to resolve allegations relating to improper opioid prescribing at the Mapleton Pain Clinic in Boulder. The allegations are that Kreider and Wilensky wrote prescriptions for opioids in dosages, at frequencies, and in combinations with other substances that were outside the course of their professional practice. As a result, these prescriptions were not valid under State law and not covered by the Medicare Part D program. BCH will pay $350,000. Kreider has agreed to have his practice supervised for the next two years and to complete 60 hours of continuing education regarding the prescribing of controlled substances, addiction, and alternatives to opioids for pain management. Wilensky has agreed not to prescribe any controlled substances for a period of two years.
Boulder Community Health owned the Mapleton Pain Clinic, a multi-disciplinary clinic treating patients with chronic pain that operated in Boulder. Boulder Community Health closed the Mapleton Pain Clinic in March 2017. The United States alleges that, while employed at the Mapleton Pain Clinic, Kreider and Wilensky regularly wrote prescriptions for opioids at high dosages and in dangerous combinations with other controlled substances (such as benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants), ignoring indications of patient substance use disorder, misuse and abuse of prescriptions, and mental health issues. The United States also contends that Boulder Community Health, by its ownership of the Mapleton Pain Clinic, failed to properly supervise its employees’ prescribing practices and implement appropriate controls to prevent the improper prescribing of addictive opioid medications and other controlled substances.
“Medical professionals are required to follow proper professional practices when they prescribe opioids and other potentially dangerous drugs, and their employers are responsible for properly supervising those professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. "When professionals violate the rules, our office will pursue them and their employers.”
"By improperly prescribing opioids, health care providers put the health and safety of their patients at risk and undermine critical measures to address the opioid epidemic,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who exploit patient addiction for personal gain.”
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Marcy E. Cook and Jessica E. Matthews.
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U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan Delivers Remarks at Colorado Law Enforcement MemorialRead the Press Release
Remarks as delivered:
Distinguished members of our law enforcement community, honored guests, friends, and most importantly our surviving family members:
Good morning. My name is Cole Finegan. I am the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado.
It is an honor today to be here with each of you to commemorate all Colorado Law Enforcement officers who have given their lives in the Line of Duty, dating back 160 years to 1862. We also are here to recognize the 17 officers whose names today will be added to this Memorial. With their addition, we now will have 342 names inscribed forever. We have surviving families with us today from Pueblo to Grand Junction, from Windsor to Antonito, and beyond.
Martin Luther King once noted, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?”
As we gather today, we have no doubts that those we honor did all they could for their fellow citizens. When these men and women—husbands, wives, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers—put on their uniforms and headed out, there were no guarantees that they would return home safely. They did not. There are no guarantees today. And while most move away from danger, from gunfire, from violence, there are those among us who run toward the danger, knowing all too well that they truly are heading into harm’s way. I marvel at this. Frankly, I don’t know how those brave officers do that, how they summon the courage and will to run toward danger. But we are all grateful that they do that. We owe them our gratitude and our respect. And, for their ultimate sacrifice, we owe them the legacy that we commemorate and underscore here.
Today, I want to talk about these heroes and also about the men and women, the families and friends, that these heroes leave behind when they do make the ultimate sacrifice: when they do die in the line of duty. When I speak of heroes, I am not talking about athletes or celebrities we idolize, or even about the wonderful comic book characters that our children (and some of us adults love): Superman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman.
No, I am speaking about those brave officers who went into public service, put it all on the line, and made the ultimate sacrifice. And I am speaking about those who continue to put it all the on the line: many of you sitting here today.
Just miles from here, we saw first-hand the heroic actions of two such people last year.
On March 22, 2021, Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley had stopped to help a woman changing a tire. Moments later, he got a call. An active shooter at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Road. He was needed.
Officer Talley arrived, sized up the situation, and ran toward the gunfire. He was the first officer on the scene. As I said before, there are some people so brave that they run toward danger.
In the blink of an eye, Officer Talley was killed by the gunman who killed 9 other innocent people that day. But from the time Officer Talley entered the store and confronted the suspect, no other innocent civilians were hurt. Officer Talley’s Supervisor said, “Eric died a hero, giving his all to save others. He did not die in vain. He answered a call for help in which he knew people were dying. He saved many lives.”
Eric was a man of deep faith, a devout Catholic. At his funeral, a priest observed wisely that Eric’s life was not taken: Eric gave his life.
Eric was devoted to his family and to his faith, and by all accounts, he had a wicked sense of humor. He was kind. He was brave. He will be missed forever by those who knew him and loved him.
Three months after Eric’s murder, on June 21, 2021, Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley responded to a call about a suspicious incident near the Arvada Library. A gunman ambushed Officer Beesley, killing him in an instant. The gunman targeted Officer Beesley because he was a police officer, he was wearing a uniform and a badge. The gunman had expressed a hatred of police officers, and he acted out his hatred by murdering Officer Beesley.
Gordon Beesley was more than a police officer in his community. He was a school resource officer known for taking a compassionate approach with students. In 2015, he began biking to school alongside a 7th grader with a developmental delay. After learning that this boy was interested in bicycles, but his mom didn’t want him riding alone, Officer Beesley -- Gordon -- made time before his school shift to ride with the boy, to make a difference in his life.
Gordon, his wife, and his two sons, enjoyed living here. They loved the Colorado outdoors. They hiked, biked, skied, camped. Gordon liked to travel and to learn. He played drums in a band. His motto was “Look for the good in every day.”
Gordon was the good in every day. I hope that he knew that.
Both officers of whom I have spoken were taken away in a moment. From their families. From their friends. From their communities.
Yet others have been lost in the past year in different ways, no less heartbreaking and damaging. Sadly, COVID was the leading cause of death among American law enforcement officers last year.
Here in Colorado, we have added 8 names on these panels for those killed by the coronavirus. We pay tribute to those officers who sacrificed their health, and ultimately their lives, while keeping the rest of us safe.
The current pandemic prompted a Denver Police Sergeant to research the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. We now have 8 historical additions, including two Denver police officers, Frank Potestio and Peter Walsh, who died responding to the 1918 crisis.
Whether lost suddenly or gradually, recently or in 1918 in Denver or in 1908 in Antonito, the heaviness of grief weighs on those closest who are left behind. Remarkably, we have 30 family members here today from Antonito to honor the town marshal killed 114 years ago. They’ve all traveled from the very southern part of our state to be here, to pay their respect and honor Marshal Rafael Peña’s sacrifice made 114 years ago. His memory endures. As does our grief.
Grief is described in many ways: “Grief is the tax we pay for our attachment. Grief is the final act of love.” But no matter how it is described, it is real. It brings a heaviness that is physical, and there is no set time or day that it will leave. It may never fully leave.
I have read that “Loss is a kind of eternal conscience, urging us to make better use of our finite days.” And to quote Eric Talley’s wise priest once more, “What are we doing with the days we have left??"
In the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we know that we have much work to do in the days we have left. We are committed to work with our partners in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels, many of whom are represented right here, to do all we can to go after violent criminals who make our communities more dangerous. We do this work because we want for our citizens to be safe.
And on this day especially, we very much want the women and men in blue, who risk it all every day, to know how much they mean, and just how much we depend upon them.
As I close, let me say again that our debt not only is to those brave officers who have died in our service, but also to those loved ones left behind. We owe all of you our gratitude, our support, and our respect, and you certainly have every measure of that devotion.
The following words are inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington: “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.”
By every measure that matters, they lived well.
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Link to ceremony: https://fb.watch/cRdeJpbc-D/
Colorado State PatrolBank Robber Sentenced to Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Patrick James Murray was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his role in three bank robberies.
According to the plea agreement, on three separate days in January 2021, Murray entered a Chase Bank in Lakewood, a Chase Bank in Arvada, and a US Bank in Lakewood. He handed the teller a note reading, “This is a robbery,” and demanded cash. On January 30, 2021, police caught Murray following a short foot chase outside another bank in Westminster.
“We appreciate our partners who helped take this serial bank robber off the streets for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “I sincerely hope this lengthy sentence deters anyone thinking of trying to rob a bank. It’s just not worth it.”
"The FBI and its partners were able to quickly apprehend this brazen criminal after he robbed three banks in two weeks during January 2021,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “With today’s sentence, justice was served, resulting in a positive impact for our community."
United States District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson sentenced the defendant on April 28, 2022.
The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Arvada Police Department, and Westminster Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn handled the prosecution.
Case number: 21-cr-00058
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces It Will Not Pursue Criminal Charges Related to Officer-Involved Shooting on Southern Ute Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has concluded that it will not pursue federal criminal charges against Southern Ute Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old resident of Allison, Colorado, on September 12, 2021. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the decision today after reviewing all of the available evidence and notifying the family of the individual involved.
“We reviewed the evidence in this matter in close detail,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “After a detailed and thorough analysis, the actions by law enforcement do not support bringing any criminal charge. Our office takes the loss of life seriously, and we appreciate the sensitive nature of this matter. The sensitivity of this matter also limits what information we can disclose publicly.”
The FBI performed the investigation, and the results were reviewed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In summary, the evidence demonstrates that on September 12, 2021, an individual in a pickup truck fled from a traffic stop and a high-speed chase ensued on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. After eluding law enforcement officers, the individual stopped the pickup truck on County Road 328 on a hill near the border of Colorado and New Mexico, within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Southern Ute Police Department officers arrived in a marked patrol car behind the truck and got out of their vehicle. At that point, the individual reversed the truck and drove in the direction of the patrol car and the officers, placing them in fear of serious bodily injury or death. The officers fired their weapons, and the individual was killed.
Based on the location of the incident and the identity of the parties, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has sole jurisdiction over any criminal charges arising from this incident. The name of the decedent is being withheld at the request of the decedent’s family.
“Fedora Bandit” Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Bank Robberies and CarjackingRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces a federal judge sentenced Daniel Wade Shaw, age 32, of Centennial, to 108 months in federal prison for holding up four banks and carjacking a woman.
The defendant admitted in a plea agreement to four counts of bank robbery and one count of carjacking between February 2, 2021, and April 2, 2021. According to the plea agreement filed with the court, the defendant robbed the Wells Fargo on West 52nd Avenue in Arvada wearing a fedora and mask on February 2, 2021. On February 12, 2021, the defendant entered the US Bank on West Bowles Avenue in Littleton, verbally demanding money. Out of fear, the victim teller complied with the demand. The defendant ran off. He was observed wearing a light tan fedora, a blue surgical mask, and a dark coat. A search of the area surrounding the bank located the tan fedora hat and blue surgical mask. The hat was later tested for DNA, and it matched a DNA profile from a swab obtained from the defendant.
According to the plea agreement, detectives executed search warrants during the investigation, and records obtained from Google showed the defendant’s phone at or near several other bank robberies, including the Wells Fargo Bank located at 6722 S. University Boulevard on March 22, 2021, and the 1st Bank at 10367 Federal Boulevard in Westminster on March 23, 2021, where he threatened to use a gun. Gmail records show the defendant at both scenes at the time of the robbery.
According to the plea agreement, on March 30, 2021, the defendant approached a woman who was filling up washer fluid in her vehicle. The defendant got into her car, pointed a handgun in her direction, cycled the slide, and motioned for the victim to step away. Out of fear, the victim complied. The defendant took the car and fled the area. Gmail records show the defendant’s phone near the scene at the time of the carjacking.
On April 4, 2021, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies contacted Daniel Shaw outside his residence and arrested him on an active search warrant. A search of the residence and found items of evidence related to some of the bank robberies. They also found a stolen car that had been used in several robberies.
“This defendant left a trail of terrified victims, who were just doing their jobs and going about their daily lives. This lengthy sentence will not make those victims whole again, but it does send a clear message that we will prosecute criminals who rob innocent people of their peace of mind,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We appreciate our federal and state partners who work tirelessly to take repeat offenders off the streets.”
“Bank robbery is not a victimless crime. Bank personnel and customers can be traumatized, and of course, we all pay for the loss and the increased security measures,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael H. Schneider of the Denver FBI Field Office. “This defendant did not learn his lesson the first time, and today's sentence will hopefully provide him with more time in prison to reflect upon his criminal conduct.”
“Violent crimes are on the rise in the Denver metro area. Our investigators, crime lab, and all other supporting resources are crucial to not only prosecuting these suspects, but to also helping the victims of violent crime. While we celebrate the outcome of this case, we remain focused and relentless in our pursuit to bring more violent criminals to justice,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader.
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico imposed a 108-month prison sentenced after a hearing in federal court on April 20, 2022.
Case 21-cr-00109 was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn. The charges were the result of an investigation by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Colorado Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic and Owner Agree to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Springbok Health Inc., a medical clinic with locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo West, Colorado, and Mark Jankelow, Springbok’s owner and Chief Executive Officer, have agreed to pay at least $125,000, and up to as much as $335,494, to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Medicaid for high-complexity and prolonged medical evaluation and management services when such services were not rendered.
Between 2017 and 2019, Springbok and Jankelow allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for expensive medical evaluation and management services when, at most, less expensive counseling services were provided. The resolution is based on Springbok’s and Jankelow’s ability to pay.
“Billing Medicare and Medicaid for more expensive services than were actually rendered depletes the limited resources of these vital health care programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to safeguard taxpayer dollars and hold accountable those who knowingly misuse such funds.”
“Providing substance abuse treatment is a vital tool in combating the opioid epidemic devastating Colorado communities,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “But offering treatment to addicts does not excuse fraud. Our office will continue to pursue claims against providers whose fraudulent billing practices take valuable resources away from victims of the opioid crisis.”
“Providers who submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for their financial gain undermine the economy and integrity of federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the waste of valuable taxpayer dollars.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of an action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Springbok and Jankelow. These provisions permit a private party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Chaudhry v. Springbok Health Inc., No. 18-cv-00999 (D. Colo.). Ms. Chaudhry will receive at least $22,500, and up to as much as $60,389, as her share of the settlement.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado; HHS-OIG; and the Colorado Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Colorado Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic and Owner Agree to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Springbok Health Inc., a medical clinic with locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo West, Colorado, and Mark Jankelow, Springbok’s owner and Chief Executive Officer, have agreed to pay at least $125,000, and up to as much as $335,494, to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Medicaid for high-complexity and prolonged medical evaluation and management services when such services were not rendered.
Between 2017 and 2019, Springbok and Jankelow allegedly billed Medicare and Medicaid for expensive medical evaluation and management services when, at most, less expensive counseling services were provided. The resolution is based on Springbok’s and Jankelow’s ability to pay.
“Billing Medicare and Medicaid for more expensive services than were actually rendered depletes the limited resources of these vital health care programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to safeguard taxpayer dollars and hold accountable those who knowingly misuse such funds.”
“Providing substance abuse treatment is a vital tool in combating the opioid epidemic devastating Colorado communities,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado. “But offering treatment to addicts does not excuse fraud. Our office will continue to pursue claims against providers whose fraudulent billing practices take valuable resources away from victims of the opioid crisis.”
“Providers who submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for their financial gain undermine the economy and integrity of federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent the waste of valuable taxpayer dollars.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of an action brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Springbok and Jankelow. These provisions permit a private party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Chaudhry v. Springbok Health Inc., No. 18-cv-00999 (D. Colo.). Ms. Chaudhry will receive at least $22,500, and up to as much as $60,389, as her share of the settlement.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado; HHS-OIG; and the Colorado Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Pueblo Man Faces Federal Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Leonard Cordova, age 43, has been charged by criminal complaint with two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to the criminal complaint, on September 12, 2021, Cordova was allegedly observed on video footage firing numerous shots at a moving vehicle from Cordova’s driveway in Pueblo, Colorado. Following the incident, a district court judge in Pueblo County signed a warrant for the defendant’s arrest for violations of Colorado law, including illegal discharge of a firearm, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and violation of a restraining order. Cordova was arrested on this warrant on September 14, 2021. He was subsequently released on bail from this Pueblo County charge.
Also according to the criminal complaint, on September 19, 2021, in Pueblo, Colorado, Cordova, who was in a moving vehicle, shot at individuals who were in another moving vehicle. For this, Cordova was charged in district court in Pueblo County with attempted 1st degree murder, and eleven other related charges. He was subsequently released on bail from these charges.
Cordova made his initial appearance in federal court on April 15, 2022, where he was advised by United States Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter of the charges pending against him. Judge Neureiter set Cordova’s detention hearing for April 19, 2022. Cordova will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Each count charged in the complaint carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
The Pueblo Police Department and the FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrea Surratt is handling the prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also thanks the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case.
The charge in the criminal complaint is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 22-mj-00650NRN
Towaoc Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting His BrotherRead the Press Release
DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that a federal jury in Durango has found Alonzo Gary Summa, age 36, guilty of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. The judge sentenced him to 96 months in prison.
At trial, the government presented evidence that on August 11, 2020, Summa cut his half-brother with a knife during an argument in Towoac, Colorado, on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. Around the time of the assault, Summa sent the victim a Facebook message that said “I suggest u watch where u go from now And watch your back…I’m comeing [sic] after u.” Summa’s assault left the victim with a seven-inch, permanent scar. Evidence presented at trial showed that the victim feared retaliation from Summa for his participation in the case. At the time of the assault, the defendant was on supervision for a federal conviction for an assault that also involved a knife, 17-cr-00147-REB.
The jury announced its verdict on November 12, 2021. Summa was sentenced by the Honorable Senior District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn on February 11, 2022, to serve 78 months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Summa was also sentenced to serve an additional 18 months in prison for violating his prior federal supervised release, which he was on at the time of this offense.
“Prosecuting violence inflicted towards family members always presents challenges, especially in a small community such as Towaoc,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our office remains committed to holding accountable violent offenders in Indian Country.”
The Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Josh Player and Jeffrey K. Graves handled the prosecution.
Case number: 20-cr-00262-REB-GPG
Southwest Colorado Narcotics Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Durango – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces four defendants were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs. The defendants operated across the southwestern portion of Colorado, ranging from Alamosa to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Camelo Martinez, age 30, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release for the distribution of pure methamphetamine on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. According to court documents and facts presented at sentencing, Martinez used an intermediary to distribute 56.2 grams of pure methamphetamine in July 2020. The case was investigated by the Southern Ute Police Department.
Roger Reyes, age 39, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with the intent distribute heroin in Alamosa, Colorado. According to court documents and facts presented at sentencing, In April 2021, law enforcement observed Reyes leaving the home of a known gang member and was found in possession of 122.4 grams of heroin that same night. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Alamosa Police Department.
Aaron Claycomb, age 37, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release for distributing heroin in Durango, Colorado. According to court documents and facts presented at sentencing, Claycomb sold 195.6 grams of pure methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement agents at a gas station in Durango, Colorado. At the time, Claycomb was on parole for several other drug-related convictions. The case was investigated in a coordinated effort of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southwestern Drug Task Force, and the Southern Ute Police Department.
Abraham Romero, age 33, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in Alamosa, Colorado. According to court documents and facts presented at sentencing, law enforcement searched Romero’s residence in June 2021 and found 89 grams of a methamphetamine mixture, 36 grams of heroin, and 13.2 grams of cocaine, separated out into zip lock baggies. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Alamosa Police Department.
“These convictions and sentences show our office’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting drug trafficking in Southwestern Colorado”, said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Each of these cases involved coordination between state and federal agencies, including our partners with the Southern Ute Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”
“During the current opioid epidemic the steadfast dangers of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin are often eclipsed by the proliferating fentanyl threat. Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most deadly drug threats within our communities,” said DEA Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Besser. “DEA Denver is committed to ensuring that the drug laws of this country are upheld even within the farthest reaches of our state, and we are proud to serve alongside our state and local partners to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.”
United States District Court Judge Robert Blackburn, sitting in Durango, Colorado, sentenced the defendants on April 11, 2022.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Graves handled the prosecution of these cases.
CASE NUMBERS: Martinez, 21-cr-00069-REB-JMC; Reyes, 21-cr-00160-REB-JMC; Claycomb, 20-cr-00264-REB-JMC; Romero, 21-cr-00260-REB; JMC
Diesel Trucking Companies Conspire to Violate Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Denver - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Pro Diesel Inc. and Endrizzi Diesel, LLC. pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Colorado-based diesel shop to remove or alter the monitoring component of emissions control systems on Class 8, commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks and semi-trucks, thereby violating the Clean Air Act.
According to plea agreements, between July 2017 and May 2020, Iowa-based Pro Diesel Inc. paid a Colorado diesel shop identified as “E.D.” more than $76,000 to disable on-board diagnostic systems on 34 Class 8 trucks. And, between January 2017 and December 2020, Missouri-based Endrizzi Diesel, LLC paid E.D. more than $149,000 to disable the diagnostic systems on approximately 60 class 8 trucks. Both diesel shops pleaded guilty to one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
On-board diagnostics systems (OBDs) are monitoring devices required under the Clean Air Act to be installed on vehicles to monitor emissions control systems and to ensure they are functioning properly. Tampering an OBD is frequently referred to as “tuning.” One purpose for “tuning” an OBD is to allow the vehicles to continue to seemingly operate normally while the emissions control system is disabled. This reduces the high costs associated with maintaining or repairing components of the emissions control systems on heavy-duty diesel trucks. However, as a consequence, tampered vehicles spew substantially more deleterious pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and particulate matter into the air, presenting a risk to the environment and public health. Nitrogen oxides from tailpipe emissions are a major contributor to the creation of ozone on the front range. Tests conducted by the EPA have found that completely deleting a diesel pickup truck’s emissions controls can increase the truck’s tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxide by a factor of approximately 310 times, carbon monoxide by a factor of approximately 120 times, and non-methane hydrocarbons by a factor of approximately 1,100 times. The pollutant increase is even greater when the emission controls on Class 8 vehicles, such as the ones tampered with here, are disabled.
Through a remote connection, individuals at E.D. would run software programs to reprogram or “tune” the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic systems. These programs would tamper with, render inaccurate, and disable the monitoring functions of the OBDs so they would no longer detect malfunctions in the emissions control systems.
Defendant Pro Diesel will be sentenced by Judge Daniel Domenico on June 14, 2022. Defendant Endrizzi Diesel will be sentenced by Judge Regina Rodriguez on June 29, 2022.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Weber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Linda Kato.
Case numbers: 22-cr-00064-RMR, 22-cr-00062-DDD.
Denver Man Sentenced to 20 years in Prison in Armed Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Joseph Wesley Avila, age 30, of Denver, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for carjacking and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to facts presented at trial, Avila and an unidentified man carjacked a woman. One week later, Avila was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. Avila and the unidentified man beat the carjacking victim with their fists and a skateboard while Avila threatened to kill her. Avila then stole her purse and the car she was driving. When Avila was located a week later, he was driving the stolen vehicle and had armed himself with a pistol and several rounds of ammunition, both loaded into the firearm and in his backpack.
“I hope the idea of spending 20 years in prison makes violent criminals think twice before using a gun in Colorado,” said Cole Finegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to take violent criminals off the streets for a long time.”
“Avila’s violent criminal past has left a trail of victims for nearly two decades in Colorado,” said Special Agent in Charge David S. Booth. “Due to the strong investigative work and subsequent prosecution, his violence has come to an end.”
On December 6, 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado started a jury trial. On December 8, 2021, the jury returned a guilty verdict.
United States District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced Joseph Wesley Avila on March 14, 2022.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the FAST Unit of the Denver Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Celeste Rangel and Conor Flanigan handled the prosecution of the case.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
Case number 20-cr-00229-RM
Colorado’s Top Federal Prosecutor Joins Law Enforcement Partners to Send Warning about Fentanyl DeathsRead the Press Release
Colorado Springs – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and law enforcement leaders gathered media together to bring attention to the alarming increase in fentanyl-related deaths in Colorado. Together with law enforcement leaders from the FBI, DEA, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, El Paso County Coroner and Fountain Police Department, officials highlighted the dangers of fentanyl and what is being done to hold manufacturers and dealers accountable.
“In the four months I’ve been U.S. Attorney, it’s been astonishing to watch what is happening with fentanyl. It is a public health crisis and a public safety crisis. Fentanyl is dangerous, scary, and deadly,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our offices are taking aggressive measures to use every tool at our disposal to prosecute anyone who makes or distributes this deadly drug. Our intent is to prosecute dealers and hold them accountable. They are killing our children and fellow Coloradans.”
“Disrupting drug trafficking organizations is a top priority for FBI Denver. At the same time, we recognize that lethal drugs like fentanyl are already here. Collaborations with our partners mean we can also find ways to bring justice to these criminal organizations even after they have caused death in our communities,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider.
“We stand with the U.S. Attorney and our national and local law enforcement partners to aggressively identify and bring to justice those greed-driven enterprises responsible for proliferating this deadly fentanyl scourge expanding across our country” said DEA Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Besser. “DEA Denver is committed to interdicting the poison that is driving the overdoses in our communities; investigating the traffickers, and providing priority access to all of DEA’s global resources to better assist with this lethal drug threat.
“Those dealing Fentanyl in our community are not welcome here. We will hold you accountable for dealing Fentanyl in the El Paso and Teller County communities. If you kill somebody with this poison, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and you should expect to spend an extended amount of time in prison,” said District Attorney Michael Allen from the 4th Judicial District.
“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is determined and committed to leveraging our regional, state, and federal enforcement and prosecutorial partnerships to stem the tide of what I believe can be preventable fentanyl overdoses and deaths in our community. My agency remains committed to serving the almost 800,000 citizens in El paso County by combatting this emergent law enforcement and public health challenge to make the Pikes Peak Region a safe place in which to live and work,” said Undersheriff Joe Roybal.
“Fentanyl is a lethal danger unlike any other, threatening the citizens of Colorado and indeed the Nation. CSPD is dedicated to working with our local and federal partners to disrupt the distribution of fentanyl in our community and to do everything we can to keep our citizens safe,” said Colorado Springs Interim Chief Adrian Vasquez.
“The mean age of fentanyl deaths is 12 years younger (35) than the average age of all other drug-related deaths (47). This shift to a younger population is due in part to the current pill form that is easily trafficked and ingested, its widespread contamination of other drugs of abuse, its high toxicity even in small amounts, and its pervasiveness in the community exposing even toddlers to fentanyl,” said Dr. Leon Kelly, El Paso County Coroner.
Under federal law, individuals convicted of distributing or conspiring to distribute fentanyl that causes death face a sentence of at least 20 years in prison and can receive up to a life sentence.
Examples of recent federal cases include:
- Douglas Floyd, Marlene McGuire, and Maria Davis-Conchie, of Colorado Springs, were charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl resulting in death, and distribution of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to persons under age 21. Their case is pending in federal district court in Denver. Case number 22-cr-080-RMR.
- Alexis Nicole Wilkins, of Colorado Springs, was charged with allegedly distributing fentanyl resulting in death, and distributing fentanyl to persons under age 21. Her case is pending in federal district court in Denver. Case number 22-cr-101-CMA.
- Nathaniel David Corser, of Colorado Springs, was charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a high school, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. His case is pending in federal district court in Denver. Case number 22-cr-331-DDD.
- Bruce Holder of Grand Junction was found guilty of distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, which resulted in the death of a young man in Carbondale Holder is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2022. Case number 18-cr-381-CMA.
- Ernesto Ibarra Jr. of Fort Collins, was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Blue pills resembling prescription oxycodone contained fentanyl, killing one victim. Case number 19-cr-074-PAB.
- Lewis Robertson, of Boulder, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death. He distributed blue pills resembling prescription oxycodone, killing one victim. Case number 20-cr-251-RBJ.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, opioids are the leading of cause of overdose deaths in the United States, with fentanyl being the primary driver. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado remains committed to working with our partners at the local, state and federal levels to protect Coloradans from the flood of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills coming into our state.
For more information, please visit: https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Charges contained in indictments are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Thornton Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Brandon Lee Schneider, age 35, of Thornton, Colorado, was sentenced on April 1, 2022, to 72 months in federal prison for his role in robbing a bank. According to the plea agreement, in September 2020, the defendant drove to Bank of the West in Thornton to rob the bank. The defendant wrote a note that read “No dye packs, No tracers, No games, Put all the money in the drawer to me now Thx.” The defendant gave the note to his associate, who subsequently entered the bank and approached the teller. The plea agreement also referenced four other bank robberies that the government contends were committed by the defendant and his associates.
“Bank robbery is part of a violent crime problem here in the Denver metro area,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our office is committed to making Colorado safer and we will enforce the law by prosecuting these and other violent crimes together with our law enforcement partners, including our colleagues in District Attorney’s offices.”
“Robbing a bank is a federal felony, no matter whether the crime in perpetrated with a weapon, a note, or just a verbal threat,” said Michael Schneider, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Denver Field Office. “We are committed to bringing federal investigative resources to solve these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice with our law enforcement partners.”
In Denver, bank robberies are investigated by the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, as well as District Attorneys. At the federal level, bank robbery is punishable with up to 20 years in prison for each offense. The potential punishment increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime. Over the past year, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have handled a number of metro area bank robbery matters, including the following:
- August 17, 2021 -- David Doering was sentenced to 140 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role robbing two banks while on supervised release. (20-cr-156-DDD)
- January 28, 2022 -- Paul Hernandez was sentenced to 171 months in federal prison for robbing three banks in the Denver metro area while on bond for robbery charges. (20-cr-339-WJM)
- April 1, 2022 – Brandon Lee Schneider was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. (21-cr-11-PAB).
- April 14, 2022 -- Patrick James Murray is scheduled to be sentenced for committing three bank robberies in Lakewood and Arvada by handing a threatening note to a teller and demanding cash. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three robberies in December 2021. (21-cr-58-RBJ)
- April 20, 2022 -- Daniel Shaw is scheduled to be sentenced for committing four bank robberies and one carjacking in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas. Shaw pleaded guilty in December 2021. (21-cr-109-DDD)
- June 1, 2022 -- Jared Fitzgerald is scheduled to be sentenced for committing four bank robberies in Denver and Pueblo while on supervised release after serving a term of imprisonment for bank robbery. Fitzgerald pleaded guilty in December 2021. (21-cr-274-CMA)
- December 8 2021 -- Benjamin Whalen and William Foust were indicted for multiple counts of bank robbery. Foust is indicted for allegedly robbing 14 banks, and Whalen is indicted for allegedly robbing 3 banks. Both are detained and pending trial. (21-cr-00410-WJM)
- November 16, 2021 – Joel Knerl was indicted for allegedly robbing ten banks in October and November of last year. He is detained pending trial. (21-cr-385-DDD)
- July 13, 2021 -- Jerome Bravo was indicted on ten counts of bank robbery and three counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for allegedly committing ten bank robberies in the Denver metro area. He is detained and pending trial. (21-cr-226-DDD)
If anyone has any information about a bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; or, you may remain anonymous by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Indictments are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case 21-cr-0011 was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Minser. The Westminster Police Department, the Denver Police Department, the Thornton Police Department, and the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force assisted in that investigation. All other matters referenced herein are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn, and were investigated by the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force.
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.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Submitting Fraudulent EIDL and PPP Applications in $865k Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Denver – The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announced that Patricia Gilroy, 58, of Naples, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for a wire fraud scheme in which she received $865,351 as a result of fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications that she submitted.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the PPP and EIDL program.
According to the plea agreement, from April 2020 through April 2021, defendant Patricia Gilroy submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications to the SBA and participating lenders on behalf of ten inactive, shell companies that she controlled seeking loans from the EIDL and PPP programs. In these applications, Gilroy made false statements about the number of employees and the amount of gross revenues and cost of goods sold that the companies had in the 12 months prior to January 31, 2020. In the applications, Gilroy also falsely agreed to use the funds solely as working capital for the companies when, in fact, she intended to use the funds for other purposes, including making personal investments. Three of the PPP applications, three applications for second PPP draws, and two EIDL applications were approved and funded. As a result, companies controlled by Gilroy received $856,351 in PPP and EIDL proceeds.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General in connection with their work on the Colorado-based EIDL Fraud Task Force. The prosecution was handled by Pegeen Rhyne and Sarah Weiss, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Colorado, Denver.
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.
CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00063-DDD
U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan Appointed to Serve on Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
DENVER – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced that U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan is being appointed, along with 11 other U.S. Attorneys, to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). Created in 1973, the AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies. The first meeting of the AGAC will take place later this spring.
“These United States Attorneys will represent the views of dedicated federal prosecutors across the country, and provide advice and insight into essential matters facing the Department,” said Attorney General Garland. “I look forward to working alongside them in carrying out the Department’s core priorities of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights.”
“It is an honor to get the chance to work closely with my colleagues and the Attorney General on important policy matters,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “It is equally an honor to further the mission of the men and women who work tirelessly every day in the U.S. Attorney’s Office to battle for justice on multiple fronts.”
The appointees to the AGAC include U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee for the District of Maine; U.S. Attorney Trini Ross for the Western District of New York; U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina; U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana; U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan; U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris for the Central District of Illinois; U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota; U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona; U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado; and U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. An appointee from a district within the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals will be announced at a later date, once the Senate has confirmed nominees. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams will serve as the Chair of the AGAC, and U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung will serve as the Vice Chair.
U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan was nominated by President Biden to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado on September 28, 2021, and he was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 19, 2021. Mr. Finegan rejoined public service from private practice at a global law firm, where he served as the Regional Managing Partner for the Americas, as well as the Denver Managing Partner. Previously, Mr. Finegan was the Chief of Staff for the Denver Mayor as well as the Denver City Attorney, positions he held simultaneously. During that time, he worked daily with the Manager of Public Safety, the Denver Police Department, and the Denver Sheriff’s Office. Prior to this, Mr. Finegan served as Chief Legal Counsel in the Office of the Governor for the State of Colorado. His full biography appears here.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Agrees to Pay Damages for 2018 Fire and Modify Railroad Operations to Reduce Wildfire RiskRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces an agreement with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and its parent company, American Heritage Railways (together, the “Railroad”), under which the Railroad will pay $20 million to compensate the United States for damages caused by a 2018 fire near Durango, Colorado, and will also modify railroad operations and take other measures to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition.
“The Durango & Silverton Railroad represents an important historic and cultural icon in southwest Colorado,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We intend for this settlement to enable the Railroad to continue to operate, but in a manner that will avoid causing future catastrophic wildfires. In addition, this agreement ensures fair compensation for the damages caused by the 416 Fire.”
“When finalized, the proposed settlement and subsequent operational changes will help protect southwestern Colorado’s communities, cultural, and natural resources from future wildfires,” said Frank Beum, Regional Forester for the United States Forest Service. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and American Heritage Railways,” he added.
Bureau of Land Management Acting Colorado State Director Stephanie Connolly said, “BLM is committed to investigating all human-caused fires and finding ways to prevent wildfires on public lands. Working with the U.S. Forest Service and the Railroad, this settlement will include an Industrial Fire Restrictions Plan to help reduce the risk of wildfires like the 416 fire from happening again in Colorado.”
The agreement arises from a lawsuit involving the “416 Fire,” a wildland fire that was ignited on June 1, 2018, on the San Juan National Forest near Durango. The 416 Fire burned more than 54,000 acres of federal lands until it was fully suppressed approximately six months later. The fire damaged natural habitat, caused erosion, and caused other natural resource damages on federal lands within the San Juan National Forest. It also threatened private residences, requiring emergency evacuations. The federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, that responded to and suppressed the fire incurred significant costs.
An investigation by federal fire investigators concluded that the 416 Fire was caused by particles emitted from a smokestack on a coal-burning steam train engine owned and operated by the Railroad. Private fire investigators, who also investigated the ignition area, reached the same conclusion.
In July 2019, the United States filed a lawsuit against the Railroad in federal district court in the District of Colorado seeking to recover damages for the fire. The United States sued the Railroad relying on a Colorado state statute that requires railroad operators to pay money damages for fires caused by their operations.
After several years of litigation, the United States and the Railroad reached an agreement to resolve the claims. The settlement is set forth in a proposed consent decree. The Court will review the consent decree and determine whether to approve and enter it. Under the terms of the proposed consent decree, the Railroad will pay the government a $15 million lump sum payment within 45 days, and then will pay an additional $5 million, plus interest, over a ten-year period. In addition to these monetary payments, the consent decree will require the Railroad to undertake substantial operational changes over a ten-year term, including:
- The Railroad will comply with an Industrial Fire Restrictions Plan (which is an exhibit to the consent decree, and is publicly available). This Plan places limits on the Railroad’s operations when fire risk is elevated and prohibits operations when fire risk is extreme.
- The Railroad will prepare and submit to the U.S. Forest Service, each year, an Operating and Fire Prevention Plan.
- The Railroad will retain a qualified independent consultant who, each year, will inspect, report on, make recommendations, and audit the Railroad’s fire mitigation and prevention measures.
- The Railroad will hire a full-time, qualified fire management officer, who will provide monthly certification of compliance with the aforementioned plans and reports.
- The Railroad will maintain a minimum of $3 million in wildfire insurance coverage and conduct an annual review to determine the economic feasibility of additional insurance coverage.
- The Railroad will create a self-insured wildfire fund, which will be funded by the Railroad at a rate of $100,000 per year and may be used to pay for costs arising from any wildfire caused by the Railroad.
If approved, these measures will reduce the fire risk associated with the Railroad’s operations. They will also provide the public some minimum insurance against fire-related damages from the Railroad’s operations. Notably, under the proposed consent decree, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will no longer operate coal-burning locomotives during periods of elevated fire risk. This change arises from the consent decree’s requirement that the Railroad comply with the Industrial Fire Restrictions Plan. Since the lawsuit was filed, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has begun converting its locomotives to oil-based engines, instead of using coal-fired engines.
The Railroad denied, and continues to deny, that it caused the 416 Fire, and the settlement is not an admission of the Railroad’s liability.
Private parties filed a separate lawsuit in Colorado state court against the Railroad seeking damages for claimed harms to their property, lost revenues, and other damages. The United States is not a party to that case, and those private parties’ claims are being resolved separately.
The federal case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Licht and Katherine Ross, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Deuschle, David Moskowitz, and Andrew Soler.