Southern District of Florida

The Justice Department announced today that a federal jury convicted former Miami-Dade Police Detective William Kostopoulos, 49, with using his law enforcement authority to violate the civil rights of two motorists as well as obstructing justice. Kostopoulos is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Judge Marcia G. Cooke, in Miami, on April 19, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer, Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

According to evidence presented during the two-week trial, in 2013, Kostopoulos stopped two separate motorists in order to steal their money, in violation of the motorists’ rights under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to be free from unreasonable seizures of their property. Kostopoulos subsequently obstructed justice by making misleading statements in order to prevent the communication of information about his crimes to federal law enforcement officers.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice and the FBI stand committed to holding those who betray the public trust accountable for their criminal actions, while supporting the overwhelming majority of men and women who proudly uphold their duties to serve and protect the community as law-abiding police officers.”

“The defendant abused the power granted to him as a law enforcement officer to prey upon unsuspecting motorists for personal gain and then lied about his criminal actions to investigating detectives,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “He violated not only the law, but also the public trust.”

“This officer's abuse of authority will not be tolerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro. “His actions do not represent all other law enforcement officers who are diligent, hard working professionals.”

Kostopoulos faces a statutory maximum sentence of 22 years in prison on these charges. Sentencing is scheduled for April 19 before U.S. District Court Judge Marcia G. Cooke in Miami, Florida.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Homestead Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm and Tonya R. Long of the Southern District of Florida and Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.

The Justice Department announced today that a federal jury convicted former Miami-Dade Police Detective William Kostopoulos, 49, with using his law enforcement authority to violate the civil rights of two motorists as well as obstructing justice. Kostopoulos is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Judge Marcia G. Cooke, in Miami, on April 19, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer, Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

According to evidence presented during the two-week trial, in 2013, Kostopoulos stopped two separate motorists in order to steal their money, in violation of the motorists’ rights under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to be free from unreasonable seizures of their property. Kostopoulos subsequently obstructed justice by making misleading statements in order to prevent the communication of information about his crimes to federal law enforcement officers.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice and the FBI stand committed to holding those who betray the public trust accountable for their criminal actions, while supporting the overwhelming majority of men and women who proudly uphold their duties to serve and protect the community as law-abiding police officers.”

“The defendant abused the power granted to him as a law enforcement officer to prey upon unsuspecting motorists for personal gain and then lied about his criminal actions to investigating detectives,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “He violated not only the law, but also the public trust.”

“This officer's abuse of authority will not be tolerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro. “His actions do not represent all other law enforcement officers who are diligent, hard working professionals.”

Kostopoulos faces a statutory maximum sentence of 22 years in prison on these charges. Sentencing is scheduled for April 19 before U.S. District Court Judge Marcia G. Cooke in Miami, Florida.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Homestead Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm and Tonya R. Long of the Southern District of Florida and Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.

A New York resident has been charged in Broward County, Florida for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and attempting to possess with the intent to distribute, cocaine.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and Diane J. Sabatino, Director, Field Operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office, and made the announcement.

Siffredo Gonzalez, 39, of New York, is charged in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and attempting to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years and a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment on each count.

According to court documents, including the criminal complaint and indictment, on December 15, 2016, Customs and Border Protection officers located approximately 83 kilograms of cocaine in a shipping container at Port Everglades. The container, which also held avocados, originated in the Dominican Republic. On January 10, 2017, Siffredo Gonzalez is alleged to have met with an undercover agent and paid him $25,000 to return the interdicted cocaine.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, DEA, Broward County Sheriff’s Office and CBP. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita White.

An indictment and a criminal complaint are formal charging documents notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged by indictment and/or complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A civil complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Syfrett Feed Company Inc. of Okeechobee, Florida; its owner and President Charles B. Syfrett I; its Vice President Melissa S. Montes De Oca; and its Operations Manager Charles B. Syfrett II to stop the adulteration and misbranding of medicated animal feed in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), the Department of Justice announced today.

 

Syfrett Feed Company Inc. (Syfrett Feed) manufactures and distributes medicated and non-medicated feed, primarily for food-producing animals and fowl. The complaint alleges that the defendants adulterated and misbranded animal feeds while such feeds were held for sale. The Department filed the complaint at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

“The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is designed to make sure that medicated animal feed has sufficient labeling to ensure its safe use,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will work closely with the FDA to ensure that medicated animal feeds are manufactured in compliance with current good manufacturing practices.”

 

According to the complaint, the company’s medicated animal feeds failed to list the name of the active drug ingredients on the label of the medicated animal feeds and failed to include adequate instructions for use on the labels of the medicated animal feeds. For example, as noted in the complaint, the defendants did not include adequate instructions when they omitted dose administration instructions, feeding limitations and/or cautionary statements for use of the drugs in combination with other drugs on the label of the medicated feeds.

 

The complaint further alleges that the feed was not manufactured in conformity with current good manufacturing practices for medicated feeds. Specifically, according to the complaint, the defendants: failed to establish and maintain adequate procedures for the identification, storage, and inventory control of drugs intended for use in their medicated feeds; failed to establish and use adequate procedures for all equipment used in the production and distribution of medicated feeds to avoid unsafe contamination of medicated and non-medicated feeds; and failed to adopt labeling practices that assure that the correct labels are used for the medicated feeds they manufacture.

 

As noted in the complaint, the company conducted a recall of its non-medicated horse pellet food in April 2014 when customers complained that their horses were falling ill. According to the complaint, 15 horses had to be euthanized after consuming the company’s horse pellet food and in September 2014, two more horses had to be euthanized after consuming the company’s horse pellet food. Following these events, the company discontinued manufacturing medicated and non-medicated feeds for horses, according to the complaint.

 

According to the complaint, FDA conducted inspections of Syfrett Feed’s facility located at 3079 NW 8th Street, Okeechobee, Florida, in January 2014, June 2015 and June 2016. In 2014, following the inspection, FDA sent a Warning Letter to Mr. Syfrett I, notifying him of the significant current good manufacturing practices deviations and misbranding violations observed during the January 2014 inspection. In September 2015, FDA wrote to Mr. Syfrett I, stating that Syfrett Feed had not taken adequate measures to correct the current good manufacturing practice deviations and misbranding violations noted in FDA’s 2014 Warning Letter and 2015 inspection. According to the complaint, Syfrett Feed did not respond to FDA’s September 2015 letter.

 

“Animal owners and caretakers must be able to have confidence that the feed they purchase is safe and properly labeled,” said Steven M. Solomon, D.V.M., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “It is the responsibility of feed manufacturers to have proper procedures in place and follow good manufacturing practices to ensure the safety of their products and the animals that consume them.”

 

The government is represented by Trial Attorney Jocelyn Hines of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cheek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Tara Boland of the F DA, Office of General Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services.

 

A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.

 

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

Seven defendants including owners, doctors, a manager, and a laboratory representative of sober homes and alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers were charged for their participation in a health care fraud and money laundering scheme that involved the filing of fraudulent insurance claim forms and defrauded health care benefit programs.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Dave Aronberg, State Attorney, Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, Jeff Atwater, Florida Chief Financial Officer, William D. Snyder, Sheriff Martin County Sheriff's Office, Robert Koons, Special Agent in Charge, Amtrak Office of Inspector General, Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Isabel Colon, Regional Director, United States Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (DOL-EBSA), Dennis Russo, Director of Operations, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), Bryan Kummerlen, Chief, West Palm Beach Police Department, Jeffrey S. Goldman, Chief, Delray Beach Police Department, Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, and Scott Rezendes, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG), made the announcement.

Kenneth Chatman, a/k/a “Kenny,” 46, of Boynton Beach, Joaquin Mendez, 52, of Miramar, Donald Willems, 40, of Weston, Fransesia Davis, a/k/a “Francine,”a/k/a “Francesa,” 44, of Lake Worth, Michael Bonds, 45, of Delray Beach, and Laura Chatman, 44, of Boynton Beach, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and one count of money laundering conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h). Stefan Gatt, 27, of Deerfield Beach, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Kenneth and Laura Chatman are also charged with seven counts of money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(A)(i), three counts of money laundering in excess of $10,000, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, and two counts of making a false statement related to a health care matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035(a)(1). Joaquin Mendez, Fransesia Davis, and Michael Bonds are also charged with two counts of money laundering. Donald Willems is also charged with one count of money laundering. Kenneth Chatman and Davis are charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a)(2). Kenneth Chatman is charged with one count of sex trafficking conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(c). The defendants have each been arraigned on the charges.

According to the indictment, defendants Kenneth Chatman, Davis, and Bonds established sober homes, including Stay’n Alive, Inc., Redemption Sober House, Inc., Total Recovery Sober Living LLC, and other sober homes, which were purportedly in the business of providing safe and drug-free residences for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. To obtain residents for the sober homes, members of the conspiracy provided kickbacks and bribes, in the form of free or reduced rent and other benefits, to individuals with insurance who agreed to reside at the sober homes, attend drug treatment, and submit to regular drug testing that members of the conspiracy could bill to the residents’ insurance plans. Although the sober homes were purportedly drug-free residences, some of the defendants permitted the residents to continue using drugs as long as they attended treatment and submitted to drug testing.

Defendants Kenneth Chatman, Bonds, and Davis referred the sober homes’ residents who had insurance to treatment centers owned by Kenneth Chatman but titled in the name of Laura Chatman. These treatment centers purportedly offered clinical treatment services for persons suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. In most instances, defendant Kenneth Chatman knew that the sober home residents referred to the treatment centers, Journey to Recovery LLC, in Lake Worth, Florida, and Reflections Treatment Center, LLC, in Margate, Florida, were using drugs.

Defendant Kenneth Chatman hired doctors, including defendants Mendez and Willems, to serve as medical directors of his treatment centers. The doctors ordered drug treatment and drug testing for the sober home residents, specifically expensive urine and saliva drug screens and allergy testing, regardless of whether such treatment and testing were medically necessary. The defendants provided services meant solely to maximize insurance reimbursements. In some instances, defendants Kenneth Chatman and Davis submitted urine and saliva samples from employees instead of urine and saliva from patients. In other instances, defendant Kenneth Chatman caused confirmatory testing to be performed and billed for residents who left the sober homes and were no longer receiving treatment at the treatment centers. Defendants Mendez and Willems also falsely documented patient files to make it appear as though they reviewed the test results.

Defendants Kenneth Chatman and Davis engaged in various tactics to keep patients from being able to leave Reflections and Journey, including threatening violence, and confiscating their belongings, such as car keys, telephones, medications, and food stamps, in order to maintain the ability to continue fraudulently billing their insurance companies.

Defendant Kenneth Chatman also recruited and coerced female patients and residents into prostitution, telling them that they would not have to pay rent or participate in treatment or testing so long as they would allow him to continue to bill their insurance companies for substance abuse treatment and testing that the patients did not receive.

Defendants Kenneth and Laura Chatman submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families fraudulent applications for licensure for Journey to Recovery and Reflections Treatment Center, stating that Laura Chatman was the sole owner of those entities and hiding the fact that Kenneth Chatman owned and operated the treatment centers.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of ten years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering in excess of $10,000 charges; a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and maintaining a drug-involved premises charges; and a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison for making a false statement related to a health care matter. Kenneth Chatman faces a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison for the sex trafficking conspiracy charge. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of more than $5.4 million that insurance companies paid based upon the fraudulent claims submitted by members of the conspiracy.

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Potential victims should call (561) 822-5114 or submit complaints through the IC3 Complaint Form - https://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx and use the key word “Chatman Reflections” in the “Description of the Incident” field when submitting complaints related to this case.

Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Greater Palm Beach Health Care Fraud Task Force. Agencies of the task force include the FBI, IRS-CI, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office Sober Homes Task Force, Florida Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Amtrak OIG, DOL-OIG, DOL-EBSA, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, West Palm Beach Police Department, Delray Beach Police Department, Florida Attorney General Office of Statewide Prosecution, and OPM-OIG. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Marie Villafaña.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Defendant’s mother, a postal employee, provided him with stolen tax refund checks from the mail

 

A Miami resident was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for his participation in stolen identity tax fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Max Eamiguel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Rick Maglione, Chief, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and Timothy Camus, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), made the announcement.

 

David Earl Tucker, 30, of Miami, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section l028A(a)(1).

 

According to court documents, during a traffic stop of a vehicle that Tucker was driving, the defendant presented law enforcement with a fake Texas driver's license in another person's name. Tucker was taken into custody, and a tax refund Treasury check in another individual’s name was found during an inventory search of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the tax refund check was stolen by a postal employee, Tara Marshea Tucker, 47, of Miami, the mother of David Tucker.

 

According to court records, Tara Tucker stole mail while in the performance of her duties as a postal employee. On separate occasions, Tara removed two tax refund Treasury checks and gave them to her son, David Tucker. Tara Tucker was supposed to receive a percentage of each check that she gave to her son. Tara Tucker improperly removed a total of 4 to 5 checks from the mail stream.

 

Tara Tucker previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. On November 2, 2016, Tara Tucker was sentenced to 4 months in prison and 4 months of home confinement, to be followed by two years of supervised release.

 

The intended loss amount for the scheme was $12,139.16.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, USPS-OIG, Fort Lauderdale Police Department and TIGTA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua S. Rothstein, Ilham A. Hosseini and Anne P. McNamara.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A federal jury convicted a former U.S. postal carrier of delaying and detaining mail in Broward County.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Max Eamiguel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), made the announcement.

John Henry Caddle, Jr., 58, of Hollywood, was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of three counts of delaying and detaining mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a). Caddle faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison as to each count of conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn.

According to the court record, including trial testimony, on August 18, 2016, a witness saw Caddle dump a garbage bag into a dumpster near the defendant’s residence. The witness recovered the garbage bag from the dumpster and found that it contained deliverable mail from Caddle’s assigned mail route. The witness contacted U.S. postal authorities and alerted them to the mail that had been discovered in in the dumpster. On August 18 and 19, 2016, Caddle was employed as a U.S. Postal Carrier and had a duty to deliver the mail.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the USPS-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney’s Randy Katz and Jennifer A. Keene.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Florida Department of Health supervisor sentenced to prison for accepting a bribe.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office announce that

Johnson, 58, of Tamarac, was sentenced yesterday to five months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley, after having previously pled guilty to extortion under color of official right, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.

On June 22, 2015, Johnson was employed as a supervisor at the Broward County office of the Florida Department of Health, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two home builders met Johnson while he was working at the Florida Department of Health office and paid the defendant $500 in exchange for sewage and water permits.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey N. Kaplan.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

     Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Miami Field Office Juan P. Perez, Director, Miami Dade Police Department (MDPD), Timothy Camus, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Miami Field Office (DOL-OIG), Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, and Margaret Moore-Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) announce the filing of federal charges against more than 100 defendants in 81 separate cases, dealing with over 30,000 stolen identities and the intended theft of over $60 million dollars from individuals, businesses and government agencies through fraudulent schemes.

     In August 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, with the collaboration of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, established the South Florida Identity Theft Refund Fraud Strike Force (Strike Force) to combat an increase in stolen identity tax refund scams. The collective efforts of the Strike Force resulted in the successful prosecution of countless stolen identity tax refund cases. However, while the wave of these pernicious offenses subsided, evolving fraud schemes have spread across South Florida. No longer limited to stolen identity tax refund fraud, the Strike Force, now Stolen Identity Fraud (SIF) Strike Force is investigating and prosecuting a variety of cases stemming from stolen personal identifying information (PII). These cases include intrusion into proprietary government databases; theft of customer account information; takeovers by identity thieves of accounts as diverse as U.S. Social Security and unemployment benefits, retail credit card accounts, and bank accounts; and the use of skimmers to steal valuable PII. These cases demonstrate that law enforcement in general and the Strike Force in particular continue to adapt to meet this insidious identity theft threat.

Since the inception of the Strike Force in 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged more than 600 defendants, who were responsible for over $400 million in intended losses.

“Law enforcement will not stand by as criminals attempt to disrupt our lives, steal our savings, ravage our credit, and compromise our government benefit programs through calculated and pervasive fraud schemes,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that the collective response by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners has had a profound impact on protecting the community from identity theft.”

“I urge everyone to take steps to protect their personally identifiable information (PII) from criminals who seek illicit profits through stolen identity fraud,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “Learn how you can protect your PII at FBI.GOV or FTC.GOV. The FBI and our partners continue to actively target these fraudsters who victimize hard-working taxpayers.”

     Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), stated, “Today’s announcement reinforces law enforcement’s continued commitment to combat identity theft in South Florida. As an agency, the IRS has made remarkable progress in its efforts to protect taxpayers, and we are focused on strengthening our systems and processes even more for this 2017 tax season. I urge taxpayers to protect their personal information and remain vigilant when choosing a return preparer. Beware of return preparers who claim they can get you a ‘higher’ refund then another preparer and those that set their fee based on a percentage of your refund. Ultimately, the taxpayer is responsible for what is filed with the IRS, so choose wisely. IRS-CI will continue to investigate significant Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) schemes and egregious tax return preparers, and will collaborate with other federal agencies and IRS civil divisions to stop these thieves in their tracks.”

“The DOL-OIG is committed to working with our Identity Theft Strike Force partners to combat identity theft in the Southern District of Florida and safeguard the Nation's Unemployment Insurance program for those who seek relief from the financial impact of being unemployed,” stated Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

"The impersonation of IRS employees continues to represent a serious threat to taxpayers and to the integrity of tax administration,” said Timothy P. Camus, Deputy Inspector General for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We are extremely grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami and their counterparts around the country for their excellent teamwork, collaboration, and support of our efforts on such cases. As these cases show, TIGTA agents continue to relentlessly pursue investigations of individuals who engage in this fraudulent activity and aggressively refer them for criminal prosecution.”

“These arrests are a reflection of the success that comes when federal, state and local law enforcement agencies work together to target criminal organizations and individuals in South Florida,” said Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami. “At HSI we will continue to aggressively investigate fraudulent financial schemes that put in jeopardy the integrity of our financial system and are often a gateway to further criminal activity.”

Antonio J. Gomez, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division stated, “The arrests of these individuals should serve as reassurance to our customers that the U.S. Postal Service remains one of the safest and securest ways of conducting both personal and private business and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will stop at nothing to bring these criminals to account. Postal Inspectors will continue to partner with our federal and local law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of crimes.”

Today’s Strike Force announcement reaffirms the collective joint federal, state and local commitment to the prosecution of perpetrators who steal, sell and use personal identification information to commit identity theft fraud schemes. The cases brought under the Strike Force operation, from October 2016 to the present day, include:

IRS IMPERSONATORS

United States v. Abhijeetsinh Jadeja and Rachel Jean Roragen, Case No. 17-CR-20085-Martinez

On January 27, 2017, Abhijeetsinh Jadeja, 29, of Miami, and, Rachel Jean Roragen, 41, of Miami Beach, were charged in a twelve-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

to allegations contained in the indictment, between January 2014 and March 2016, Jadeja and Roragen’s co-conspirators impersonated officials from the IRS and other agencies during telephone calls in which they falsely represented to individual victims that they owed money to the IRS or fees on loans or grants. To satisfy their alleged debts, victims were fraudulently induced to send payments to bank accounts and debit cards under the control of Jadeja, Roragen and their conspirators.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the TIGTA, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, and the Miami Beach Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Andre Oakley Wellington, Case No. 17-CR-60027-Dimitrouleas

On January 27, 2017, Andre Oakley Wellington, 37, of Coral Springs, was charged in a two-count indictment for participating in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.

According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, beginning in July of 2016 and ending in January 2017, Wellington’s conspirators impersonated IRS employees during telephone calls in which they falsely represented to an individual victim that he/she owed money to the IRS. Wellington’s conspirators fraudulently induced the victim to send payments via private and commercial mail carriers to addresses located throughout the United States, in order to satisfy the alleged IRS debt. In addition, Wellington’s co-conspirators demanded that the victim send a package containing $25,000 to Wellington’s address in Coral Springs. The conspirators provided Wellington with the FedEx tracking number, which the defendant used to track the package’s arrival. The package was delivered to Wellington’s residence, and was then recovered by TIGTA Special Agents. In total, Wellington and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained over $550,000 from the victim.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of TIGTA and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet.

TAX REFUND FRAUD

United States v. Silvio Galvez, Case No. 16-CR-20016-Middlebrooks

On January 20, 2017, Silvio Galvez, 30, of Miami, was arrested on a criminal complaint and is charged by indictment for his alleged involvement in a $50 million stolen identity refund fraud scheme involving the cashing of fraudulently obtained large-dollar tax refund checks. Galvez was charged with conspiracy to commit theft of government money, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, theft of government money, and aggravated identity theft.

to allegations in the criminal complaint, Galvez was a leader in a conspiracy involving the filing of over $50 million in large tax refund claims — each claim ranging from approximately $130,000 to $170,000 — in 2013 and 2014. These fraudulent refund requests were submitted to the IRS for payment using stolen identity information. The tax refunds contained the same set of repeated addresses, including the defendant’s address. The IRS paid out at least $4.3 million via U.S. Treasury checks mailed to the addresses listed on the returns. Galvez directed individuals to deposit these fraudulently obtained tax refunds and other fraudulently obtained checks at a bank in Miami. Galvez separately directed a bank employee to open up accounts using stolen identity information so that fraudulently obtained tax refund checks could be deposited. Finally, Galvez directed the bank employee to obtain account information for accounts with substantial funds, in order to conduct account takeovers.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, FBI and ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael N. Berger.

United States v. Evelina Sophia Reid, Case No. 17-CR-20057-Williams

On January 26, 2017, Evelina Sophia Reid, 35, of Miami Gardens, was charged in a fourteen-count indictment with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, and computer fraud.

According to the indictment and publicly available documents, Reid was an employee of Jackson Health System when she accessed Jackson’s computer databases to steal patient PII, including social security numbers, of over approximately 24,000 individuals during a five-year period. Using the stolen information, Reid’s co-conspirators filed fraudulent tax returns in the names of Jackson Hospital patients.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of SSA-OIG, IRS-CI, USSS, DOL-OIG, MDPD Professional Compliance Bureau and Public Corruption Section, and the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Douglas McArthur Bentley, Jr., et al,

Case No. 17-CR-20033-Altonaga

On January 19, 2017, Douglas Mcarthur Bentley, Jr., 41, Yvonne Lynn Bentley, 40, and Willie Ellis Hayden, 25, all of Homestead, were charged in a thirteen-count indictment for participating in a conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, starting on or about January 29, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 16, 2013, the defendants and their co-conspirators obtained stolen PII from various individuals without their consent and used the PII to file false and fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. The defendants and their co-conspirators also directed the IRS to electronically transfer tax refunds from the false and fraudulent tax returns to personal and corporate bank accounts they controlled at several banks located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Once the tax refunds were deposited in bank accounts the defendants controlled, the illicitly obtained refunds were used for their personal gain and profit. According to allegations made in court, the intended loss amount for the fraud scheme was approximately $472,393.07 and the actual loss was $414,838.07.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the Homestead Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurice A. Johnson.

United States v. Blain, et al., Case No. 16-CR-14076-Middlebrooks

On December 1, 2016, five people were charged in a three-count indictment for their participation in conspiracy to commit stolen identity tax refund fraud.

Charlton Tierry Blain, 30, Clifford Raoul Blain, 28, Stephane Randolph Blain, 25, all of Pembroke Pines, and Dorsey Sims, Jr., 31, and Luis Roberto Rodriguez, 38, both of Sebring, were charged with conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims; conspiracy to commit access device fraud; and unlawful transfer, possession or use of means of identification.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between January of 2012 and December of 2013, the defendants conspired to unjustly enriched themselves by using unlawfully obtained personally identifiable information to file false and fraudulent income tax returns. The fraudulently obtained tax refunds were deposited into fraudulent bank accounts controlled by the defendants, and the illicit proceeds were then withdrawn from those accounts. In total, 679 fraudulent tax returns were filed, claiming $986,978.00 in total refunds.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Funk and Adam C. McMichael.

United States v. Teri Onick and Philip White,

Case No. 17-CR-20011-Williams

On January 6, 2017, Teri Onick, 44, of Miami, and Phillip White, 45, of Salt Lake City, UT, of Miami, were charged in a thirteen-count indictment for their participation in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on various dates between February and October 2012, Onick and White unlawfully obtained and deposited the fraudulently obtained tax refund checks belonging to other persons, without their permission or authority, into Onick and White’s bank accounts for their personal use and benefit. The estimated fraud loss is over $150,000.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary Aronovitz.

United States v. Gregory Clermont, Case No. 17-mj-2128-Torres

On January 30, 2017, Gregory Clermont, 25, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, that is, social security numbers issued to other persons.

to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint, on May 7, 2013, Clermont was in possession of official tax documents and handwritten lists of names, dates of birth, and social security numbers belonging to other individuals, as well as other handwritten notes appearing to relate to the filing of tax returns. Clermont was also in possession of a composition book containing what appeared to be the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of approximately 140 individuals, three H&R Block debit cards in other people’s names, and a laptop that contained user identification numbers associated with the filing and attempted filing of tax returns through TurboTax online. More than fifteen of the social security numbers in the composition book belonged to other individuals.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Gonsoulin.

United States v. Johnathan Jameel Ford, Case No. 17-CR-20079-Williams

On January 27, 2017, Johnathan Jameel Ford a/k/a “Johnatan Jameel Ford”, 41, of Broward, was charged in a fourteen-count indictment for the theft of government money and aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, between September 2013 and July 2015, Ford received stolen tax refunds or deposited altered U.S. Treasury checks, totaling over $45,000, knowing that the tax refunds or U.S. Treasury checks had been stolen.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of IRS-CI, TIGTA and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Crystal Jesha Griffin, Case No. 17-CR-20076-Williams

On January 27, 2017, Crystal Jesha Griffin, 25, of Miramar, was charged in a nine-count indictment for theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, Griffin did knowingly and willfully receive United States Department of Treasury tax refunds, knowing the tax refunds to have been stolen. Specifically, Griffin is accused of receiving nine different tax refunds, from nine different victims, totaling $8,074.00.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Ronald Esperant, Case No. 17-mj-2122-O’Sullivan

On January 27, 2017, Ronald Esperant, 31, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint with the theft of government money for his participation in a tax scheme that defrauded the U.S. government.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, in April 2013 multiple tax refunds issued to other persons, without their permission or authority, were deposited into Esperant’s bank account for an actual loss amount of $5,885.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Ricardo Innocent, Case No. 17-mj-2123-O’Sullivan

On January 27, 2017, Ricardo Innocent, 34, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint with the theft of government money for his participation in a tax scheme that defrauded the U.S. government.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, Innocent, filed fraudulent tax returns from January 2011 through February 2014 and had those fraudulently obtained tax refunds deposited into his bank account for an actual loss amount of $77,381.18.

Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Michelin Petit-Maitre, Case No. 17-mj-2124-O’Sullivan

On January 27, 2017, Michelin Petit-Maitre, 36, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint with the theft of government money for his participation in a tax scheme that defrauded the U.S. government.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, Petit-Maitre filed fraudulent tax returns from June 2013 through in or around February 2014 in the names of other persons and had those fraudulently obtained tax refunds deposited into his bank for an actual loss amount of $41,840.00.

Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Martha Somayra Gomez, Case No. 17-CR-20061-King

On January 26, 2017, Martha Somayra Gomez, 28, of Miami, was charged in a nine-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between August 20, 2012 and June 5, 2013, nine tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Gomez’s bank accounts for an actual loss amount of $24,922.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane.

United States v. Youri P. Baptiste, Case No. 17-CR-20048-Altonaga

On January 24, 2017, Youri P. Baptiste, 23, of Miami, was charged in a six-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between September 5, 2012 and September 24, 2013, six tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Baptiste’s bank accounts for an actual loss amount of $22,048.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane.

United States v. Altagrace Shaina Descollines, Case No. 17-CR-20047-Scola

On January 24, 2017, Altagrace Shaina Descollines, 25, of Hollywood, was charged in a three-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between December 5, 2012 and April 24, 2013, three tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Descollines’ bank account for an actual loss amount of $13,169.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane.

United States v. Quincy Thomas Cook, Case No. 17-CR-20059-Williams

On January 26, 2017, Quincy Thomas Cook, 24, of Miramar, was charged in a four-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between April 2012 and April 2013, four tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Cook’s bank account for an actual loss amount of $5,896.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI, IRS-CI and USPIS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Willie Lee Parker, III, Case No. 17-CR-20058-Middlebrooks

On January 26, 2017, Willie Lee Parker III, 23, of Opa-Locka, was charged in an eleven-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between February 2013 and April 2013, eleven tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Parker III’s bank account for an actual loss amount of $6,610.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Damon Donnell Rhodes, Case No. 17-CR-20062-Lenard

On January 26, 2017, Damon Donnell Rhodes, 23, of Hialeah, was charged in a seven-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between November 2012 and December 2012, seven tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Rhodes’ bank account for an actual loss amount of $5,495.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI, USPIS and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Rashaundra Javanni Lewis, Case No. 17-CR-20060-Scola

On January 26, 2017, Rashaundra Javanni Lewis, 26, of Miami, was charged in a five-count indictment for the theft of government money.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between September 19, 2012 and September 26, 2012, five tax refunds issued to other persons were deposited into Lewis’ bank account for an actual loss amount of $3,953.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane.

THEFT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDS

United States v. Phyllistone Termine, Case No. 17-mj-2098-O’Sullivan

On January 26, 2017, Phyllistone Termine, 19, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint for access device fraud, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, possession of device making equipment, and aggravated identity theft related to his alleged participation in a fraudulent unemployment compensation scheme.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the criminal complaint, an IP address connected to Termine’s residence was used to access and file fraudulent unemployment benefit claims for more than 800 individuals on the Florida Department of Employment and Opportunity’s online database between March 23, 2015, and March 7, 2016.

the course of the investigation law enforcement executed a search warrant at Termine’s residence and allegedly discovered the defendant in his bedroom, writing on a small notepad. The first line on the notepad read “Summer 2016th” and stated “Buy 3 Phones, 1 clean 2 dirty’s” and “Buy online – Merrick BNK & CCVs.” CCVs are numeric fraud-prevention codes on credit cards that are used to help verify possession of your credit card. They can also be purchased from internet sources, in order for people to obtain stolen credit card data. On the bed next to Termine were three cellular phones and a laptop computer. Hidden between the defendant’s mattress and box spring was a black case containing several debit and credit cards belonging to individuals who did not reside at Termine’s residence. Inside the black case were several white blank plastic cards with magnetic stripes that are used to make debit and credit cards. On the floor next to Termine’s bed was hardware used to encode the magnetic stripe on credit/debit cards. Several victims whose credit or debit cards were found during the search also had their identities used to file for unemployment benefits using the IP Address at Termine’s home. These victims had not filed unemployment claims within the last 5 years, did not authorize anyone else to, and did not know Termine.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of DOL-OIG and SSA-OIG. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Kicksonley Azema and Abdul Pierrelus,

Case No. 17-CR-20081-Moore

On January 27, 2017, Kicksonley Azema, 26, and Abdul Pierrelus, 29, both of North Miami, were charged in a five-count indictment with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, using unauthorized access devices to fraudulently obtain something valued at $1,000 or more and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, beginning on or about January 26, 2015, and continuing through the date of the indictment, Azema and Pierrelus unlawfully used social security numbers of Michigan residents to fraudulently file unemployment benefit claims with the state of Michigan, and directed those fraudulently obtained funds to debit card accounts fraudulently established using the social security numbers belonging to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of DOL-OIG, ICE-HSI and the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. James Kelly Morency, Frantzy Morency, and Jakeem Amal Stevens, Case No. 17-CR-20075-Huck

On January 27, 2017, James Kelly Morency, 21, of Hallandale Beach, Frantzy Morency, 26, of Lehigh Acres, and Jakeem Amal Stevens, 28, of Hollywood, were charged in a thirteen-count indictment with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, access device fraud, and computer fraud.

According to the indictment, between May 2011 and February 2015, the defendants possessed, transferred and used the social security numbers of other persons to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits by creating online accounts with the SSA with the stolen social security numbers belonging to other persons and having the SSA benefits redirected to accounts that the defendants controlled.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI, SSA-OIG, and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Sammie Nathaniel Williams, Jr., a/k/a “Old School,” Case No. 16-CR-20921-Scola

On December 9, 2016, Sammie Nathaniel Williams, Jr., a/k/a “Old School,” 58, of Miami, was charged in a six-count indictment for mail theft by a postal employee and theft of government money. On January 19, 2017, Williams pleaded guilty to theft of government money.

According to the court record, on November 29, 2016, Williams, a United States Postal Service employee, stole three U.S. Treasury checks from the mail.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of USPIS, TIGTA and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

BANK ACCOUNT TAKEOVERS

United States v. Jonathan Phanor, Case No. 16-CR-60349-Dimitrouleas

On December 13, 2016, Jonathan Phanor, 33, of Margate, was charged in a four-count indictment for his participation in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud and identity theft scheme.

According to court documents, from May 18, 2013 through August 13, 2013, Phanor accessed Wells Fargo customers’ bank accounts to obtain their name, date of birth, social security number and bank account numbers and provided the information to his co-conspirator. A co-conspirator would then open joint bank accounts using Wells Fargo customer’s name, date of birth, social security number and bank account numbers and move Wells Fargo customers’ money to the joint account. Once the money was in the joint account, the co-conspirator would then transfer the money belonging to the Wells Fargo customers’ from the joint account to bank accounts controlled by the co-conspirators. The defendant and his co-conspirators used the customers’ identities without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Mike Edwing Brizard, Case No. 16-CR-20931-Altonaga

On December 13, 2016, Mike Edwing Brizard, 28, of Miramar, was charged in a seven-count indictment for his participation in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud and identity theft scheme. On January 20, 2017, Brizard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. Brizard is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Altonaga on April 3, 2017.

According to the court record, from August 20, 2012 through February 26, 2013, Brizard accessed Wells Fargo customers’ bank accounts to obtain their name, date of birth, social security number and bank account numbers and provided the information to his co-conspirator. A co-conspirator would then open joint bank accounts using Wells Fargo customers’ name, date of birth, social security number and bank account numbers and move Wells Fargo customers’ money to the joint account. Once the money was in the joint account, a co-conspirator would then transfer the money belonging to the Wells Fargo customers from the joint account to bank accounts controlled by the co-conspirators. The defendant and his co-conspirators used the customers’ identities without their permission or authority and were responsible for a loss totaling approximately $164,755.91.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

ACCOUNT TAKEOVERS (INCLUDING CREDIT CARD FRAUD)

United States v. Yulier Blanco Perez, et al., Case No. 17-CR-20073-Altonaga

On January 27, 2017, Yulier Blanco Perez, 34, David Machado Frometa, 34, and Silvio Lopez Cuellar, 30, of Miami, were charged in an eleven-count indictment with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from July 28, 2016 through October 27, 2016, Perez, Frometa and Cuellar conspired to use credit card account numbers issued to other persons to unlawfully obtain items with an aggregate value of at least $1,000.00. The defendants used the fraudulent credit card account numbers to purchase stone tile from various tile retailers in South Florida. Over four days, during the three-month conspiracy, the defendants fraudulently purchased over $96,000.00 worth of stone tile from three retailers.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Kahn Obenauf.

United States v. Geraldine Hughes, Case No. 17-CR-20065-Gayles

On January 26, 2017, Geraldine Hughes, 30, of Pompano Beach, was charged in a four-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

to the allegations contained in the indictment and other public records, in August of 2016, Hughes conspired with another person to create a Care Credit account in another person’s name to which Hughes was later fraudulently added on as an authorized user and able to charge dental procedures onto the Care Credit account. Hughes made several visits to dental offices in North Miami and Aventura. Approximately $7,000 worth of dental work was charged to the individual’s account, without his/her permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the Aventura Police Department and IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Fernando Garcia Cala, Case No. 17-CR-20072-Moore

On January 26, 2017, Fernandeo Garcia Cala, 32, of Miami, was charged in a nine-count indictment for access device fraud, possession of device-making equipment and aggravated identity theft.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, Garcia operated a Ford F-350 diesel truck that was illegally outfitted with “bladders,” which are containers attached to the fuel line that allow the vehicle to hold more than 300 gallons of diesel fuel. Garcia used gift cards, fraudulently re-encoded with bank account numbers belonging to other individuals, to obtain hundreds of gallons of fuel from several different fuel stations. A search warrant executed at Garcia’s home revealed skimming devices that can be used to capture debit/credit card account number and pin numbers as they are inputted at the fuel pump, an encoding device that is used to place the skimmed numbers onto the magnetic stripes (such as those found on gift cards and hotel room keys), and more than 196 counterfeit access devices that were encoded with account numbers belonging to other individuals.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Bamby Pierre, Case No. 16-CR-20945-Williams

On December 15, 2016, Bamby Pierre, 26, of Miami, was charged in an eight-count indictment for attempted use of unauthorized access devices, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between November 2015 and April 2016, Pierre attempted to use and used the debit card numbers issued to other persons to make over $500,000 in withdrawals from ATMs. Bamby also unlawfully possessed and used the names and debit card numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USPIS and Broward County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Marcus Lee Grant, Case No. 17-CR-20077-Moreno

January 27, 2017, defendant Marcus Lee Grant, 26, of Miramar, was charged in a five-count indictment for his participation in a scheme to steal credit cards by directing and intercepting mail containing credit cards and other credit card account information. The indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The indictment further charges that Grant and his co-conspirators changed the mailing addresses of other individuals, without their permission or authority, in order to intercept the mail and facilitate the fraudulent scheme.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary Aronovitz.

United States v. Michel Gonzalez Suarez, et al., Case No. 16-CR-10053-King

On December 20, 2016, Michel Gonzalez Suarez, 38, and Beatriz Morales Saladriga, 20, both of Hialeah, were charged in a five-count indictment for their participation in a conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft in the Florida Keys.

to the allegations contained in the indictment, on October 5, 2016, Suarez and Saladriga conspired with each other and others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at several stores located in Monroe County. The defendants are also alleged to have unlawfully possessed fifteen or more counterfeit credit and debit cards encoded with unauthorized account numbers, and to have used one or more counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Brandon Bair, et al., Case No. 17-CR-60005-Zloch

On January 10, 2017, Brandon Bair, 23, of Cutler Bay, Aimee Chin-Sang, 22, of Homestead, and Kevin Lawson Mitchell, 21, of Davie, were charged in a seven-count indictment for access fraud and aggravated identity theft indictment relating to trafficking in and using unauthorized AT&T merchant account numbers and credit card account numbers to commit more than $80,000 of fraud.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on various dates in February, April and May of 2016, Bair and Chin-Sang used credit cards to conduct multiple fraudulent transactions at Home Depot stores located in Sunrise and Davie. Mitchell, an employee at the Davie Home Depot, helped Bair and Chin-Sang conduct several of these transactions. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Bair and Chin-Sang also presented counterfeit licenses and used unauthorized AT&T merchant account numbers to conduct fraudulent transactions involving thousands of dollars of Apple products at an AT&T store located in Fort Lauderdale. All three defendants are charged with conspiring to commit access device fraud. Bair and Chin-Sang are also charged with multiple counts of use of unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and Davie Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Angela Maria Villegas, 17-CR-20086-Ungaro

On January 27, 2017, Angela Maria Villegas, 41, of Miami Beach, was charged in a five-count indictment for aggravated identity theft and use of unauthorized access devices.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, from January 20, 2015, through April 12, 2016, Villegas, a high-end retail employee, made over $20,000 worth of unauthorized purchases using the credit card account numbers belonging to her high-end specialty customers, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of the MDPD and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Ahlaniee Maheei Chinn, 17-CR-20031-Middlebrooks

On January 7, 2017, Ahlaniee Maheei Chinn, 23, of Miami, was charged in a two-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, on March 4, 2016, Chinn, purchased more than two-thousand dollars’ worth of goods with a counterfeit credit card. The counterfeit card had the true account holders’ information shaved off and Chinn’s name was fraudulently embossed onto the credit card.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and Aventura Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Suzelie Cheremond, Case No. 17-CR-60025-Bloom

On January 26, 2017, Suzelie Cheremond, 25, of Miami, was charged in a five-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, in December of 2015, Cheremond, a Sam’s Club employee in Miramar, unlawfully obtained and used credit cards belonging to other persons to make purchases at Sam’s Club for $4,110.11.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, the Aventura Police Department and Miramar Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Quienece Shedina Saintvil and Larod James Robinson,

Case No. 17-CR-20064-Ungaro

On January 26, 2017, Quienece Shedina Saintvil, 30, and Larod James Robinson, 34, both of Miami, were charged in a three-count indictment for their participation in a conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, in August of 2016, Saintvil and Robinson entered the Bloomingdale’s Department store and unlawfully used a credit card account belonging to another person to make purchases. Saintvil and Robinson picked out merchandise and then Saintvil provided a Bloomingdale customer’s social security number in order to access the customer’s Bloomingdale’s credit account. Saintvil and Robinson made a total of three transactions, totaling $3,416.77, without the permission or authority of the true credit card account holder.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and Aventura Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Shanisa Bell, Case No. 17-CR-60029-Bloom

On January 27, 2017, Shanisa Bell, 25, of Coconut Creek, was charged in a three-count indictment for using unauthorized access devices to fraudulently obtain something valued at $1,000 or more and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, between July 2015 and June 2016, Bell unlawfully used debit card account numbers issued in the names of other persons without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of DOL-OIG, ICE-HSI and the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. Edrey Acosta, Case No. 17-CR-20071-Martinez

On January 26, 2017, Edrey Acosta, 27, of Miami, was charged in a three-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on November 8, 2016, Acosta used counterfeit encoded with credit card account numbers issued to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Crystal Henderson, Case No. 17-CR-20066-Gayles

On January 26, 2017, Crystal Henderson, 34, of Homestead, was charged in a four-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on various dates throughout September of 2016, Henderson unlawfully used a credit card account belonging to another person to make purchases over $1,000.00.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, Stamford Connecticut Police Department, and Aventura Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Shante Marie Wesby, Case No. 17-CR-20032-Scola

On January 7, 2017, Shante Marie Wesby, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, was charged in a three-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on various dates throughout January and February of 2016, Wesby unlawfully used a social security number and a credit card account number belonging to another person, without his/her permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and Aventura Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair.

United States v. Kevin Martinez Morazan, Case No. 17-CR-60016-Bloom

On January 24, 2017, Kevin Martinez Morazan, 24, of Broward County, was charged in a five-count indictment with possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on May 7, 2015, Martinez unlawfully possessed names and social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, USSS and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Tymonzo Ward, Case No. 16-CR-60306-Cohn

On October 28, 2016, Tymonzo Ward, 37, of Wilton Manors, was charged in a six-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on May 21, 2015, Ward unlawfully possessed fifteen or more credit card account numbers and social security numbers belonging to other persons. Ward also unlawfully possessed and used the names, date of births, and driver licenses of other persons without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, the USSS, and Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara

United States v. Rayden Garcia Ramos, Case No. 16-CR-20808-Lenard

On October 21, 2016, Rayden Garcia Ramos, 46, of Hialeah, was charged in a six-count indictment for access device fraud, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from September 8, 2015 through December 5, 2015, Ramos trafficked in and used one or more credit card account numbers issued to other persons in order to obtain something of value worth $1,000 or more. Additionally, on October 21, 2015, Ramos possessed unlawfully possessed fifteen or more counterfeit credit card account numbers belonging to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Terry Tyrone Clowers, Case No. 17-CR-60004-Dimitrouleas

On January 10, 2017, Terry Tyrone Clowers, 30, of Fort Lauderdale, was charged in a two-count indictment for attempted use of unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the court record, including allegations contained in the indictment, on January 2, 2017, Clowers used the name and social security number of another person in an attempt to purchase an All-Terrain Vehicle worth thousands of dollars from a Broward Motor Sports store in Fort Lauderdale.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS and Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Halima Ouedraogo, Case No. 17-CR-60015-Moreno

On January 24, 2017, Halima Ouedraogo, 35, of Kirkland, Washington, was charged in a twelve-count indictment for access device fraud, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from August 4, 2015 through August 25, 2015, in Broward County, Ouedraogo used credit cards issued to other persons to fraudulently obtain things valued at $1,000 or more. The indictment also alleges that on August 25, 2015, Ouedraogo possessed fifteen or more credit card account numbers and social security numbers belonging to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, USSS, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Terrell Tyrone Rivers and Preston Elijah Parrish, Case No. 17-CR-60024-Dimitrouleas

On January 26, 2017, Terrell Tyrone Rivers, 27, of Orlando, and Preston Elijah Parrish, 25, of Lauderhill, were charged in a ten-count indictment with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, from February 10, 2016 through February 24, 2016, Rivers and Parrish conspired to possess fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, that is, social security numbers issued to other persons. On February 24, 2016, Rivers drove from Orlando to Lauderhill, Florida, to meet Parrish. According to court documents, on February 24, 2016, Rivers and Parrish were pulled over in Lauderhill, Florida. Upon a search of Rivers, several driver licenses with other persons’ information and Rivers’ photograph were recovered, along with personalized checks in other persons’ names. In the vehicle, a black suitcase, printer, tablets, and multiple blank business checks were recovered. A search of Rivers’ electronics revealed the PII of more than fifteen other persons. A search of Parrish’s electronics also revealed the PII of more than fifteen other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS and the Lauderhill Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane.

United States v. Jessie Aguilar, Case No. 16-CR-20944-Gayles

On December 15, 2016, Jesse Aguilar, 28, of Hallandale Beach, was charged in a five-count indictment for conspiring to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on or about November 2, 2014, through on or about September 15, 2015, Aguilar conspired with others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, they used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at the Apple Store in Miami Beach, Florida. The loss amount was approximately $308,830.86.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Dave Benggie Alin, Case No. 16-CR-20815-Williams

On October 25, 2016, Dave Benggie Alin, 21, of Miami, was charged in a three-count indictment with fraudulent use of a counterfeit credit card. aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. On January 18, 2017, Alin pleaded guilty to all charges. He is currently set for sentencing on April 7, 2017.

According to the court record, on October 12, 2016, Alin was found by law enforcement to be in possession of a counterfeit credit card and a firearm. Alin used the credit card to check into a hotel in Miami, and then he continued to use the credit card to make purchases at the hotel.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes.

United States v. Luis Miniert, Case No. 16-CR-20941-Scola

On December 15, 2016, Luis Miniert, 26, of Miami, was charged in a five-count indictment for conspiring to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from November 2, 2014 through September 15, 2015, Miniert conspired with others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, they used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at the Apple Store in Miami Beach, Florida. The loss amount was approximately $119,210.73.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Anthony Leon, Case No. 17-CR-20068-Lenard

On January 26, 2017, Anthony Leon, 31, of Hialeah, was charged in a five-count indictment for conspiring to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, March 20, 2014 through July 18, 2015, Leon conspired with others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, they used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at the Apple Store in Miami Beach, Florida. The loss amount was approximately $158,690.37.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Diana Leon a/k/a “Diana Montoya”, Case No.17-CR-20069-Altonaga

On January 26, 2017, Diana Leon a/k/a “Diana Montoya,” 22, of Hialeah, was charged in a five-count indictment for conspiring to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from September 20, 2014 through August 31, 2015, the defendant conspired with others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, they used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at the Apple Store in Miami Beach, Florida. The loss amount was approximately $141,503.01.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Stephanie Vargas, Case No. 17-CR-20070-Moreno

On January 26, 2017, Stephanie Vargas, 26, of Hialeah, was charged in a five-count indictment for conspiring to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from December 20, 2014 through July 17, 2015, Vargas conspired with others to commit access device fraud. As part of the conspiracy, they used counterfeit credit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other people to conduct a series of fraudulent transactions at the Apple Store in Miami Beach, Florida. The loss amount was approximately $174,152.60.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of ICE-HSI and the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING PII

United States v. Alvin Celius Andre, Case No. 17-CR-60014-Zloch

On January 20, 2017, Alvin Celius Andre, 26, of Miramar, was charged in a four-count indictment with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on March 26, 2016, Andre possessed fifteen or more social security numbers issued to other persons. Andre also unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of Miramar Police Department and ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Frantz Felix, Jr, Case No. 17-CR-20038-Williams

On January 20, 2017, Frantz Felix, Jr, 23, of Miramar, was charged in a six-count indictment with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on March 26, 2016, Felix possessed fifteen or more social security numbers issued to other persons and used a credit card account number issued to another person. Felix, Jr. also unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the Miramar Police Department and ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Marcus Allen Griffin, Case No. 17-CR-60011-Dimitrouleas

On January 13, 2017, Marcus Allen Griffin, 22, of Miramar, was charged in a six-count indictment with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

to the allegations contained in the indictment, on September 1, 2016, Griffin possessed fifteen or more social security numbers and credit card account numbers issued to other persons. Griffin also unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the Miramar Police Department and ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Marc Antoine Riviere, Case No. 17-CR-20024-Moore

On January 13, 2017, Marc Antoine Riviere, 29, of Miami, was charged in a four-count indictment for identity theft in connection with his possession of at least fifteen social security numbers belonging to other individuals.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on July 17, 2014, Riviere was found in possession of fifteen or more social security numbers issued to other persons, without their permission or authority. Riviere also unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of FBI, IRS-CI, and Miami-Dade County Schools Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Jacqueloi Trishauna Moreau, Case No. 17-CR-60003-Bloom

On January 10, 2017, Jacqueloi Trishauna Moreau, 28, of Lauderdale Lakes, was charged in a four-count indictment for identity theft in connection with her possession of at least fifteen social security numbers belonging to other individuals.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on July 18, 2016, Moreau was found in possession of fifteen or more names, dates and social security numbers issued to other persons. Moreau also unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of USPIS, IRS-CI and Margate Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Elena Caridad Amaya, Case No. 17-CR-20067-Ungaro

On January 26, 2017, Elena Caridad Amaya, 42, of Lauderdale Lakes, was charged in a four-count indictment for identity theft in connection with her possession of at least fifteen social security numbers belonging to other individuals.

According to the allegations in the indictment, in April 2016, Amaya was found in possession of fifteen or more counterfeit card encoded with account numbers and social security numbers issued to other persons. Amaya used a credit card account number issued to another person, without his/her permission or authority, to make purchases totaling $20,681.64.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of IRS-CI and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Shonta Darrough.

United States v. Robert Jamorris Jackson, Case No. 16-CR-60337-Bloom

On December 2, 2016, Robert Jamorris Jackson, 33, of Broward County, was charged in a six count indictment with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

The indictment alleges that on February 18, 2016, in Broward County, Jackson possessed personal identifying information of more than fifteen people.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the USSS. This case was indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Stratton.

United States v. Aamir Khan, Case No. 16-CR-20839-Lenard

On November 1, 2016, Aamir Khan, 20, of Miami, was charged in a six-count indictment with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft. On January 3, 2017, Khan pleaded guilty to possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. Khan is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2017.

According to the court record, on or about June 10, 2014, Khan was arrested for driving without a license. A search incident to arrest revealed that Khan had a USB drive in his pocket. A consensual search of the USB drive revealed PII for approximately 3,680 individuals, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and NMBPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes.

United States v. Victor Joseph, Case No. 16-CR-60335-Zloch

On November 29, 2016, Victor Joseph, 26, of Orlando, was charged in a seven-count indictment with using one or more unauthorized access devices, possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations in the indictment, between January and March 2015, Joseph possessed and used social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the efforts of IRS-CI and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daya Nathan.

United States v. Dave Pierre, Case No. 17-CR-60023-Moreno

On January 26, 2017, Dave Pierre, 28, of Miami, was charged in a five-count indictment with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on November 7, 2016, Pierre unlawfully possessed fifteen or more names, dates of birth and social security numbers belonging to other persons. Pierre unlawfully possessed and used the names and date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Ricky Cearc, Case No. 17-CR-20083-Moreno

On January 27, 2017, Ricky Cearc, 27, of Miami, was charged in a three-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on August 29, 2013, Ricky Cearc unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Ricky Cearc unlawfully possessed and used the date of births and social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Stratton.

United States v. Lyns Cearc, Case No. 17-CR-20084-Gayles

On January 27, 2017, Lyns Cearc, 34, of Miami, was charged in a three-count indictment for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

to allegations contained in the indictment, on August 29, 2013, Lyns Cearc unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Lyns Cearc unlawfully possessed and used the date of births and social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-his and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Stratton.

United States v. Edouard Bastien, Case No. 16-CR-20953-Gayles

On December 19, 2016, a criminal information was filed, charging Edouard Bastien, 27, of North Miami Beach, with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

to the allegations contained in the information, on June 20, 2014, Bastien unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Bastien also unlawfully possessed and used the names and social security numbers of other persons without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, DOL-OIG, IRS-CI and North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.

United States v. D’Andre Nathaniel Watson. Case No. 16-CR-20958-Lenard

On December 20, 2016, D’Andre Nathaniel Watson, 19, of North Miami Beach, was charged in a six-count indictment for possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on February 25, 2016 and again on March 16, 2016, Watson unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Watson also unlawfully possessed and used the names and the date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, DOL-OIG, and NMBPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.

United States v. Brian Anthony Joseph, Case No. 17-CR-20004-Moore

On January 5, 2017, Brian Anthony Joseph, 21, of Miami, was charged in a four-count indictment for possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on November 9, 2015, Joseph unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Watson also unlawfully possessed and used the names and the date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts ICE-HSI, DOL-OIG, NMBPD and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.

United States v. Richard Wayne Brown, Case No. 17-CR-60010-Cohn

On January 13, 2017, Richard Wayne Brown, 29, of Miramar, was charged in a seven-count indictment for possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on December 28, 2016 and January 6, 2017, Brown unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Brown also unlawfully possessed and used the names and the date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), FBI, USSS, and Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.

United States v. Peterson Joseph, Case No. 16-CR-20830-Moore

On October 28, 2016, Peterson Joseph, 24, of Miami, Florida, was charged in a four-count indictment with aggravated identity theft, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and using unauthorized access devices to fraudulently obtain something valued at $1,000 or more.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, from June 17, 2014 through May 19, 2015, Joseph unlawfully possessed and used fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of DOL-OIG. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. Jason Douglas, Case No. 16-CR-60308-Bloom

On October 28, 2016, Jason Douglas, 26, of New York, was charged in a three-count indictment with possessing fifteen or more unauthorized and counterfeit access devices and aggravated identity theft.

to the allegations contained in the indictment, on or about April 16, 2016, Douglas unlawfully possessed fifteen or more social security numbers issued to other persons and debit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other persons. Douglas also unlawfully possessed and used the names, date of births and social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the Broward County Sherriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. Jerry Jean Baptiste and Stanley Auguste, Case No. 16-CR-20934-Cooke

On December 15, 2016, Jerry Jean Baptiste, 22, of Miami, and Stanley Auguste, 25, of Miami Gardens, were charged in a nine-count indictment with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.

to the allegations contained in the indictment, from April 24, 2015 through August 5, 2015, Baptiste and Auguste conspired to possess unlawfully fifteen or more social security numbers issued to other persons. On or about April 30, 2015, Baptiste possessed and sold electronic files containing lists of PII of various individuals, including social security numbers issued to fifteen or more individuals. On or about May 6, 2015, and again on August 5, 2015, Baptiste and Auguste possessed and sold electronic files containing lists of PII, including fifteen or more social security numbers. Baptiste and Auguste possessed and used the names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of real individuals, without permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Gonsoulin.

ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD

United States v. Alexey Abreu Chapotin, et al., Case No. 17-CR-20043-Lenard

January 24, 2017, Alexey Abreu Chapotin, 22, Yankiel Blanco, 34, and Yuliesky Cespedes Perez, 26, all of Miami, were charged in a two-count indictment for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and possession of device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on August 16, 2016, Chapotin, Blanco and Perez possessed credit card “skimming” devices, drills, and other equipment which was used to modify the skimmers so that they could be surreptitiously installed onto credit card readers at gas pumps. The indictment further alleges that on August 16, 2016, the defendants installed one of these card “skimming” devices at a pump at the gas station, in order to capture customer credit card account information.

Mr. Ferrer commends ICE-HSI and the Aventura Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara.

United States v. Omar Pulido Sanchez, et al., Case No. 17-mj-2112-JJO

On January 27, 2017, Omar Pulido Sanchez, 38, Uriel Pulido Sanchez, 42, and Maria Castillo Sarmiento, all of Colombia, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more access devices and conspiracy to possess access device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, in June of 2016, the defendants installed credit card skimming devices onto bank ATMs throughout South Florida. In total, the defendants stole the bank account information of at least three hundred victims, and of those three hundred victims, over sixty reported fraudulent withdrawals from their accounts.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet.

United States v. Rene Hernandez, Case No. 17-mj-2111-O’Sullivan

On January 27, 2017, Rene Hernandez, 57, of Miami, was charged by criminal complaint for possession of access device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, on April 5, 2016, Hernandez was found by law enforcement to be in possession of a magnetic stripe encoding device, multiple fuel pump credit card skimming devices, and several counterfeit credit cards in his own name.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet.

United States v. Cesar Castillo Vargas, Case No. 17-mj-6040-O’Sullivan

On January 27, 2017, Cesar Castillo Vargas, 37, of Colombia, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of access device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, on August 1, 2016, law enforcement found Castillo Vargas in possession of a magnetic strip encoder device, a fraudulent Colombian driver license, a fraudulent Mexican passport, and several blank credit or debit cards.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet.

United States v. Oberto Jean, Case No. 17-CR-20082-Scola

On January 27, 2017, Oberto Jean, 35, of Miami, Florida, was charged in a five-count indictment with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, possession of access device-making equipment, aggravated identity theft, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

to the allegations contained in the indictment, on or about February 11, 2015, Jean unlawfully possessed access device-making equipment and fifteen or more social security numbers belonging to other persons. Jean unlawfully possessed and used the date of births and social security numbers of other persons, without their permission or authority. Jean, a convicted felon, also possessed two firearms and ammunition.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Miami Police Department (MPD). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. Anthony Reid, Case No. 16-CR-60307-Dimitrouleas

On October 28, 2016, Anthony Reid, 22, of Miami, was charged in a four-count indictment with possessing access device-making equipment, fifteen or more unauthorized and counterfeit access devices, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on April 16, 2016, Reid unlawfully possessed access device-making equipment, social security numbers issued to other persons, and counterfeit credit cards and debit cards encoded with account numbers issued to other persons.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the Broward County Sherriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.

United States v. Luis Perez Luis and Jose Luis Perez, Case No. 17-CR-20087-Altonaga

On January 27, 2017, Luis Perez Luis, 57, and Jose Luis Perez, 33, both of Miami, were charged in an eight-count indictment with aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to possess fifteen or more access devices, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and possession of device making equipment

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on August 31, 2016, Luis and Perez conspired to possess and possessed fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards and credit card account numbers issued to other persons, as well as access device making equipment.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of the MDPD and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Patrick Gaston Sebastian, Case No. 17-CR-20030-Williams

On January 20, 2017, Patrick Gaston Sebastian, 21, of Miami, Florida, was charged in a four-count indictment with aggravated identity theft, possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and possession of device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on July 1, 2016, Sebastian possessed fifteen or more social security numbers and credit card account numbers issued to other persons as well as a credit card embosser and credit card skimmer. Sebastian also unlawfully possessed and used the names and the date of births of other persons, without their permission or authority.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of MDPD and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

United States v. Luis Fernando Casallas Guzman, Case No. 17-CR-20022-Scola

On January 13, 2017, Luis Fernando Casallas Guzman, 61, of Colombia, was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and possession of device making equipment.

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, on March 12, 2015, Guzman possessed fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards and credit card account numbers of other individuals as well as a credit card skimmer and magnetic stripe encoder.

Mr. Ferrer commends the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Langley.

     If convicted of the charged conduct, the defendants face a possible maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison for possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices; 10 years in prison for trafficking in or using one or more unauthorized access devices during a one-year period and by such conduct obtaining anything of value over $1,000; 5 years in prison for theft of mail; 10 years in prison for theft of government money; 5 in prison for conspiracy to commit theft of government money; 5 years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States; 15 years in prison for possession of access device making equipment; 20 years in prison for participating in a wire fraud conspiracy; 5 years in prison for conspiracy to pass Treasury checks bearing forged endorsements; and 2 years in prison consecutive to any other term for aggravated identity theft.

     Mr. Ferrer commends ATF, the Aventura Police Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Davie Police Department, DOL-OIG, FBI , Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Homestead Police Department, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, Lauderhill Police Department, Margate Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, MDPD Professional Compliance Bureau and Public Corruption Section, Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General, Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department, Miramar Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, MPD, NMBPD, Stamford Connecticut Police Department, State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, SSA-OIG, TIGTA, USDA-OIG, USPIS, USSS, for the investigative support they provide the Strike Force to combat fraud schemes throughout the Southern District of Florida.

     A criminal complaint or an indictment is an accusatory instrument that contains formal charges against a defendant. All persons charged in a criminal complaint or indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

This afternoon, a federal jury in Key West convicted a South Florida resident of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, an explosive device, and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mary B. McCord, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), made the announcement.

Harlem Suarez, a/k/a “Almlak Benitez,” 23, of Monroe County, Florida, was convicted at trial of knowingly attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2332a(a)(2) and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B. Suarez is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Key West, on April 18, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.

“By intending to place an explosive device on a public beach, Harlem Suarez posed a grave threat to the residents and visitors of Key West,” stated U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “It is because of the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s unwavering commitment to our national security that law enforcement is able to prevent potential attacks on American soil that are inspired or directed by terrorist organizations. Let this case serve as an example to others that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners stand as a united front against all domestic threats.”

“Harlem Suarez, a self-professed ISIL adherent, attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction - a backpack bomb - in the United States and now stands convicted of two terrorism offenses,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Stopping attacks on our homeland by those inspired or directed by designated foreign terrorist organizations is the highest priority of the National Security Division. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for today’s result.”

"Suarez wanted to kill innocent people by detonating a nail laced explosive filled backpack on a crowded Key West beach," said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “He was denied his terroristic dreams by several hardworking, dedicated law enforcement organizations and professionals. This is a job well done."

According to evidence introduced at trial, in April 2015, Suarez’s Facebook postings contained extremist rhetoric and promoted the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Evidence further indicated that Suarez told an FBI confidential human source that he wanted to make a “timer bomb.” Suarez purchased components for this device, which was to contain galvanized nails, be concealed in a backpack and be remotely detonated by a cellular telephone. Suarez intended to bury the device at a public beach in Key West and then detonate it.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, JTTF, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Key West Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marc S. Anton and Karen E. Gilbert with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Sectionof the U.S. Department of Justice.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Harlem Suarez, a/k/a “Almlak Benitez,” 23, of Monroe County, Florida was convicted by a federal jury of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, specifically, an explosive device, and providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

 

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and members of the South Florida FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

 

“Harlem Suarez, a self-professed ISIL adherent, attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction - a backpack bomb - in the United States and now stands convicted of two terrorism offenses,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Stopping attacks on our homeland by those inspired or directed by designated foreign terrorist organizations is the highest priority of the National Security Division. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for today’s result.”

 

“By intending to place an explosive device on a public beach, Harlem Suarez posed a grave threat to the residents and visitors of Key West,” stated U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “It is because of the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s unwavering commitment to our national security that law enforcement is able to prevent potential attacks on American soil that are inspired or directed by terrorist organizations. Let this case serve as an example to others that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners stand as a united front against all domestic threats.”

 

"Suarez wanted to kill innocent people by detonating a nail laced explosive filled backpack on a crowded Key West beach," said Special Agent in Charge Piro. “He was denied his terroristic dreams by several hardworking, dedicated law enforcement organizations and professionals. This is a job well done."

 

Suarez was convicted at trial of knowingly attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the U.S., in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 2332a(a)(2) and providing material support to a terrorist organization, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 2339B. Suarez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Key West, Florida, on April 18 at 1:30 p.m.

 

According to evidence introduced at trial, in April 2015, Suarez’s Facebook postings contained extremist rhetoric and promoted ISIL. Evidence further indicated that Suarez told an FBI confidential human source that he wanted to make a “timer bomb.” Suarez purchased components for this device, which was to contain galvanized nails, be concealed in a backpack and be remotely detonated by a cellular telephone. Suarez intended to bury the device at a public beach in Key West and then detonate it.

 

Trial evidence showed that on July 27, 2015, Suarez took possession of an inert explosive device and was arrested.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI; FBI-JTTF; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Key West Police Department; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Florida; and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc S. Anton and Karen E. Gilbert, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Yesterday, a West Palm Beach jury convicted Brian Charles Tolley, 41, of Bedford, Virginia, of wire fraud, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, possession of counterfeit government seals with the intent to defraud, money laundering, making and subscribing false federal income tax returns, and failing to file federal income tax returns.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office, Brian A. Hauck, Special Agent-in-Charge, North Central Fraud Field Office, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Special Agent in Charge Wendell W. Palmer, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Procurement Fraud Detachment Southeast, made the announcement.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer stated, “Brian Tolley lived a life of luxury by abusing his corporate leadership position to defraud his employer and the United States government. All corporations and our American taxpayers deserve to have their financial pockets protected against illicit fraud schemes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our fraud enforcement allies will continue to target for prosecution those who put their own self-interests above lawful business and tax filing practices.”

“Mr. Tolley, as the President and Chief Information Officer of Partsbase, a large marketplace for aviation components, illegally enriched himself by submitting fraudulent expense reports for DoD procurement data to his employer," said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, DCIS. "Mr. Tolley embezzled $1.6 million through this scheme, using the money to purchase vehicles, property, and expensive first class vacations for his family. Today's verdict sends a strong message that DCIS agents will vigorously pursue those who defraud and corrupt Defense programs and bring them to justice.”

“The jury’s verdict should stand as a deterrent to those who would engage in fraud and corruption for personal gain, and is a testament to the thorough and professional effort of our investigative and prosecutorial team," said Special Agent in Charge Brian Hauck, of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's North Central Fraud Field Office. "We will diligently continue our efforts to pursue those engaged in criminal activity that impacts the integrity of U.S. Government and Army programs and resources within our purview.”

Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI stated, "We are pleased with the guilty verdict rendered against Brian Tolley. He perpetuated a fraud scheme against his employer, and then willfully omitted the stolen proceeds from his tax returns. As we are at the beginning of another tax filing season, it is important to remember that all income (whether legal or illegal) must be reported to the IRS. Knowingly omitting income from tax returns and failing to file tax returns are crimes, and IRS-CI Special Agents will continue to provide their financial expertise in the investigation of these cases."

According to the evidence presented at trial, Tolley was employed by PartsBase, Inc., which is located in Boca Raton, Florida, as Vice President from 2001 through 2001, as Chief Information Officer from 2001 through January 2014, and President from 2010 until January 2014. Between June 2007 and September 2013, Tolley submitted to PartsBase forged documentation from various branches of the U.S. military and other government agencies. These documents purported to acknowledge Tolley’s orders of procurement data on PartsBase’s behalf, and purported to be signed by real federal employees. Tolley then requested reimbursement from PartsBase for charges he had purportedly incurred from the government agencies. In total, PartsBase paid Tolley approximately $1.6 million in reimbursements based on this fraudulent scheme. Tolley used the money he procured from the fraudulent scheme to purchase a 2011 Buick Enclave, a 2011 Lincoln Navigator, real estate in Bedford, Virginia and other items. In addition, Tolley failed to report the proceeds of his fraud scheme as income on the federal income tax returns he filed for tax years 2007 through 2011. Tolley failed to file returns for tax years 2012 or 2013.

Tolley faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count of wire fraud; 15 years’ imprisonment on each count of identity theft; 5 years’ imprisonment on each count of possession of counterfeit government seals; 10 years’ imprisonment on each count of money laundering; 3 years’ imprisonment on each count of making and subscribing false federal income tax returns; and 1 year in prison on each count of failing to file federal income tax returns. Tolley also faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft conviction(s).

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of DCIS, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Major Procurement Fraud Unit, IRS-CI, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Procurement Fraud Unit. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc Osborne and Mark Dispoto.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A federal grand jury sitting in Broward County returned a twenty-two count indictment against Esteban Santiago Ruiz (Santiago) in connection with the mass-shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on January 6, 2017. Santiago’s arraignment on the charges has been scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., before United States Magistrate Judge Barry L. Seltzer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement.

Santiago is charged in a federal indictment with eleven counts of performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused death or serious bodily injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 37(a)(1); six counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A); and five counts of causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm in the course of a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j). The statutory charges authorize a maximum penalty, upon conviction, of death or imprisonment for life or any term of years.

According to the criminal complaint previously filed in court, shortly before 1 p.m. on January 6, 2017, Santiago carried out an armed attack on newly-arrived passengers retrieving their luggage in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Santiago pulled out a handgun and started shooting at numerous victims, aiming at the victims’ heads and bodies until he was out of ammunition. Santiago killed five people and wounded six more. Moments later, Santiago was confronted by a BSO deputy. He dropped his handgun on the ground and was arrested by BSO deputies.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistants United States Attorney Ricardo A. Del Toro and Lawrence LaVecchio, with assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Larry Schneider.

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the criminal charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Court documents and information related to this case may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy was arraigned today on federal charges related to his role in an identity theft scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Sean Scheller, Chief, Town of Lantana Police Department, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, made the announcement.

Felisma, 42, of Boynton Beach, a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, was charged in a six-count indictment with participating in an identity theft scheme, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A (Aggravated Identity Theft); 1029(a)(2) (Access Device Fraud); and 1029(b)(2) (Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft) (Case No. 17-80008-CR-MIDDLEBROOKS). Felisma was previously arrested on a criminal complaint and was ordered to be held without bond pending trial by Magistrate Judge James M. Hopkins.

As alleged in the indictment, over the span of approximately 18 months, Deputy Felisma used his police department issued laptop computer to access a law enforcement database in order to obtain personal identification information belonging to numerous individuals. Felisma sold this information to his co-conspirator, who then used the identities of at least 15 of these victims to set up credit card and bank accounts, stealing tens of thousands of dollars in the names of the victims.

convicted, Felisma faces a mandatory minimum of two years’ imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, as to the aggravated identity theft charges contained in Counts 3 through 6; a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment as to the access device fraud charge in Count 2; and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment as to the conspiracy to commit identity theft charge in Count 1.

Felisma is currently on administrative leave without pay from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, Lantana Police Department, IRS-CI and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Jorgensen and Rinku Tribuiani.

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates today announced that Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases including “El Chapo,” will face charges filed in Brooklyn, New York, following his extradition to the United States from Mexico, alleging that he was operating a continuing criminal enterprise and other drug-related crimes through his leadership of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel.

 

Acting Attorney General Yates was joined in making the announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Executive Associate Director Peter T. Edge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Director In Charge William F. Sweeney of the FBI New York Field Office: U.S. Marshal Charles G. Dunne of the Eastern District of New York U.S. Marshals Service and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department James P. O’Neill.

 

Guzman Loera, 59, arrived in the United States on Jan. 19, and will be arraigned on a 17-count superseding indictment on Jan. 20, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein in federal court in Brooklyn. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Following his extradition to the United States on related charges filed in the Western District of Texas and Southern District of California, the Mexican government approved a request by the United States to proceed with prosecution on the charges filed in the Eastern District of New York on May 11, 2016.

 

The charges in the indictment filed against Guzman Loera in the Eastern District of New York will be prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Brooklyn and Miami and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Criminal Division.

 

The indictment alleges that between January 1989 and December 2014, Guzman Loera led a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for importing into the United States and distributing massive amounts of illegal narcotics and conspiring to murder persons who posed a threat to Guzman Loera’s narcotics enterprise.

 

Guzman Loera is also charged with using firearms in relation to his drug trafficking and money laundering relating to the bulk smuggling from the United States to Mexico of more than $14 billion in cash proceeds from narcotics sales throughout the United States and Canada. As part of this investigation, nearly 200,000 kilograms of cocaine linked to the Sinaloa Cartel have been seized. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $14 billion in drug proceeds and illicit profits.

 

“Guzman Loera is the alleged leader of a multi-billion dollar, multi-national criminal enterprise that funneled drugs onto our streets and violence and misery into our communities,” said Acting Attorney General Yates. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Mexico for their assistance in securing Guzman Loera’s extradition. The Mexican people have suffered greatly at the hands of Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel; Mexican law enforcement officials have died in the pursuit of him. We will honor their sacrifice and will honor Mexico’s commitment to combat narco-trafficking by pursuing justice in this case.”

 

“Guzman Loera is accused of using violence, including torture and murder, to maintain an iron-fisted grip on the drug trade across the U.S./Mexico border that invaded our community and others across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Capers. “As a result, Guzman Loera made billions of illicit dollars. This prosecution demonstrates that we will apply all available resources to dismantle the leadership of dangerous drug cartels, wherever they operate, and will not rest until we have done so.”

 

“Guzman Loera is accused of terrorizing communities all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “With this prosecution we stand united, with our domestic and foreign partners, in our fight against transnational criminal organizations that profit billions of dollars off of the toxic spread of illicit drugs in our global communities. Today’s announcement demonstrates that international borders do not protect narcotics traffickers from criminal prosecution. We will continue to work together to combat narco-trafficking and the cartels that infect our streets, with the long-arm of the law.”

 

“This extradition is a tremendous victory for the citizens of Mexico and of the United States,” said DEA Acting Administrator Rosenberg. “Two principles stand out: No one is above the law and we simply do not quit in the pursuit of justice.”

 

“Through investigations led by our offices in New York and Nogales, Arizona, and the coordination efforts of our attaché in Mexico, Homeland Security Investigations gathered significant evidence that is instrumental in the case against Joaquin Guzman Loera in the United States for his alleged crimes as the head of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Edge. “We are pleased to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to bring about yesterday’s extradition, and look forward to sharing the evidence gathered in this investigation in the criminal proceedings that will follow.”

“One of the most dangerous and feared drug kingpins will now be held accountable for his alleged crimes in the United States after decades of eluding law enforcement,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “After years of gathering evidence in multiple investigations, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to bring El Chapo to justice.”

 

“The U.S. Marshals Service will undertake this mission with the same sense of duty that we have undertaken previous missions for the last 228 years,” said U.S. Marshal Dunne. “We will preserve the integrity of the judicial process. We will protect the members of the Eastern District of New York family. We will secure this individual in a humane manner and we will bring him to court on time.”

 

As detailed in the superseding indictment and other court filings, Guzman Loera and Ismael Zambada Garcia, as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, conspired to import more than 200 metric tons of cocaine into the United States. The Sinaloa Cartel shared drug transportation routes and obtained drugs from various Colombian drug trafficking organizations, in particular, the Colombian Norte del Valle Cartel, the Don Lucho Organization, and the Cifuentes-Villa Organization. The cocaine was transported from Colombia via planes, boats, and submarines into ports the enterprise controlled in Southern Mexico and other locations throughout Central America. From there, it was shipped through Mexico to distribution hubs in the United States.

 

As one of the principal leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Loera allegedly also oversaw the cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana smuggling activities by the Sinaloa Cartel to wholesale distributors in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, as well as in various locations in Arizona, Los Angeles and elsewhere. The billions of dollars generated from drug sales in the United States were then clandestinely transported back to Mexico.

 

To evade law enforcement and protect the enterprise’s narcotics distribution activities, Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel allegedly employed various means including the use of “sicarios,” or hit men, who carried out hundreds of acts of violence in Mexico, including murder, to collect drug debts, silence potential witnesses, and prevent public officials from taking action against the cartel. To intimidate and eliminate his rivals, during the Sinaloa Cartel’s internecine war for territory with the Juarez Cartel from approximately 2007 through 2011, Guzman Loera directed these assassins to kill thousands of drug trafficking competitors, during which many of his victims were beheaded.

 

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg, Hiral Mehta, Patricia Notopoulos, Gina Parlovecchio and Michael Robotti from the Eastern District of New York; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Fels, Lynn Kirkpatrick and Kurt Lunkenheimer from the Southern District of Florida; and Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm, Anthony Nardozzi and Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.

 

The case was investigated by the DEA, ICE and the FBI, in cooperation with Mexican and Colombian law enforcement authorities. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, the Western District of Texas, the Southern District of New York, the Southern District of California, and the District of New Hampshire. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in bringing Guzman Loera to the United States to face charges. The investigative efforts in this case were coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Division, comprising agents, analysts, and attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, DEA, FBI, ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and the New York State Police.

 

The United States would like to extend its appreciation to the Government of Mexico and, in particular, President Enrique Peña Nieto, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray Caso and Attorney General Raul Cervantes Andrade for their assistance in this case.

 

This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

 

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Guzman faces a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment, if convicted of the continuing criminal enterprise charge, and a maximum sentence of life on the remaining charges.
 

Detention Memo

Indictment

 

Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates today announced that Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases including “El Chapo,” will face charges filed in Brooklyn, New York, following his extradition to the United States from Mexico, alleging that he was operating a continuing criminal enterprise and other drug-related crimes through his leadership of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel.

 

Acting Attorney General Yates was joined in making the announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Executive Associate Director Peter T. Edge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Director In Charge William F. Sweeney of the FBI New York Field Office: U.S. Marshal Charles G. Dunne of the Eastern District of New York U.S. Marshals Service and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department James P. O’Neill.

 

Guzman Loera, 59, arrived in the United States on Jan. 19, and will be arraigned on a 17-count superseding indictment on Jan. 20, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein in federal court in Brooklyn. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Following his extradition to the United States on related charges filed in the Western District of Texas and Southern District of California, the Mexican government approved a request by the United States to proceed with prosecution on the charges filed in the Eastern District of New York on May 11, 2016.

 

The charges in the indictment filed against Guzman Loera in the Eastern District of New York will be prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Brooklyn and Miami and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Criminal Division.

 

The indictment alleges that between January 1989 and December 2014, Guzman Loera led a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for importing into the United States and distributing massive amounts of illegal narcotics and conspiring to murder persons who posed a threat to Guzman Loera’s narcotics enterprise.

 

Guzman Loera is also charged with using firearms in relation to his drug trafficking and money laundering relating to the bulk smuggling from the United States to Mexico of more than $14 billion in cash proceeds from narcotics sales throughout the United States and Canada. As part of this investigation, nearly 200,000 kilograms of cocaine linked to the Sinaloa Cartel have been seized. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $14 billion in drug proceeds and illicit profits.

 

“Guzman Loera is the alleged leader of a multi-billion dollar, multi-national criminal enterprise that funneled drugs onto our streets and violence and misery into our communities,” said Acting Attorney General Yates. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Mexico for their assistance in securing Guzman Loera’s extradition. The Mexican people have suffered greatly at the hands of Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel; Mexican law enforcement officials have died in the pursuit of him. We will honor their sacrifice and will honor Mexico’s commitment to combat narco-trafficking by pursuing justice in this case.”

 

“Guzman Loera is accused of using violence, including torture and murder, to maintain an iron-fisted grip on the drug trade across the U.S./Mexico border that invaded our community and others across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Capers. “As a result, Guzman Loera made billions of illicit dollars. This prosecution demonstrates that we will apply all available resources to dismantle the leadership of dangerous drug cartels, wherever they operate, and will not rest until we have done so.”

 

“Guzman Loera is accused of terrorizing communities all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “With this prosecution we stand united, with our domestic and foreign partners, in our fight against transnational criminal organizations that profit billions of dollars off of the toxic spread of illicit drugs in our global communities. Today’s announcement demonstrates that international borders do not protect narcotics traffickers from criminal prosecution. We will continue to work together to combat narco-trafficking and the cartels that infect our streets, with the long-arm of the law.”

 

“This extradition is a tremendous victory for the citizens of Mexico and of the United States,” said DEA Acting Administrator Rosenberg. “Two principles stand out: No one is above the law and we simply do not quit in the pursuit of justice.”

 

“Through investigations led by our offices in New York and Nogales, Arizona, and the coordination efforts of our attaché in Mexico, Homeland Security Investigations gathered significant evidence that is instrumental in the case against Joaquin Guzman Loera in the United States for his alleged crimes as the head of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Edge. “We are pleased to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to bring about yesterday’s extradition, and look forward to sharing the evidence gathered in this investigation in the criminal proceedings that will follow.”
 

“One of the most dangerous and feared drug kingpins will now be held accountable for his alleged crimes in the United States after decades of eluding law enforcement,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “After years of gathering evidence in multiple investigations, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to bring El Chapo to justice.”

 

“The U.S. Marshals Service will undertake this mission with the same sense of duty that we have undertaken previous missions for the last 228 years,” said U.S. Marshal Dunne. “We will preserve the integrity of the judicial process. We will protect the members of the Eastern District of New York family. We will secure this individual in a humane manner and we will bring him to court on time.”

 

As detailed in the superseding indictment and other court filings, Guzman Loera and Ismael Zambada Garcia, as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, conspired to import more than 200 metric tons of cocaine into the United States. The Sinaloa Cartel shared drug transportation routes and obtained drugs from various Colombian drug trafficking organizations, in particular, the Colombian Norte del Valle Cartel, the Don Lucho Organization, and the Cifuentes-Villa Organization. The cocaine was transported from Colombia via planes, boats, and submarines into ports the enterprise controlled in Southern Mexico and other locations throughout Central America. From there, it was shipped through Mexico to distribution hubs in the United States.

 

As one of the principal leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Loera allegedly also oversaw the cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana smuggling activities by the Sinaloa Cartel to wholesale distributors in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, as well as in various locations in Arizona, Los Angeles and elsewhere. The billions of dollars generated from drug sales in the United States were then clandestinely transported back to Mexico.

 

To evade law enforcement and protect the enterprise’s narcotics distribution activities, Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel allegedly employed various means including the use of “sicarios,” or hit men, who carried out hundreds of acts of violence in Mexico, including murder, to collect drug debts, silence potential witnesses, and prevent public officials from taking action against the cartel. To intimidate and eliminate his rivals, during the Sinaloa Cartel’s internecine war for territory with the Juarez Cartel from approximately 2007 through 2011, Guzman Loera directed these assassins to kill thousands of drug trafficking competitors, during which many of his victims were beheaded.

 

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg, Hiral Mehta, Patricia Notopoulos, Gina Parlovecchio and Michael Robotti from the Eastern District of New York; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Fels, Lynn Kirkpatrick and Kurt Lunkenheimer from the Southern District of Florida; and Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm, Anthony Nardozzi and Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.

 

The case was investigated by the DEA, ICE and the FBI, in cooperation with Mexican and Colombian law enforcement authorities. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, the Western District of Texas, the Southern District of New York, the Southern District of California, and the District of New Hampshire. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in bringing Guzman Loera to the United States to face charges. The investigative efforts in this case were coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Division, comprising agents, analysts, and attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, DEA, FBI, ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and the New York State Police.

 

The United States would like to extend its appreciation to the Government of Mexico and, in particular, President Enrique Peña Nieto, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray Caso and Attorney General Raul Cervantes Andrade for their assistance in this case.

 

This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

 

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Guzman faces a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment, if convicted of the continuing criminal enterprise charge, and a maximum sentence of life on the remaining charges.

Detention Memo

Indictment

 

WASHINGTON – Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates today announced that Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases including “El Chapo,” will face charges filed in Brooklyn, New York, following his extradition to the United States from Mexico, alleging that he was operating a continuing criminal enterprise and other drug-related crimes through his leadership of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel.

Acting Attorney General Yates was joined in making the announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Executive Associate Director Peter T. Edge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Director In Charge William F. Sweeney of the FBI New York Field Office: U.S. Marshal Charles G. Dunne of the Eastern District of New York U.S. Marshals Service and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department James P. O’Neill.

Guzman Loera, 59, arrived in the United States on Jan. 19, and will be arraigned on a 17-count superseding indictment on Jan. 20, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein in federal court in Brooklyn. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Following his extradition to the United States on related charges filed in the Western District of Texas and Southern District of California, the Mexican government approved a request by the United States to proceed with prosecution on the charges filed in the Eastern District of New York on May 11, 2016.

The charges in the indictment filed against Guzman Loera in the Eastern District of New York will be prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Brooklyn and Miami and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Criminal Division.

The indictment alleges that between January 1989 and December 2014, Guzman Loera led a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for importing into the United States and distributing massive amounts of illegal narcotics and conspiring to murder persons who posed a threat to Guzman Loera’s narcotics enterprise.

Guzman Loera is also charged with using firearms in relation to his drug trafficking and money laundering relating to the bulk smuggling from the United States to Mexico of more than $14 billion in cash proceeds from narcotics sales throughout the United States and Canada. As part of this investigation, nearly 200,000 kilograms of cocaine linked to the Sinaloa Cartel have been seized. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $14 billion in drug proceeds and illicit profits.

“Guzman Loera is the alleged leader of a multi-billion dollar, multi-national criminal enterprise that funneled drugs onto our streets and violence and misery into our communities,” said Acting Attorney General Yates. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Mexico for their assistance in securing Guzman Loera’s extradition. The Mexican people have suffered greatly at the hands of Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel; Mexican law enforcement officials have died in the pursuit of him. We will honor their sacrifice and will honor Mexico’s commitment to combat narco-trafficking by pursuing justice in this case.”

“Guzman Loera is accused of using violence, including torture and murder, to maintain an iron-fisted grip on the drug trade across the U.S./Mexico border that invaded our community and others across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Capers. “As a result, Guzman Loera made billions of illicit dollars. This prosecution demonstrates that we will apply all available resources to dismantle the leadership of dangerous drug cartels, wherever they operate, and will not rest until we have done so.”

“Guzman Loera is accused of terrorizing communities all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “With this prosecution we stand united, with our domestic and foreign partners, in our fight against transnational criminal organizations that profit billions of dollars off of the toxic spread of illicit drugs in our global communities. Today’s announcement demonstrates that international borders do not protect narcotics traffickers from criminal prosecution. We will continue to work together to combat narco-trafficking and the cartels that infect our streets, with the long-arm of the law.”

“This extradition is a tremendous victory for the citizens of Mexico and of the United States,” said DEA Acting Administrator Rosenberg. “Two principles stand out: No one is above the law and we simply do not quit in the pursuit of justice.”

“Through investigations led by our offices in New York and Nogales, Arizona, and the coordination efforts of our attaché in Mexico, Homeland Security Investigations gathered significant evidence that is instrumental in the case against Joaquin Guzman Loera in the United States for his alleged crimes as the head of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Edge. “We are pleased to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to bring about yesterday’s extradition, and look forward to sharing the evidence gathered in this investigation in the criminal proceedings that will follow.”

“One of the most dangerous and feared drug kingpins will now be held accountable for his alleged crimes in the United States after decades of eluding law enforcement,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “After years of gathering evidence in multiple investigations, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to bring El Chapo to justice.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service will undertake this mission with the same sense of duty that we have undertaken previous missions for the last 228 years,” said U.S. Marshal Dunne. “We will preserve the integrity of the judicial process. We will protect the members of the Eastern District of New York family. We will secure this individual in a humane manner and we will bring him to court on time.”

As detailed in the superseding indictment and other court filings, Guzman Loera and Ismael Zambada Garcia, as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, conspired to import more than 200 metric tons of cocaine into the United States. The Sinaloa Cartel shared drug transportation routes and obtained drugs from various Colombian drug trafficking organizations, in particular, the Colombian Norte del Valle Cartel, the Don Lucho Organization, and the Cifuentes-Villa Organization. The cocaine was transported from Colombia via planes, boats, and submarines into ports the enterprise controlled in Southern Mexico and other locations throughout Central America. From there, it was shipped through Mexico to distribution hubs in the United States.

As one of the principal leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Loera allegedly also oversaw the cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana smuggling activities by the Sinaloa Cartel to wholesale distributors in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, as well as in various locations in Arizona, Los Angeles and elsewhere. The billions of dollars generated from drug sales in the United States were then clandestinely transported back to Mexico.

To evade law enforcement and protect the enterprise’s narcotics distribution activities, Guzman Loera and the Sinaloa Cartel allegedly employed various means including the use of “sicarios,” or hit men, who carried out hundreds of acts of violence in Mexico, including murder, to collect drug debts, silence potential witnesses, and prevent public officials from taking action against the cartel. To intimidate and eliminate his rivals, during the Sinaloa Cartel’s internecine war for territory with the Juarez Cartel from approximately 2007 through 2011, Guzman Loera directed these assassins to kill thousands of drug trafficking competitors, during which many of his victims were beheaded.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg, Hiral Mehta, Patricia Notopoulos, Gina Parlovecchio and Michael Robotti from the Eastern District of New York; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Fels, Lynn Kirkpatrick and Kurt Lunkenheimer from the Southern District of Florida; and Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm, Anthony Nardozzi and Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.

The case was investigated by the DEA, ICE and the FBI, in cooperation with Mexican and Colombian law enforcement authorities. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, the Western District of Texas, the Southern District of New York, the Southern District of California, and the District of New Hampshire. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in bringing Guzman Loera to the United States to face charges. The investigative efforts in this case were coordinated with the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Division, comprising agents, analysts, and attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, DEA, FBI, ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and the New York State Police.

The United States would like to extend its appreciation to the Government of Mexico and, in particular, President Enrique Peña Nieto, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray Caso and Attorney General Raul Cervantes Andrade for their assistance in this case.

This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Guzman faces a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment, if convicted of the continuing criminal enterprise charge, and a maximum sentence of life on the remaining charges.

Two Mexican nationals, who were working in the Homestead, Florida, area and elsewhere, were sentenced today to prison for their participation in a conspiracy to obtain and provide forced labor.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Agustin Mendez-Vazquez, 44, and his son, Ever Mendez-Perez, 24, both originally of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. in October 2016. Agustin Mendez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide and obtain forced labor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(b), and was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment. Ever Mendez-Perez pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal aliens to reside in the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I), and was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment. Agustin Mendez-Vazquez has also been ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his scheme.

“Forced labor equates to modern-day slavery and the United States Attorney’s Office, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners stand ready to prosecute those individuals who facilitate these illegal practices,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “Agustin Mendez-Vazquez and Ever Mendez-Perez’s convictions stand as a reminder to the public that the law enforcement community will not tolerate human trafficking - in any form. We urge anyone with information regarding human trafficking and forced labor practices to contact the police.”

"When individuals are forced and exploited for their labor, it erodes our society's belief in the freedoms afforded to us under the laws of our nation,” said Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami. “HSI will continue to investigate this type of illegal activity and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

 

According to court records, Agustin Mendez-Vazquez, who worked as an unlicensed labor subcontractor on tomato farms in the Homestead area and elsewhere, utilized physical force, threats of physical force, threats of deportation, and debt bondage to maintain control over other migrant workers. Workers in Mendez-Vazquez’s control were beaten if they did not work every day; were subjected to harassment and abuse; and were required to relinquish large portions of their paychecks – sometimes their entire paychecks – to Mendez-Vazquez. Ever Mendez-Perez, who worked with his father, assisted in maintaining and supervising the migrant workers.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, in collaboration with ICE-HSI, leads the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, which works to increase public awareness, rescue victims, and prosecute traffickers. The task force is composed of not only federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, but also includes non-law enforcement partners, such as service providers, victim advocates, faith-based organizations, academic representatives and community members.

The Fair Food Standards Council, a non-governmental organization that monitors and enforces the rights of migrant farmworkers in the Fair Food Program, referred this matter to law enforcement. Mr. Ferrer would like to thank the Fair Food Standards Council, as well the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the International Rescue Committee, and VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc., for their assistance with this case.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Widlanski.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

WASHINGTON – Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases including “El Chapo,” has arrived in the United States to face criminal charges in connection with his leadership of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel.

     Guzman Loera is charged in six separate indictments throughout the United States; however, the indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York contains a provision that he must first enter the United States in that district to preserve the Eastern District of New York indictment. As such, Guzman Loera landed at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York.

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their extensive cooperation and assistance in securing the extradition of Guzman Loera to the United States.

Additional details regarding the time and place of Guzman Loera’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court are forthcoming.

WASHINGTON – Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases including “El Chapo,” has been extradited and is en route to the United States to face criminal charges in connection with his leadership of the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the “Sinaloa Cartel.”

Guzman Loera is charged in six separate indictments throughout the United States.

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their extensive cooperation and assistance in securing the extradition of Guzman Loera to the United States.

Additional details regarding the time and place of Guzman Loera’s initial presentation in court are forthcoming.

 

WASHINGTON – As part of the Department’s commitment to working with communities and law enforcement to build stronger relationships and mutual trust, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today announced the release of the “Attorney General’s Community Policing Report,” a summary of the Attorney General’s twelve-city Community Policing Tour and the Department of Justice’s four Regional Justice Forums. The Attorney General’s Community Policing Tour Report builds on President Obama’s priorities to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

“This document is not meant to be a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, but, rather, a useful blueprint—a window into what citizens across the nation are doing to build stronger bonds between police and the people they serve,” said Attorney General Lynch. “I hope that this report will help inspire ideas and foster cooperation in communities from coast to coast—so that, together, we can continue our work toward a stronger, a safer, and a more united nation.”

During the Community Policing Tour, Attorney General Lynch visited 12 jurisdictions in two phases. Phase I focused on jurisdictions that had addressed difficult histories of mistrust between communities and law enforcement through strong collaboration and innovation. During this phase, the Attorney General traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; East Haven, Connecticut; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Richmond, California. Phase II highlighted cities that had made outstanding progress implementing the six key pillars identified in the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. During this phase, the Attorney General visited Miami/Doral, Florida; Portland, Oregon ; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and Los Angeles, California, with each site focusing on one of the report’s pillars.

In the wake of the horrific tragedies of the summer of 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Dallas, Texas; and St. Paul, Minnesota, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates convened a series of Regional Justice Forums with members of the local law enforcement, youth, faith, non-profit and civil rights communities. These meetings were designed to help local stakeholders critically examine community policing issues in their respective cities and regions and to seek concrete solutions together. The Attorney General convened Justice Forums in Detroit, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey. The Deputy Attorney General hosted forums in Denver, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia.

This report chronicling the community policing work of the Department of Justice highlights innovative local approaches to policing that help foster stronger ties between officers and the people they are sworn to serve and protect. The document is meant to serve as a tool for communities and law enforcement agencies seeking to deepen their own commitment to community policing principles and practices.

Click the following hyperlink to access the report as a pdf file: Attorney General’s Community Policing Report. AG Lynch’s visit to Miami can be found on pages 31-35.

A Port St. Lucie Man was charged with attempted importation and distribution of LSD and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division and Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.

 

Ralph Robert James Sergo, 24, of Port St. Lucie, is charged by criminal complaint with attempted importation and attempted distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, also known as “LSD," a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 963, 841(a)(1), 846; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). If convicted, Sergo faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the narcotics offense and a mandatory consecutive 5 years to life term of imprisonment for possessing the firearm and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Sergo had his initial appearance today before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr. in Ft. Pierce. Judge Lynch ordered Sergio be detained pending trial. The defendant’s arraignment is scheduled for February 1, 2017.

 

According to the court record, including the criminal complaint, on October 11, 2016, HSI agents intercepted an international mail parcel that was shipped from Denmark and addressed to Port Saint Lucie, Florida. A search of the parcel revealed a gift box. Hidden inside one of the skin cream jars in the box was a folded piece of paper and a small clear ziplock baggie, both containing a gray coarse powder substance, later confirmed to be LSD.

 

On January 17, 2017, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant at a residence in Saint Lucie and discovered a small plastic bag, glass jars, containing a gray colored powder which field tested positive for the presence of LSD, and drug paraphernalia. During the execution of the search warrant, Sergo arrived at the residence in possession of a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber firearm.

 

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered U.S. Postal Service shipping receipts in Sergo’s vehicle, including one dated January 17, 2017, from the Stuart Florida Post Office. Law enforcement intercepted the outbound parcel and found it contained approximately 85 grams of an orange granular substance, which field tested positive for the presence of LSD.

 

The complaint alleges that Sergo gave a Mirandized statement, admitting that there were jars in the house that contained powder LSD, that he had mailed a package to Mexico, containing LSD, and that he had been expecting a package containing LSD from Denmark.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, USPIS, DEA and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Lineberger.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

Four Miami-Dade County residents conspired to break into parked vehicles to steal personal property, including personal identification information, that was then used to carry out identity-related fraud schemes.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, and Juan J. Perez, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.

According to the court record, Willie Smith, 34, Daryl Pugh 42, Lloyd Scott, 28, Naomie Maitre, 39, and Christopher Simpson, 35, all of North Miami, were charged by indictment for their participation in a identity theft and fraud scheme conspiracy. The defendants conspired to break into vehicles parked at gas stations, day care centers, and churches in order to steal personal property, including purses, which often contained personal identification documents and information belonging to other individuals. This stolen information was then used to commit aggravated identity theft and fraud. In total, the co-defendants unlawfully possessed property, including purses, sunglasses, cellular telephones, credit cards, debit cards, social security cards, legal permanent resident cards, health insurance cards, Florida bar cards, and passports, belonging to more than 380 victims.

Co-defendants Smith, Pugh and Scott pled guilty for their participation in the identity theft and fraud conspiracy. On January 13, 2017, co-defendant Maitre was convicted by a trial jury of conspiracy to possess 15 or more access devices, possession of 15 or more access devices with the intent to commit fraud, and two separate counts of aggravated identity theft. Smith and Scott were each sentenced, by United States District Judge Ursula Ungaro, to 94 months’ imprisonment.

Maitre and Pugh are scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2017, at 11:00 am, before U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro.

The case against Christopher Simpson is pending before the court.

An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and MDPD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cary O. Aronovitz and Daya Nathan.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Four Miami-Dade County residents conspired to break into parked vehicles to steal personal property, including personal identification information, that was then used to carry out identity-related fraud schemes.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, and Juan J. Perez, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.

 

According to the court record, Willie Smith, 34, Daryl Pugh 42, Lloyd Scott, 28, Naomie Maitre, 39, and Christopher Simpson, 35, all of North Miami, were charged by indictment for their participation in a identity theft and fraud scheme conspiracy. The defendants conspired to break into vehicles parked at gas stations, day care centers, and churches in order to steal personal property, including purses, which often contained personal identification documents and information belonging to other individuals. This stolen information was then used to commit aggravated identity theft and fraud. In total, the co-defendants unlawfully possessed property, including purses, sunglasses, cellular telephones, credit cards, debit cards, social security cards, legal permanent resident cards, health insurance cards, Florida bar cards, and passports, belonging to more than 380 victims.

 

Co-defendants Smith, Pugh and Scott pled guilty for their participation in the identity theft and fraud conspiracy. On January 13, 2017, co-defendant Maitre was convicted by a trial jury of conspiracy to possess 15 or more access devices, possession of 15 or more access devices with the intent to commit fraud, and two separate counts of aggravated identity theft. Smith and Scott were each sentenced, by United States District Judge Ursula Ungaro, to 94 months’ imprisonment.

 

Maitre and Pugh are scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2017, at 11:00 am, before U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro.

 

Co-defendant Christopher Simpson remains a fugitive.

 

An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and MDPD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cary O. Aronovitz and Daya Nathan.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

A Colombian national was sentenced today to prison for unlawfully injecting silicone into victims’ bodies for aesthetic enhancements, without a medical license or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George M. Karavetsos, Director, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), made the announcement.

Juan David Acosta, 44, of Hallandale Beach, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Acosta previously pled guilty to two counts of receipt in interstate commerce of a misbranded device and delivery for pay with intent to defraud or mislead, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 331(c) and 333(a)(2).

According to court record, Acosta engaged in the business of administering injections of polydimethylsiloxane, commonly referred to as silicone, into the bodies of other individuals. Acosta was paid thousands of dollars for this service. Specifically, on July 29, 2015 and again on August 9, 2015, Acosta, at his residence in the Southern District of Florida, injected silicone into the buttocks of two victims in order to affect the size, contour, and structure of that portion of the human body for aesthetic purposes. The injection of silicone into the human body in this manner, regardless of whether such injection was dispensed and administered by a licensed practitioner, requires an FDA-approved application. Acosta did not advise the victims that silicone was being injected into their bodies. Acosta is not a licensed medical practitioner and he had not received FDA approval to administer the injections.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FDA-OCI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and Miami-Dade Police Department’s Medical Crimes Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Katz.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.A Colombian national was sentenced today to prison for unlawfully injecting silicone into victims’ bodies for aesthetic enhancements, without a medical license or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A Tampa-area medical device salesman pleaded guilty on Friday, January 13, 2017, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the sale of expired LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding Systems to physicians in South Florida.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Gregory Charles Grimm, 45, of Saint Petersburg, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Grimm faces a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in prison. Grimm is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2017 at 1:15 p.m., by United States District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas in Fort Lauderdale.

According to court records, between June 2014 and October 15, 2015, defendant Grimm and a co-conspirator, Peter Lawrence Kafka, both Senior Account Executives for Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., engaged in a scheme to unlawfully enrich themselves by misbranding LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding Systems, changing the serial number and expiration date in order to sell expired medical devices for profit. Kafka would purchase expired or nearly expired LAP-BANDS through the internet. Kafka would then supply Grimm with these expired or nearly expired LAP-BANDs. Grimm created false labels with fraudulent serial numbers and expiration dates to hide the true expiration date of the LAP-BANDs. Grimm would then provide Kafka the misbranded LAP-BANDs, the labeling of which bore false expiration dates. Kafka then sold the misbranded LAP-BANDs to local physicians. At least seven of these misbranded LAP-BANDS were subsequently implanted into patients.

The investigation began as a result of a referral by Apollo Endosurgery to the FDA.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FDA-OCI in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A former pharmaceutical salesman pled guilty on January 13, 2017, for his role in a $13 million money laundering conspiracy involving more than 2 million dosage units of oxycodone.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ric L. Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Albert Arenal, Chief, Coconut Creek Police Department, and Daniel C. Alexander, Chief, Boca Raton Police Department, made the announcement.

Jonathan Sendor, 60, of Aurora, Colorado, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering involving criminally derived property valued greater than $10,000, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(h) and 1957. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. At sentencing, Sendor faces up to ten years in prison.

According to court documents, between March 2010 and June 2011, Sendor’s co-conspirators operated six pain clinics in Broward and Palm Beach counties with the purpose of unlawfully dispensing oxycodone that had not been prescribed for a legitimate medical purpose. Approximately 2,007,695 oxycodone 30 mg pills were dispensed and distributed through the pain clinics before they were closed following the execution of search warrants in June 2011. The co-conspirators operated the clinics to ensure that the maximum amount of oxycodone would be prescribed without regard to a legitimate medical need, and purely for the sake of profit. The pain clinics failed to comply with Florida standards for the use of controlled substances. The pain clinics generated approximately $13,466,598 from the unlawful prescribing and dispensing of oxycodone.

For his role in the scheme, Sendor created multiple companies, building upon the connections he had formed as a pharmaceutical salesman, to act as a quasi-broker between the doctors of the pain clinics needing oxycodone and the wholesalers. Sendor misled the wholesale pharmaceutical companies and told them that he would function as an inspector and check whether any prospective customer pain clinic was operating a pill mill by conducting site visits and by requiring the clinic manager/doctor to complete a site survey. Sendor misrepresented the results of the site survey and directed the doctors, pain clinic managers, owners and other coconspirators to lie on the survey form.

In October 2010 the law changed and clinics were prohibited from dispensing oxycodone on-site. Sendor then assisted in opening two pharmacies – one in Boca Raton, Florida and another pharmacy in Orlando, Florida. Patients of the pain clinics were then directed to these pharmacies for oxycodone.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, the DEA, PBSO, Coconut Creek Police Department, and Boca Raton Police Department. Mr. Ferrer also recognized the South East Regional Task Force (SERTF) and the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Multi-Agency Diversion Task Force (PBSO MAADTF). SERTF is headed by the DEA and includes representatives from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Hallandale Beach Police Department, Lauderhill Police Department, Margate Police Department, and Coconut Creek Police Department. PBSO MAADTF is headed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and includes representatives from the Boca Raton Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, DEA, Delray Beach Police Department, Florida Department of Health, Greenacres Police Department, IRS-CI, Jupiter Police Department, Riviera Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, PBSO, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department and West Palm Beach Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald F. Chase, II.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Marcus Noel, 40, of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joan A. Lenard to 235 months’ imprisonment after having previously pled guilty to the international hostage taking of a United States citizen in Haiti. Co-defendant Moises Louinis, 24, also of Port-au-Prince, was previously sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment for his participation in the scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

According to statements made and documents filed in court, defendants Noel and Louinis were charged with the armed hostage taking of a United States citizen on July 5, 2014, in Petion-ville, a neighboring suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Noel and Louinis approached the victim as she stood by the side of the road and forced her into her car at gunpoint. The defendants then drove with the victim around Port-au-Prince and forced her to place ransom calls to various family members in Haiti. The victim was eventually taken to a school operated by Noel, where she was kept blindfolded, gagged and handcuffed inside a locked room for three days. In addition, the victim was forced to sleep on dirt floors and given only minimal food and water. During the victim’s captivity, Noel continued to call the victim’s family members to demand a $150,000 ransom and made threats to kill the victim and her children if the ransom was not paid. On July 7, 2014, the victim was rescued by Haitian law enforcement officials.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, Haitian National Police and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Mr. Ferrer thanked the Haitian Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice for their assistance with this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina M. Moreno.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

 

Daniel Tyler Morgan, 30, of Jupiter, Florida, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robin Rosenberg to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release for attempting to receive sexually explicit images of a child. Previously, on October 12, 2016, Morgan pled guilty to one count of attempting to receive sexually explicit images of a child.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Chief John Bolduc, Port St. Lucie Police Department, made the announcement.

According to the court record, Morgan was a history teacher at St. Lucie West Centennial High School in Port St. Lucie, Florida, when he began communicating over the internet with a minor student whom he had taught the previous year. Over a period of three months, Morgan cultivated an increasingly personal online relationship with the student. Morgan began soliciting sexually explicit photographs from the minor and sent the student a sexually explicit image of himself. Morgan also encouraged the minor to join him in smoking marijuana. Morgan is no longer employed as a teacher with the school district.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and the Port St. Lucie Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Butler and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Funk.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

The former Chief Executive Officer of Essex Holdings, Inc., was convicted of two separate fraud schemes totaling more than $30 million. The first scheme involved nearly 100 investors who purportedly purchased interests in iron ore mining in Chile. The second scheme involved unlawfully obtaining economic development funds from the State of South Carolina.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Shankar Subramaniam Xavier, a/k/a "Navin Xavier," a/k/a "Dr. Navin Xavier" (Xavier), 44, of Miramar, entered a guilty plea on January 13, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Miami to two counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Xavier faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison for each count and a fine up to $250,000. One wire fraud count pertained to the investment fraud scheme and the other count pertained to the South Carolina economic development scheme. Xavier is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2017, before Judge Gayles.

According to documents filed in court, from September 2010 through May 2014, Xavier operated Essex Holdings, Inc. (“Essex Holdings”) from an office in Miami Gardens, and raised more than $29 million from nearly 100 investors for supposed investments in sugar transportation and shipping, as well as iron ore mining in Chile. Xavier used a false financial statement, forged documents, and false promises of fixed rates of return, to induce investors to invest with Essex Holdings. Most of the money was used for purposes other than what was promised, including to support lavish spending by Xavier and his wife for expensive jewelry, luxury vehicles, wedding expenses, and cosmetic surgery. Eventually, Xavier used new investor money to pay old investors in a Ponzi-like fashion before the scheme collapsed.

second scheme involved Xavier using Essex Holdings to obtain $1.2 million in payments and approximately $1.5 million worth of commercial real estate from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development (“SCCCED”), a division of the South Carolina state government, that was supposed to be used to develop a dilapidated industrial property into a diaper plant and rice packaging facility. According to documents filed in court, Xavier provided false financial documentation to SCCCED in order to obtain the contract, and later provided fake contractor invoices and fake bank statements in order to get paid under the contract. As with the investment fraud scheme, Xavier spent a significant portion of the development money for his personal living expenses, and wired some of it to the same overseas accounts used in the investment fraud.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Miami Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the South Carolina Office of Inspector General, for assisting with this matter. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerrob Duffy and Alison Lehr.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

As part of the Department’s commitment to working with communities and law enforcement to build stronger relationships and mutual trust, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today announced the release of the “Attorney General’s Community Policing Report,” a summary of the Attorney General’s twelve-city Community Policing Tour and the Department of Justice’s four Regional Justice Forums. The Attorney General’s Community Policing Tour Report builds on President Obama’s priorities to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

“This document is not meant to be a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, but, rather, a useful blueprint—a window into what citizens across the nation are doing to build stronger bonds between police and the people they serve,” said Attorney General Lynch. “I hope that this report will help inspire ideas and foster cooperation in communities from coast to coast—so that, together, we can continue our work toward a stronger, a safer, and a more united nation.”

During the Community Policing Tour, Attorney General Lynch visited 12 jurisdictions in two phases. Phase I focused on jurisdictions that had addressed difficult histories of mistrust between communities and law enforcement through strong collaboration and innovation. During this phase, the Attorney General traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; East Haven, Connecticut; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Richmond, California. Phase II highlighted cities that had made outstanding progress implementing the six key pillars identified in the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. During this phase, the Attorney General visited Miami/Doral, Florida; Portland, Oregon ; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and Los Angeles, California, with each site focusing on one of the report’s pillars.

In the wake of the horrific tragedies of the summer of 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Dallas, Texas; and St. Paul, Minnesota, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates convened a series of Regional Justice Forums with members of the local law enforcement, youth, faith, non-profit and civil rights communities. These meetings were designed to help local stakeholders critically examine community policing issues in their respective cities and regions and to seek concrete solutions together. The Attorney General convened Justice Forums in Detroit, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey. The Deputy Attorney General hosted forums in Denver, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia.

This report chronicling the community policing work of the Department of Justice highlights innovative local approaches to policing that help foster stronger ties between officers and the people they are sworn to serve and protect. The document is meant to serve as a tool for communities and law enforcement agencies seeking to deepen their own commitment to community policing principles and practices.

According to the department’s complaint, the board discriminated on the basis of sex against Assistant Principal Anne Williams Dorsey of the Palm Beach County School District by unlawfully demoting her. The department alleges that after Dorsey became pregnant, her supervisor reassigned her to a position with less pay and benefits and filled her former position by replacing her with a male colleague she had trained. The department further alleges that Dorsey’s demotion was also unlawful retaliation against her for her efforts to report sexual harassment allegations, made by a third employee, against the male colleague who replaced her in her former position.

Under the consent decree, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the board has agreed to pay $350,000 in back pay and compensatory damages to Dorsey. In addition, the board must review and revise its anti-discrimination policies and procedures to ensure that it protects its employees from discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, and unlawful retaliation. The board must also provide training to its employees on its anti-discrimination policies and procedures.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to preventing pregnancy discrimination and ensuring workplace equity,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida. “A woman should never have to choose between having a family and pursuing her professional career. We are pleased that the Palm Beach County School Board has agreed to review its policies and procedures to ensure that it promotes a professional environment that is fully compliant with Title VII. Our Office will continue to enforce the right of pregnant employees to be free from employment discrimination and retaliation.”

“No woman should face discrimination for her decision to have a family,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “Women like Anne Williams Dorsey deserve the full enforcement of this nation’s employment discrimination laws, which ensure that they do not lose valuable positions, pay or benefits because of their pregnancies.”

Title VII is a federal statute which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin or religion. Title VII also prohibits retaliation against an employee who opposes an unlawful employment practice, makes a charge of discrimination or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under the Civil Rights Act.

Dorsey initially filed charges of sex discrimination and retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Miami Field Office, which investigated the matter, determined there was reasonable cause to believe discrimination had occurred and referred the matter to the Justice Department.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Harrell-James of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Nadia Said and Louis Whitsett of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section.

The continued enforcement of Title VII is a priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt.

A New York resident pled guilty for his participation in a money laundering conspiracy involving stolen identity tax fraud and a recreational vehicles fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Marlen Manukyan, 41, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h). As part of his plea agreement, Manukyan agreed to restitution in the amount of $124,009.

According to court documents, from August to November 2013, Manukyan opened bank accounts using counterfeit driver's licenses that he knew would be used to conduct financial transactions involving funds derived from unlawful activities. Specifically, from August 1, 2013 to August 9, 2013, Manukyan opened multiple bank accounts using the identities of two individuals without their permission using counterfeit Pennsylvania Driver's Licenses. These accounts received money from two illicit sources for the next several months.

First, Manukyan's co-conspirators filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS using the stolen identities of various individual taxpayers without the taxpayers' knowledge or consent. The fraudulent tax refunds (minus fees) were sent to several of the bank accounts that were set-up by the defendant. Co-conspirators then withdrew the money through cash withdrawals or debit card transactions. In total, Manukyan's co-conspirators filed approximately 71 fraudulent tax returns with the IRS.

Second, Manukyan's co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals who were seeking to buy used recreational vehicles (RVs) on the internet. To perpetrate this scheme, the defendant's co-conspirators used fake names and advertised on internet websites that they had used RVs for sale. Interested purchasers were told to send their money by wire transfer to a bank account in the name of a shell company that Manukyan opened using a counterfeit driver's license. Specifically, a retired couple was defrauded into believing that they had reached an agreement to purchase a used RV. The individuals sent $39,960 by wire transfer to complete the purchase, but the couple never received the RV and the co-conspirators ceased communicating with the victims once they received the money. The defendant and his co-conspirators caused the bank to send $39,000 by international wire transfer from the shell company’s bank account to a bank account in the name of another individual in Moscow, Russia.

Manukyan is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2017, before United States District Judge Darrin P. Gayles. At sentencing, the defendant faces up to twenty years in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Harold E. Schimkat.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

     As part of National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch yesterday announced the Justice Department’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), as required by the 2015 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer joined Attorney General Lynch for her announcement regarding the National Strategy and participated in a panel discussion about human trafficking.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is honored to have been selected as a participating member of the Justice Department’s Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams and the Federal South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. “These invaluable partnerships have offered the survivors assistance in connection with hard-fought criminal prosecutions and protected others from falling victim to modern-day slavery and trafficking schemes. Only through our ongoing collaboration, expanded partnerships and the implementation of prevention and enforcement strategies can we eradicate the human trafficking problem. Until then, we will continue to stand up as the outspoken voice on behalf of the victimized and against the accused, in order to hold those accountable in federal court who use fraud, force or other illicit means to victimize others. But, we cannot do this important work – alone. We rely on the members of our diverse community to continue to raise public awareness and report suspected trafficking.”

Since being appointed as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2010, Wifredo A. Ferrer has made the identification and prosecution of human traffickers a priority for the Office. The Special Prosecution’s Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office focuses on the protection of some of the most vulnerable segments of our diverse population. The Section has helped to oversee the district’s Human Trafficking and Project Safe Childhood Programs (PSC), and the Office’s Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) Program, while prosecuting cases involving victims of violent crimes (resulting in death or serious bodily injury), human trafficking, child exploitation, and other criminal offenses. 2010, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida has prosecuted 84 offenders in 50 human trafficking cases. These cases collectively involved the victimization of more than 70 survivors of human trafficking.

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice selected the Southern District of Florida as one of six Phase I Pilot Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams (ACTeams) convened through an interagency collaboration of the Departments of Justice, Labor and Homeland Security to develop high-impact federal human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud and coercion.

The Federal South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, works to increase public awareness, rescue victims, and prosecute traffickers. The Task Force is composed of federal agencies including, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (specifically its Crimes Against Children Task Force), State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service. Many state and local law enforcement entities in South Florida, such as the Miami-Dade Police Department and Broward County Sheriff’s Office, are supportive task force members. Additionally, the Task Force partners with non-law enforcement entities, including the Florida Department of Children and Families, service providers, victim advocates, faith-based organizations, academic representatives and community members. In 2016, the Task Force included more than 120 non-law enforcement members. Last year alone, ACTeam and Task Force members participated in more than 140 human trafficking community outreach events.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and its ACTeam is fully committed to using proactive means to combat labor, human and sex trafficking schemes. Prior to 2011, most of the human trafficking prosecutions handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Florida involved the trafficking of minor victims. Presently, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida prosecutes more human trafficking cases involving adult survivors than ever before. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also increased the number of human trafficking cases prosecuted in recent years.

The following are a few of the notable prosecutions that resulted from the district’s anti-trafficking collaboration:

1. Southern District Handles First Sex Trafficking by Fraud Prosecution

In 2011, Lavont Flanders and Emerson Callum were charged with sex trafficking by fraud, among other charges (Case No. 11-CR-20557-KMM). The defendants falsely and fraudulently lured women to Miami for supposed modeling auditions. Once the women arrived, they were provided with a drink that, unbeknownst to the victims, had been laced with Xanax. The women were then filmed engaged in sexual acts with Callum, who owned an adult pornography business. The victims had no idea that the defendants subsequently sold the video footage for profit. Both defendants were convicted of all criminal charges and sentenced to life in prison.

2. The Southern District Has Obtained Significant Victim Restitution Orders

In United States v. Israel Cortes-Morales, et al., Case No. 11-CR-20005-DPG, the defendants pled guilty to participating in a human trafficking conspiracy. A Miami federal judge ordered the defendants to pay $1.2 million in restitution to the five sex trafficking victims.

Thereafter, in another human trafficking case, Rafael Alberto Cadena-Sosa, a Mexican national, was sentenced in West Palm Beach to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $1,261,563 in victim restitution for his participation in a family run sex trafficking organization (Case No. 98-CR-14015-JEM). Cadena-Sosa pleaded guilty and admitted that he, along with other family members, approached women and girls in Mexico, as young as 14 years of age, and lured them into the U.S. using false promises of legitimate jobs. The trafficking ring imposed a smuggling debt and used brutal violence and threats to compel the victims to engage in prostitution.

3. Southern District Prosecuted First Sex Trafficking Case in Country Based on Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

In 2014, Damion St. Patrick Baston, a native of Jamaica, was sentenced to 27 years in prison after having been convicted at trial of trafficking several women through Miami, Australia and the Middle East for the purpose of prostitution.(Case No. 13-CR-20914-CMA). Baston was also ordered to pay $499,270.00 in restitution to the victims. This was the first case in the country to charge the extraterritorial provision of our anti-trafficking laws and it has paved the way for other such prosecutions.

4. First Prosecution in South Florida Involving Farm Workers

In October 2016, Augustin Mendez pled guilty to conspiracy to provide and obtain forced labor (Case No. 16-CR-20170-RNS). Mendez, who was a supervisor of migrant farm workers in the tomato fields of Homestead, Florida, physically assaulted his workers, threatened and intimidated them, kept them in “debt-bondage,” and confiscated their passports and official travel documents, all to maintain control over his workforce. Mendez’s son, Ever Mendez, who was also charged in the case, pled guilty to encouraging and inducing illegal aliens to remain and reside in the United States.

5. Expanded Partnership with U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service to Combat Human Trafficking

This past November, the coordinated efforts of our Task Force and members of our ACTeam, including representatives from the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, obtained justice for human trafficking victims who traveled to Miami from Kazakhstan. Jeffrey Jason Cooper, a Miami Beach resident, was convicted at trial of sex trafficking after he used deception to lure unsuspecting foreign university students into the United States under false pretenses of legitimate summer jobs, only to then advertise the students to customers of his illicit prostitution and erotic massage enterprise (Case No. 16-CR-20345-KMM).

6. Additional Trafficking Prosecutions

Some of the recently convicted traffickers also include Ricky Jermaine Atkins of Key Largo, a former staff mentor at the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, and Sandra Simon of Homestead (Case No. 14-CR-20895-MGC). While working at the shelter Atkins arranged for two residents, girls aged 15 and 16, to be brought from Tavernier to a hotel in Cutler Bay where Simon supervised their prostitution. Atkins also arranged for one of the minors to have sex with three associates in order to prepare her for prostitution. Simon pled guilty and Atkins was convicted at trial in Miami and is to be sentenced on February 17, 2017.

In another case, Shaun McKinley was convicted of sex trafficking following a Fort Lauderdale trial and sentenced to life in prison (Case No. 14-CR-60163-WPD). Within three days of meeting the 28-year-old victim in Hollywood, Florida, McKinley was acting as her pimp and physically assaulting her. The first time that the victim attempted to leave McKinley, he quickly found her, dragged her for blocks by the hair, and punished her by making her strip naked, covering her head with a pillow case, hog-trying her with extension cords and beating her with a board. The victim was taken to a hospital after another beating. A concerned nurse and an alert police officer kept McKinley from subsequently reaching the victim.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work with our law enforcement and community partners to successfully target for prosecution the offenders who perpetuate these illicit and depraved schemes.

Raising awareness, supporting initiatives that prevent human trafficking and bringing justice to those that bring harm to the vulnerable remains a top priority for the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida. The department’s anti-trafficking efforts involve numerous components engaged in a full spectrum of activities: investigations, prosecutions, services for victims, enforcement initiatives to strengthen anti-trafficking partnerships, innovative prevention efforts, capacity-building programs to advance survivor-centered anti-trafficking strategies and grant funding to state, local and tribal authorities and to non-governmental organizations.

In support of our anti-trafficking efforts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida will be participating in an Anti-Trafficking Consortium Summit at Broward County Community College on January 24-25, 2017. The program is free and will provide training and resources for the legal, law enforcement, medical, and local community regarding issues related to human trafficking. To register for the summit visit www.1HTC.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Two Broward County return preparers were sentenced for their participation in stolen identity tax fraud and treasury check cashing schemes.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

 

Peterson Jerome, 37, of Margate, and Oldy Elisee, 42, of Miramar, were sentenced to 24 months, and 18 months in prison, respectively, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and were ordered to pay joint and several restitution in the amount of $274,425.05. The defendants previously pled guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).

 

According to court documents, Jerome and Elisee operated a tax preparation business called Freedom Tax Plus Multi Services, Inc. in Tamarac, Florida. From February 19 to April 13, 2011, the defendants filed fraudulent income tax returns with the IRS claiming $274,425.05 in fraudulent refunds using another individual’s Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). The other individual admitted that he allowed the defendants to use his PTIN and EFIN to file fraudulent tax returns containing victims' personal identifying information in exchange for 35% of the preparation fees of the fraudulent tax returns. Jerome and Elisee also prepared and submitted falsified Forms W-2 with many of the fraudulent tax returns.

 

Jerome cashed the fraudulent refunds (minus tax preparation and other fees) at a check cashing store called American Quick Cash (AQC) using fraudulent Florida Driver’s Licenses. In a separate but related case, it was determined that AQC’s owners were cashing fraudulent tax refund checks arising out of fraudulent tax refund filings containing stolen identities and that the owners received 25 to 50 percent of the checks value to negotiate the stolen checks. Jerome was identified as a “middle man” participating in this scheme at AQC to cash stolen checks.

 

Later in their scheme, Jerome and Elisee directed the IRS to mail the treasury checks to various addresses, and Jerome and Elisee cashed the checks at AQC.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia E. Shick.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Former City of Opa Locka Commissioner Luis Santiago pled guilty today, before United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams, for his participation in a two-year long bribery and extortion under color of official right conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 666(a)(1)(B), and 1951(a). Santiago is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Williams.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

“Today in open court, a former City Commissioner admitted that he betrayed the trust placed in him by the people of Opa Locka by abusing his authority to demand and obtain bribes from local individuals and businesses,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer. “This type of public corruption by an elected official erodes the crucial bond between our public institutions and the communities that they serve. This latest prosecution, arising from the ongoing Opa Locka corruption investigation, again demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to holding accountable those public officials who engage in criminal activity.”

Santiago pled guilty to an Information and admitted to conspiring with former Opa Locka City Manager David Chiverton, former Opa Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris, and others to use their official positions and authority with the City of Opa Locka to solicit, demand, and obtain thousands of dollars in illegal cash payments from businesses and individuals in exchange for taking official actions to assist and benefit those businesses and individuals in their dealings with the City of Opa Locka.

In exchange for the illegal payments, Santiago would direct Chiverton, Harris, and other City of Opa Locka employees to assist the paying businesses and individuals by issuing occupational licenses; waiving, removing, and settling code enforcement matters and liens; initiating, restoring and continuing water service; and assisting with zoning issues. Santiago would pay Chiverton, and also would tell the businesses and individuals to pay Chiverton directly in exchange for these official actions.

Chiverton and Harris previously pled guilty. Chiverton was sentenced to 38 months in prison by United States District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, while Harris is awaiting sentencing before United States District Judge Beth Bloom.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Edward Stamm and Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Selmore.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

Esteban Santiago Ruiz (Santiago) had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle this morning in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Santiago is being temporarily detained without bond. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., before United States Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement.

 

Santiago is charged in a federal criminal complaint with violations of: Title 18, United States Code, Section 37(a)(1), performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury; Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j), causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm in the course of a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The statutory charges authorize a maximum penalty, upon conviction, of death or imprisonment for life or any term of years.

 

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, 2017, at approximately 12:56 p.m., Santiago was present in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when he pulled out a handgun. The area was crowded with newly-arrived passengers retrieving their luggage. Santiago started shooting, aiming at his victims’ heads until he was out of ammunition. Santiago killed five people and wounded six more. Moments later, Santiago was confronted by a BSO deputy. He dropped his handgun on the ground and was arrested by BSO deputies.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ricardo A. Del Toro with assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Larry Schneider.

 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

An Alaska resident was arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint in connection with the deadly shooting of multiple victims at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on January 6, 2017.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announce the arrest of Esteban Santiago Ruiz (Santiago), 26, based on a federal criminal complaint charging him with violations of: Title 18, United States Code, Section 37(a)(1), performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury; Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j), causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm in the course of a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The statutory charges authorize a maximum penalty, upon conviction, of death or imprisonment for life or any term of years.

Santiago will have his initial appearance Monday, January 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., before United States Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office expresses our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and to all of those impacted by yesterday's tragedy. Our Office commends the first responders, civilians and law enforcement partners who came together to provide assistance to those in need and support the ongoing investigation," stated U.S Attorney Wifredo Ferrer. "Today's charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target our residents and visitors. As the investigation unfolds, we will continue to pursue all leads and evidence in this matter."

“Our condolences are with the victims of this heinous crime and their families,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “I want to ensure these families that law enforcement is working tirelessly in order to ensure justice is served.”

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, 2017, at approximately 12:56 p.m., Santiago was present in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when he pulled out a handgun. The area was crowded with newly-arrived passengers retrieving their luggage. Santiago started shooting, aiming at his victims’ heads until he was out of ammunition. Santiago killed five people and wounded six more. Moments later, Santiago was confronted by a BSO deputy. He dropped his handgun on the ground and was arrested by BSO deputies.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ricardo A. Del Toro with assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Larry Schneider.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Complaint

U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida will join the “Human Trafficking: Preventing the Crime, Prosecuting the Perpetrators, Protecting the Survivors” panel discussion with U.S. Department of Justice employees to commemorate National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Washington, DC on MONDAY, JAN. 9, AT 1:00 P.M. EST. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch will deliver opening remarks.

WHAT: A panel discussion on human trafficking with department employees to commemorate National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month at the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

WHO: Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch to deliver opening remarks

 

Panelists:

 

U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana

U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio

Director Hilary Axam of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit

Acting Director Marilyn Roberts of the Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime

 

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

            1:00 p.m. EST

 

WHERE: Department of Justice

            7th Floor Conference Center

            950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

            Washington, DC 20530

            OPEN PRESS (Media Gather Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT; Final Access: 12:50 p.m. EDT)

            LIVESTREAMED AT: HTTPS://WWW.JUSTICE.GOV/LIVE

 

NOTE: Media should RSVP to [email protected]. Questions regarding logistics should be directed to the Office of Public Affairs at [email protected] or (202) 514-2007. All media will use the main visitor’s entrance on Constitution Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets. All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office announced that the indictment against Guy Philippe, 48, of Haiti, was unsealed this morning in the Southern District of Florida.

 

Philippe was indicted in 2005 on one count of conspiracy to import narcotics; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity; and one substantive count of engaging in monetary transactions derived from unlawful activity. This afternoon, Philippe was ordered held without bond during an initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber of the Southern District of Florida. Philippe’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2017.

 

According to the indictment, from approximately 1997 through 2001, Philippe conspired with others to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States. From approximately June 1999 through April 2003, Philippe also allegedly conspired with others to engage in money laundering to conceal their participation in criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking. The indictment alleges that in 2000, Philippe transferred a $112,000 check through a financial institution, affecting interstate and foreign commerce, that included monies derived from the illicit drug trafficking enterprise.

 

An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

The DEA and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Miami Office of Field Operations and the Haitian Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice, Haitian National Police and La Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants (BLTS), provided assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn M. Kirkpatrick and Andy R. Camacho of the Southern District of Florida and Senior Trial Counsel Mark A. Irish of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section are prosecuting the case.

 

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

An indictment was unsealed today in connection with the arrest of a Haitian national charged with conspiracy to import narcotics and money laundering offenses.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Miami Field Division and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

Guy Philippe, 48, of Haiti, was indicted in 2005 on one count of conspiracy to import narcotics; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity; and one substantive count of engaging in monetary transactions derived from unlawful activity. This afternoon, Philippe was ordered held without bond during an initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber of the Southern District of Florida. Philippe’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2017.

According to the indictment, from approximately 1997 through 2001, Philippe conspired with others to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States. From approximately June 1999 through April 2003, Philippe also allegedly conspired with others to engage in money laundering to conceal their participation in criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking. The indictment alleges that in 2000, Philippe transferred a $112,000 check through a financial institution, affecting interstate and foreign commerce, that included monies derived from the illicit drug trafficking enterprise.

An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The DEA and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Miami Office of Field Operations and the Haitian Government, including the Haitian Ministry of Justice, Haitian National Police and La Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupéfiants (BLTS), provided assistance in this matter. Senior Trial Counsel Mark A. Irish of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn M. Kirkpatrick and Andy R. Camacho of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

Four defendants were sentenced to federal prison for their participation in a stolen identity tax fraud scheme.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Steve Steinberg, Chief, Aventura Police Department, made the announcement.

 

Wolf Obin, 32, of Miami-Dade, was sentenced to 64 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Stanley Moscova, 28, of Miami-Dade, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Rosny Muller, 29, of Broward County, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. These three defendants were previously convicted at trial of one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 286, and one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3). Obin and Moscova were also convicted of three counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in October 2011, Obin, Moscova, and Muller fraudulently obtained Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) in the names of other individuals who acted as “straw” EFIN holders which allowed the defendants to submit tax returns in the names of other individuals. The defendants then used those EFINs, as well as EFINs in their own names, to file fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS using the stolen personal identifying information (PII) of other individuals without their knowledge and authority. During a search warrant of the defendants’ Aventura apartment, law enforcement discovered the PII of more than 1,600 individuals. Through their tax filings, the defendants claimed approximately $2,300,000 in fraudulent federal tax refunds from the IRS.

 

In a separate but related case, defendant Leonard Rosalvo Obin (Case Number 16CR20525), was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Leonard Obin previously pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and one count of aggravated identity theft. During the search warrant, law enforcement found a phone and flash drive in Leonard Obin’s pants pockets. The phone and flash drive contained the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of 86 and 91 individuals, respectively.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI and the Aventura Police Department. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Langley and Luis M. Perez.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

The owner and operator of a Florida-based telecommunications company pleaded guilty today and a West Palm Beach, Florida, resident was sentenced yesterday to 52 months in prison in connection with a sophisticated global cellphone fraud scheme that involved compromising cellphone customers’ accounts and “cloning” their phones to make fraudulent international calls.

 

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

 

Ramon Batista, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, the use, production or possession of modified telecommunications instruments, and the use or possession of hardware or software configured to obtain telecommunications services; one count of wire fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft. Sentencing for Batista will be scheduled for a later date before Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley in the Southern District of Florida. Judge Hurley sentenced Jose Santana, aka Octavio Perez, 53, yesterday to 52 months in prison on similar charges. Santana pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2016.

 

According to the plea agreements, Batista, Santana and their co-conspirators participated in a scheme to steal access to and fraudulently open new cellphone accounts using the personal information of individuals around the United States. Batista, Santana and others also operated “call sites” in South Florida and elsewhere, where they would receive telecommunications identifying information associated with customers’ accounts from their co-conspirators and use that data, as well as other software and hardware, to reprogram cellphones that they controlled. Batista and other co-conspirators would then transmit thousands of international calls over the internet to the call sites, where Batista, Santana and others would route them through the re-programmed cellphones to Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other countries with high calling rates. The calls were billed to the customers’ compromised accounts.

 

Batista admitted that his role in the scheme included selling fraudulent telecommunications services through his company, Arymyx, Inc.; operating a “call site” with reprogrammed cellphones through which he routed international phone calls as part of the fraud scheme; and using and providing other co-conspirators with stolen or compromised telecommunications identifying information that was then employed to reprogram cellphones.

 

In addition, Batista admitted that he sent or received 1,132 “lines,” that is, combinations of telecommunications identifying numbers for specific devices or accounts associated with U.S. cellphone customers. Likewise, Santana admitted that, in just one 11-month period, he received more than 1,000 emails containing similar “lines.” Batista and Santana also admitted that that they were personally responsible for, respectively, more than $794,000 and $170,000 in loss resulting from the scheme.

 

Batista is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case and Santana is the second to be sentenced. Edwin Fana and Farintong Calderon previously pleaded guilty to similar charges in this matter. Fana was sentenced on Dec. 22, 2016, to 48 months in prison and Calderon is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2017.

 

The FBI investigated the case, dubbed Operation Toll Free, which is part of the bureau’s ongoing effort to combat large-scale telecommunications fraud. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared M. Strauss of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

The owner and operator of a Florida-based telecommunications company pleaded guilty today and a West Palm Beach, Florida, resident was sentenced yesterday to 52 months in prison in connection with a sophisticated global cellphone fraud scheme that involved compromising cellphone customers’ accounts and “cloning” their phones to make fraudulent international calls.  

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.  

Ramon Batista, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, the use, production or possession of modified telecommunications instruments, and the use or possession of hardware or software configured to obtain telecommunications services; one count of wire fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Sentencing for Batista will be scheduled for a later date before Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley in the Southern District of Florida.  Judge Hurley sentenced Jose Santana, aka Octavio Perez, 53, yesterday to 52 months in prison on similar charges.  Santana pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2016.

According to the plea agreements, Batista, Santana and their co-conspirators participated in a scheme to steal access to and fraudulently open new cellphone accounts using the personal information of individuals around the United States.  Batista, Santana and others also operated “call sites” in South Florida and elsewhere, where they would receive telecommunications identifying information associated with customers’ accounts from their co-conspirators and use that data, as well as other software and hardware, to reprogram cellphones that they controlled.  Batista and other co-conspirators would then transmit thousands of international calls over the internet to the call sites, where Batista, Santana and others would route them through the re-programmed cellphones to Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other countries with high calling rates.  The calls were billed to the customers’ compromised accounts.

Batista admitted that his role in the scheme included selling fraudulent telecommunications services through his company, Arymyx, Inc.; operating a “call site” with reprogrammed cellphones through which he routed international phone calls as part of the fraud scheme; and using and providing other co-conspirators with stolen or compromised telecommunications identifying information that was then employed to reprogram cellphones. 

In addition, Batista admitted that he sent or received 1,132 “lines,” that is, combinations of telecommunications identifying numbers for specific devices or accounts associated with U.S. cellphone customers.  Likewise, Santana admitted that, in just one 11-month period, he received more than 1,000 emails containing similar “lines.”  Batista and Santana also admitted that that they were personally responsible for, respectively, more than $794,000 and $170,000 in loss resulting from the scheme.

Batista is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case and Santana is the second to be sentenced.  Edwin Fana and Farintong Calderon previously pleaded guilty to similar charges in this matter.  Fana was sentenced on Dec. 22, 2016, to 48 months in prison and Calderon is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2017.  

The FBI investigated the case, dubbed Operation Toll Free, which is part of the bureau’s ongoing effort to combat large-scale telecommunications fraud.  Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared M. Strauss of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. 

A former newspaper publisher, mortgage broker, title agent and other individuals are charged federally for their participation in a $10 million mortgage fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Marco Laureti, 45, of Sunny Isles Beach, and Felix Mostelac, 44, of Miami Beach, are charged by Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and multiple counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Case No. 16-60340-CR-ZLOCH). Michelle Cabrera, 48, of Miami Lakes, and Pedro Melian, 39, of Hialeah, are charged by criminal Information with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution (Case No. 16-60354-CR-DIMITROULEAS), If convicted, each defendant faces up to thirty years? imprisonment on each charged count.

According to court documents, defendants Laureti, Mostelac, Cabrera and Melian were involved with a $10 million mortgage fraud scheme. Laureti was a former newspaper publisher and owner of Laureti Publishing Company, in addition to being a licensed real estate sales associate and mortgage broker. Mostelac was Laureti’s associate and also the owner of several companies. Cabrera owned Florida Elite Title & Escrow in Davie and served as the title agent for these transactions. Melian also owned several companies.

According to court documents, the defendants engaged in a fraud scheme involving a condominium complex located at 45 Hendricks Isle in Fort Lauderdale. Defendants Laureti, Mostelac and Melian made false and fraudulent statements to a financial institution on loan applications and closing statements for the multi-million dollar condominiums. Once the loans were approved, defendant Cabrera, at Laureti’s direction, diverted the loan proceeds to fund the cash the borrower was expected to bring to the property’s closing, as well as diverting additional monies from the loan proceeds to various companies owned by Laureti and Mostelac. Furthermore, according to court documents, Laureti and Mostelac utilized the same scheme on the loan applications and closing statements to purchase their own multi-million dollar residential properties in Miami Beach, in addition to Laureti directing Cabrera to divert funds. The defendants’ scheme defrauded the financial institution of approximately $10 million.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz.

An Indictment and a criminal Information merely contain allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A former employee in the Procurement Section of the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department has been charged with accepting bribery payments.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

 

Glenwood Pla, 50, of Miami, a former procurement specialist for the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department, was charged in a criminal Information with bribery in programs receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666. If convicted, Pla faces a statutory maximum term of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. Pla had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber.

 

1. set forth in the charging document, Pla was employed in the procurement section of the Aviation Department, creating and sending RFQs for lighting products requested by the Aviation Department to a qualified pool of vendors. Pla collected and tallied the bids and declared the lowest responsive bidder on the RFQs. A co-conspirator owned companies that provided, among other items, lighting products and services to the Aviation Department. The co-conspirator sought contracts for the installation of lighting products for his companies and sought contracts for the sale of lighting products on behalf of a second co-conspirator.

 

Beginning in or about 2011, Pla would notify one of the co-conspirators that RFQ’s were being issued for lighting products, and the second co-conspirator would then bid on the sale of the lighting products and was awarded a number of the contracts.

 

From in or about 2011 and continuing through in or about 2015, Pla accepted and received in excess of $35,000 in U.S. currency, which the defendant knew was paid to him with the intent to influence and reward Pla for utilizing his official position to favor his two co-conspirators.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in connection with the investigation of this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey N. Kaplan.

 

1. criminal Information is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A former Division Director of the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department was sentenced to seven year’s imprisonment for his involvement in a $5,000,000 fraud and kickback scheme.

 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

 

• The public has a right to expect that officials who oversee local government agencies are ethical, trustworthy, responsible, and represent the best interests of the community,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify for prosecution those individuals who choose to betray the public’s trust and steal funds for their own illicit personal gain.”

 

“Corrupt officials are on notice – breach the public’s trust through stealing or accepting bribes in the course of their official duties and they will be vigorously investigated,” said William J. Maddalena, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “The South Florida community can be assured that public corruption will remain a top priority for the FBI.”

 

Ivan Valdes, 46, of Miami, was sentenced to 7 year’s imprisonment, ordered to pay $5,247,539 in restitution, and must serve 3 years of supervised release after having previously pled guilty to a one-count criminal Information charging him with theft in programs receiving federal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666.

 

According to the court record, including a stipulated statement of facts, Valdes, a former Miami-Dade County Aviation Department Division Director was involved in a $5,000,000 fraud and kickback scheme. During in or about 2010, Valdes arranged with a co-conspirator to request that the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department purchase light fixtures for the Miami International Airport, in exchange for Valdes being paid a share of the proceeds. Between 2010 and 2015, the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department issued approximately twenty requests for Invitations to Quote for the purchase of over 9,000 LED light fixtures which cost Miami-Dade County millions of dollars. Valdes was paid in cash by a co-conspirator, with whom he split approximately $2 million in fraudulent proceeds from the scheme. Valdes used some of the fraudulent proceeds to pay an employee in the procurement section of the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department, who assisted with the fraud.

 

On two occasions, Valdes instructed a co-conspirator to bid on an Invitation to Quote for light fixtures, but he further instructed that the light fixtures should not be ordered from the lighting manufacturer. The co-conspirator bid and won the contracts. As a result, Valdes and his co-conspirators were paid approximately $500,000 for light fixtures that were never provided to the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department.

 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office and its Public Corruption Unit in connection with the investigation of this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey N. Kaplan.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Former City of Opa Locka Commissioner Luis Santiago has been charged for his participation in a two-year long bribery and extortion under color of official right conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 666(a)(1)(B), and 1951(a).

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement. 

Santiago is charged by Information with conspiring with former Opa Locka City Manager David Chiverton, former Opa Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris, and others to use their official positions and authority with the City of Opa Locka to solicit, demand, and obtain thousands of dollars in illegal cash payments from businesses and individuals in exchange for taking official actions to assist and benefit those businesses and individuals in their dealings with the City of Opa Locka.  The case against Santiago is assigned to United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams (Case No. 16-20971-CR).   Santiago had his initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes.

As alleged in the Information, in exchange for the illegal payments, Santiago would direct Chiverton, Harris, and other City of Opa Locka employees to assist the paying businesses and individuals by issuing occupational licenses; waiving, removing, and settling code enforcement matters and liens; initiating, restoring and continuing water service; and assisting with zoning issues.  Santiago would pay Chiverton, and also would tell the businesses and individuals to pay Chiverton directly in exchange for these official actions. 

Chiverton and Harris previously pled guilty.  Chiverton was sentenced to 38 months in prison by United States District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, while Harris is awaiting sentencing before United States District Judge Beth Bloom.

If convicted, Santiago faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.  

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Edward Stamm.

An Information is merely an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami Gardens, Florida, resident was sentenced to 48 months in prison in connection with a sophisticated global cell phone fraud scheme that involved compromising cellphone customers’ accounts and “cloning” their phones to make fraudulent international calls.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement. 

          Edwin Fana, 37, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley of the Southern District of Florida.  He pleaded guilty on Aug. 29 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, the use, production or possession of modified telecommunications instruments and the use or possession of hardware or software configured to obtain telecommunications services; one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

          According to the plea agreement, Fana and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to steal access to and fraudulently open new cellphone accounts using the personal information of individuals around the United States.  Fana admitted that the conspirators then trafficked in the cellphone customers’ telecommunication identifying information, using that data as well as other software and hardware to reprogram cellphones that they controlled to transmit thousands of international calls to Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other countries with high calling rates.  The calls were billed to the victims’ compromised accounts, he admitted. 

          In addition, Fana admitted that his role in the scheme included operating a “call site” in his residence in Miami Gardens.  He would receive telecommunication identifying information associated with victims’ accounts from his co-conspirators and use that data to re-program cellphones that he controlled.  Fana’s co-conspirators would then transmit international calls over the internet to Fana’s residence, where he would route them through the re-programmed cellphones.  In October 2012, the FBI executed a search warrant on Fana’s residence and discovered approximately 88 cellphones connected to networking equipment and actively routing calls. 

Law enforcement seized nearly 11,000 telecommunications identifying numbers from Fana and he admitted that the scheme caused at least $1 million in losses.

Fana is the first defendant to be sentenced in the case.  Jose Santana and Farintong Calderon have also pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme; Santana is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2017, and Calderon is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2017.

The FBI investigated the case, dubbed Operation Toll Free, which is part of the FBI’s ongoing effort to combat large-scale telecommunications fraud.  Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared M. Strauss of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

A Miami Gardens, Florida, resident was sentenced to 48 months in prison in connection with a sophisticated global cell phone fraud scheme that involved compromising cellphone customers’ accounts and “cloning” their phones to make fraudulent international calls.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement. 

Edwin Fana, 37, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley of the Southern District of Florida.  He pleaded guilty on Aug. 29 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, the use, production or possession of modified telecommunications instruments and the use or possession of hardware or software configured to obtain telecommunications services; one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Fana received a reduced prison sentence due to his cooperation in the government’s investigation.

According to the plea agreement, Fana and his co-conspirators participated in a scheme to steal access to and fraudulently open new cellphone accounts using the personal information of individuals around the United States.  Fana admitted that the conspirators then trafficked in the cellphone customers’ telecommunication identifying information, using that data as well as other software and hardware to reprogram cellphones that they controlled to transmit thousands of international calls to Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other countries with high calling rates.  The calls were billed to the victims’ compromised accounts, he admitted. 

In addition, Fana admitted that his role in the scheme included operating a “call site” in his residence in Miami Gardens.  He  would receive telecommunication identifying information associated with victims’ accounts from his co-conspirators and use that data to re-program cellphones that he controlled.  Fana’s co-conspirators would then transmit international calls over the internet to Fana’s residence, where he would route them through the re-programmed cellphones.  In October 2012, the FBI executed a search warrant on Fana’s residence and discovered approximately 88 cellphones connected to networking equipment and actively routing calls. 

Law enforcement seized nearly 11,000 telecommunications identifying numbers from Fana and he admitted that the scheme caused at least $1 million in losses.

Fana is the first defendant to be sentenced in the case.  Jose Santana and Farintong Calderon have also pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme; Santana is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2017, and Calderon is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 21, 2017.

The FBI investigated the case, dubbed Operation Toll Free, which is part of the FBI’s ongoing effort to combat large-scale telecommunications fraud.  Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared M. Strauss of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.