Eastern District of Michigan
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Haidir Altoon, 52, of Farmington Hills, was sentenced to one day of incarceration to be followed by two years of supervised release with the first 6 months under house arrest, a $10,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for conspiring to commit bribery with Richard Sollars, the former Mayor of City of Taylor, and Jeffrey Baum, City of Taylor Community Development Manager, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Altoon, the owner of Dominick’s Market and a real estate developer, paid bribes to Sollars by giving him tens of thousands of dollars in cash, scratch-off lottery tickets, and other items of value in connection with the City of Taylor’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. Under the ROFR program, the City of Taylor acquired tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County and selected developers to rehabilitate and eventually purchase the poperties. After meeting Sollars at his market and expressing interest in acquiring houses under the ROFR program, Sollars asked Altoon to cash fraudulent checks from his campaign fund. Sollars made campaign checks payable to Dominick’s Market in various amounts, each purporting to represent payment for catering services provided to the campaign. At Sollars’s direction, Altoon prepared false invoices for catering services that were not actually provided and gave Sollars some or all of the proceeds from the cashed fraudulent checks for Sollars’s personal use.
Following an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received $70,362.98 from this, and other wire fraud schemes related to his campaign account. It was also part of the conspiracy that Altoon gave money and other things of value to Jeffrey Baum, who, at the time, was running the ROFR program for the City. In exchange for the cash and other things of value that Altoon provided to Sollars and Baum at Sollars’s direction and without the knowledge and consent of the City Council, Baum facilitated the transfer of nine ROFR properties to Altoon.
“This case should send a message to anyone who seeks to do business with local municipalities that giving into the corrupt demands of public officials does not pay. My office will aggressively prosecute and hold accountable both the bribe payer, as well as the bribe receiver, since any exchange of bribes deny the citizens of this district the honest services they expect and deserve,” said United States Attorney Ison.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
Jackson, Michigan Man Charged with Threats to Political Action CommitteeRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Jackson, Michigan man was arrested today and charged with one count of making a threatening interstate communication. The charge arises out of Pierce allegedly sending threatening e-mails to a political action committee (PAC) engaged in fundraising activities related to the November 5, 2024, election, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining in the announcement was Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to court documents, on or about October 2, 2024, Christopher Pierce, 46, of Jackson, Michigan, allegedly sent two electronic communications containing threats to injure or kill individuals associated with the PAC. In apparent response to fundraising solicitation communications, Pierce communicated: “I guarantee I can find each and every one of your [expletive] organizees. And we will turn you [expletive] inside out. . . . Now you better stop or I promise you this is badly for all of you [expletive] and we won’tinvolve [sic] the law.” In a second communication shortly thereafter, Pierce stated, “You will shut down your entire organization or it will be shut down for you. 90% of the members of [named organization]… are trained killers. . . . It paints targets onyour [sic] backs and the backs of your families. Your call centers have been located. Don’t make these boys and girlsgo [sic] to work.”
Pierce is charged with one count of making a threatening interstate communication. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
The investigation is being conducted by FBI.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Taylor Employee Sentenced to Prison for Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DETROIT –Jeffrey Baum, 49, of Allen Park, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to accept bribes while he was the Community Development Manager for the City of Taylor, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In 2015, the City of Taylor created the Right of First Refusal program (ROFR). Under this program, each year the City acquired tax-delinquent homes and selected developers to rehabilitate and eventually purchase the properties. Baum was the manager of Taylor’s Community Development Department and was responsible for overseeing the ROFR program. During this time, Baum introduced Shady Awad, a real estate developer interested in acquiring ROFR properties to develop, to then-Mayor Richard Sollars. While Awad was a contractor with the City and Baum was supervising the program, Baum solicited and accepted bribes, including cash from Awad on behalf of himself and Sollars. Baum also accepted bribes from Hadir Altoon, the owner of Dominick’s Market, who was also interested in obtaining ROFR properties. Baum routinely received food and holiday gifts, including cash, from Altoon. Without the knowledge or consent of the City Council and at Sollars’s direction, Baum facilitated the transfer of nine ROFR properties to Altoon.
In addition to being the Community Development Manager, Baum was also the treasurer of Sollars’s campaign fund. As treasurer, Baum was aware that Sollars stole tens of thousands of dollars from the fund. Baum assisted Sollars by giving him pre-signed, blank campaign checks that Sollars used in a fake catering scheme with Altoon. Sollars then made those checks payable to Dominick’s Market in various amounts, each purporting to represent payment for catering services provided to the campaign. At Sollars’s direction, Altoon prepared false invoices for catering services that were not actually provided. Instead, Altoon provided Sollars with some or all of the proceeds from the cashed fraudulent checks for Sollars’s personal use. Following an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received $70,362.98 from this, and other wire fraud schemes related to his campaign account. Baum also accepted large cash campaign donations and gave them to Sollars instead of depositing them into the fund’s bank account. Baum further admitted to stealing between $10,000 and $20,000 from the fund for his personal use.
“As the Manager of Community Development for the City of Taylor, Baum had a duty to represent the best interests of the citizens of Taylor. Instead, he used his position of trust and authority to extort money and other items of value from the contractors he was hired to supervise. Mr. Baum’s conviction and sentence should send a strong message to public employees that placing your own interests above those of the citizens of this district will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
Ann Arbor Man Charged with Making Online ThreatRead the Press Release
DETROIT – An Ann Arbor, Michigan, man was charged in a federal criminal complaint today with sending a threatening communication, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
Charged was Isaac Sissel, 25, who is currently staying in Ann Arbor.
According to court records, on November 2, 2024, the FBI National Threat Operations Center in West Virginia received an anonymous online threatening submission. The threat read in part: “I shall carry out an attack against conservative christan, (sic) filth in the event trump wins the election. I have a stolen ar15 and a target I refuse to name so I can continue to get away with my plans. Without a specific victim or ability to find the place I hid the gun, there’s not a thing the FBI can do until I complete the attack.”
Sissel was arrested by the FBI this morning and will be making an appearance in federal court this afternoon.
The FBI Detroit Field Office is investigating the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.
The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Macomb County Doctor and Pharmacist Agree to Pay $700,948 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that GMAJOS, LLC, Dr. Stephen Swetech, and Yasser Maisari have agreed to pay a total of $700,948.42 to the United States and the State of Michigan to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act. Dr. Swetech has also agreed to rescind his DEA registration and never again prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances.
Dr. Swetech operated a medical practice in Clinton Township, Michigan. The practice was located in an office complex owned by his wife’s company, GMAJOS. The complex included separate office spaces for the medical practice, a physical therapy center, and a pharmacy. During all relevant times, Heartland Drugs, which was owned by Yasser Maisari and operated by Med Express Inc., occupied the pharmacy space. GMAJOS also had a lease with a medical laboratory to rent a room within Dr. Swetech’s medical practice.
The settlement announced today resolves two sets of allegations. First, from January 1, 2018, through January 1, 2020, Biolab indirectly paid above fair market value rent to Dr. Swetech for a room rented from GMAJOS in order to induce Dr. Swetech’s referrals to Biolab. These referrals are alleged to have violated the False Claims Act as improper inducements and/or self-referrals. Second, from January 1, 2016, through January 1, 2018, Dr. Swetech prescribed medically unnecessary opioid and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, and Yasser Maisari’s Heartland Drugs filled those prescriptions, in violation of the False Claims Act.
“The False Claims Act is an important tool to deter and hold accountable those who submit fraudulent medical claims to the government,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Healthcare providers whose services are tainted by improper financial relationships or who are charging the government for unnecessary medical services will be vigorously investigated by our office.”
“The payment of kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and lead to the delivery of fraudulent and unnecessary medical services,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “Working together with our partners, HHS-OIG will continue our efforts to identify and investigate those who seek to unlawfully benefit from such arrangements.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under a qui tam or whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act: United States and the State of Michigan ex rel. Doe v. Med Express Inc., et al., Case No. 17-13162 (E.D. Mich.). Under the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John Postulka from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Federal Jury Convicts Saginaw Man of Assaulting and Strangling Woman on the Isabella Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BAY CITY – A Saginaw man was convicted by a federal jury in Detroit on Friday for a 2018 assault and strangulation of his then girlfriend on the Isabella Indian Reservation, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit Field Office.
Michael Lee Johnson, 45, was found guilty of several counts arising out of the assault and strangulation of the victim in this case, including unlawful imprisonment, assault of a dating partner by strangulation, assault of a dating partner by suffocation, domestic violence, and numerous instances of witness tampering.
The evidence at trial established that in October and November of 2018, Johnson held the victim against her will, threatened to kill her, and assaulted her numerous times by strangulation, suffocation, and other means, sometimes in front of her children. The evidence also established that after the police arrested Johnson for these crimes, he attempted to improperly influence or prevent the victim from reporting the incident to the police and testifying in court. According to testimony at trial, Johnson contacted the victim over 100 times following his arrest. The crimes occurred on the Isabella Indian Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, the primary land base of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
“Johnson’s conduct against this victim was egregious enough in and of itself, but was compounded by the fact that he committed these violent acts in front of innocent children,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “We will continue to hold accountable those who persist in perpetrating epidemic levels of violence on America Indian women.”
Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Lin Parker.
The case was investigated by the Saginaw Chippewa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roy Kranz and Assistant United States Attorney Tim Turkelson.
Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Warren, Ann Arbor, Hamtramck, Detroit, and FlintRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Warren, Ann Arbor, Hamtramck, Detroit, and Flint for the Tuesday, November 5 general election.
The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.
On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at 313-226-9168. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the state to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 313-965-2323.
Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.
More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Former Detroit Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former Detroit Police Officer pleaded guilty today to lying to federal agents who were investigating bribery allegations, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dametri J. Wade, age 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a federal agent before United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
According to the plea agreement, while employed by the Detroit Police Department and driving a Detroit Police scout car, Wade was present at the scene of a larceny that occurred on August 11, 2022, on Saint Maron Street in the City of Detroit. The perpetrators of the larceny used false documents to make it appear like they had legal authority to access the property. Wade was present at the scene in his Detroit Police Department vehicle to further the ruse that the perpetrators of the larceny were legally permitted to enter the home in question.
Wade was interviewed about this incident by FBI agents conducting a bribery investigation on December 19, 2022. Wade denied any knowledge of a larceny at the Saint Maron street property. In fact, Wade knew that there was going to be a larceny at the property, and that his presence was necessary to further the fiction that the larceny’s perpetrators were entering the property for a legally valid purpose. At the time he made the statement to the FBI agents, Wade knew that the statement was false, and he further knew that making false statements to the FBI was unlawful.
“Lying to law enforcement is never acceptable, but for an officer sworn to uphold the law to do so is inexcusable,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Today’s conviction should send a strong message that no one, even a police officer, is above the law.”
"Today’s guilty plea from former Detroit Police Officer Dametri Wade reinforces our unwavering commitment to enforcing the highest standards of integrity in law enforcement," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Detroit. "We appreciate the crucial collaboration with Detroit Police Chief White and his department throughout this investigation. Let it be clear: Wade’s actions do not represent the exemplary standards of the Detroit Police Department. The FBI's Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force will relentlessly pursue any acts of public corruption, ensuring accountability for those who break the law and safeguarding the public's trust in those dedicated to protecting our great community."
Sentencing for Wade is scheduled for February 5, 2025. Wade faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Investigators of the Detroit Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran.
Former Detroit Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former Detroit Police Officer pleaded guilty today to lying to federal agents who were investigating bribery allegations, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dametri J. Wade, age 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a federal agent before United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
According to the plea agreement, while employed by the Detroit Police Department and driving a Detroit Police scout car, Wade was present at the scene of a larceny that occurred on August 11, 2022, on Saint Maron Street in the City of Detroit. The perpetrators of the larceny used false documents to make it appear like they had legal authority to access the property. Wade was present at the scene in his Detroit Police Department vehicle to further the ruse that the perpetrators of the larceny were legally permitted to enter the home in question.
Wade was interviewed about this incident by FBI agents conducting a bribery investigation on December 19, 2022. Wade denied any knowledge of a larceny at the Saint Maron street property. In fact, Wade knew that there was going to be a larceny at the property, and that his presence was necessary to further the fiction that the larceny’s perpetrators were entering the property for a legally valid purpose. At the time he made the statement to the FBI agents, Wade knew that the statement was false, and he further knew that making false statements to the FBI was unlawful.
“Lying to law enforcement is never acceptable, but for an officer sworn to uphold the law to do so is inexcusable,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Today’s conviction should send a strong message that no one, even a police officer, is above the law.”
"Today’s guilty plea from former Detroit Police Officer Dametri Wade reinforces our unwavering commitment to enforcing the highest standards of integrity in law enforcement," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Detroit. "We appreciate the crucial collaboration with Detroit Police Chief White and his department throughout this investigation. Let it be clear: Wade’s actions do not represent the exemplary standards of the Detroit Police Department. The FBI's Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force will relentlessly pursue any acts of public corruption, ensuring accountability for those who break the law and safeguarding the public's trust in those dedicated to protecting our great community."
Sentencing for Wade is scheduled for February 5, 2025. Wade faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Investigators of the Detroit Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran.
Physician Charged in Scheme to Illegally Sell Cancer DrugsRead the Press Release
Detroit – A Royal Oak physician was charged in an Indictment for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Charged in the Indictment is Dr. Naveed Aslam, age 51, of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The charges against Dr. Aslam include one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and 10 counts of illegally selling or trading prescription drugs.
According to the Indictment, by early 2019, and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam, a licensed physician, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit and with the intent to defraud and mislead. The other individuals Dr. Aslam worked with identified customers interested in buying prescription cancer drugs, and they communicated with Dr. Aslam about what cancer drugs were requested. Dr. Aslam used his access to certain cancer drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. He then sold the cancer drugs to and through the other individuals’ company to the eventual customer. During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs, and personally profited more than $2.5 million.
“The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “As alleged, Dr. Aslam used his role as a physician to violate that integrity and divert prescription cancer drugs away from treating patients. My office is committed to prosecuting medical professionals who seek to profit, rather than protect, our health care system.”
“Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that medical providers follow laws designed to protect both the integrity and solvency of Federal health care programs, as well as the beneficiaries they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our Federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of fraud.”
"Having the authority to prescribe medication is a privilege that comes with a profound responsibility. Physicians must safeguard against drug diversion,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Dr. Aslam's alleged participation in this scheme not only allowed him to profit unlawfully from the sale of cancer drugs, but it also posed a serious threat by potentially placing these medications into the wrong hands. This breach of trust is inexcusable, especially considering the critical nature of the drugs involved. The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to hold medical professionals accountable for exploiting their positions for personal gain and endangering community safety."
“Introducing diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain and selling them to unsuspecting consumers undermines the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “We remain committed to bringing to justice those who place their personal gain over the health of American consumers.”
“A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will protect patients against fraud, especially from those in positions of public trust who choose greed over public safety.”
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit is handling related forfeiture matters. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.
Clarkston Woman Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Embezzling over Three Million Dollars from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
DETROIT- A Clarkston woman was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for wire fraud arising out of an embezzlement scheme targeting her former employer, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cheyvoryea Gibson.
Sally Lynn Elmore, 56, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of wire fraud arising from a scheme to defraud her former employer that resulted in over $3 million in losses. In addition to the 3 years’ imprisonment, United States District Judge Brandy R. McMillion ordered Elmore to pay $2.2 million in restitution to her victims and to pay a $3.2 million forfeiture money judgment.
According to Court documents, from April 2019 to December 2022, Elmore abused her position of trust and used her access to the payroll and banking systems of her employer to execute a scheme to fraudulently direct electronic payments—in the form of salary, bonuses, and expense reimbursements that she knew she was not entitled to receive—from her employer’s bank account to her personal bank accounts. In order to conceal her fraud, Elmore prepared and presented falsified financial statements to her employer’s board, representing that the company was still in possession of funds that she had, in fact, fraudulently directed to herself. She also concealed the missing funds from the company’s insurer, causing the company to lose coverage for losses from theft. In total, Elmore stole over $3 million and gambled most of it away.
“Elmore violated the trust placed in her as the director of finance and human resources for her company, stealing over three million dollars, nearly driving the company to insolvency, and putting the livelihoods of her fellow employees in jeopardy, stated United States Attorney Ison. “Our office will aggressively prosecute those individuals who abuse their authority to line their own pockets at others’ expense.”
"Over the course of three years, Ms. Elmore betrayed her employer by exploiting her access to the company’s finances, stealing millions of dollars, and covering up her actions through deception,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI has zero tolerance for fraud against individuals or institutions and will continue to work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute those involved in embezzlement schemes. We are committed to ensuring that anyone who abuses their position of trust faces justice."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alyse Wu. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Real Estate Developer Sentenced to Prison for Bribing Former Taylor MayorRead the Press Release
DETROIT –Real estate developer was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for bribing former Mayor of Taylor Richard Sollars with cash, home renovations, and other things of value in exchange for obtaining tax-foreclosed properties from the City of Taylor for redevelopment, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Shady Awad, 44, of Allen Park was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
According to court documents, between 2016 and 2018, Awad provided a steady stream of bribes to then-mayor Sollars in the form of cash, home improvements to Sollars’ home and lake house, appliances, and other items of value. Awad also agreed to charge more than $19,000 to his credit cards, and then convert the charges to cash for Sollars. In total, Awad provided Sollars with goods and services valued at $85,011.73, in exchange for being permitted to acquire tax-foreclosed properties to redevelop through the City of Taylor’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. This was a program designed to allow Taylor to acquire tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County for redevelopment. As a result of the bribes Awad paid to Sollars, Sollars recommended to City Council that Awad be awarded the vast majority of the City’s ROFR properties.
“Mr. Awad’s conviction and sentence should send a strong message that not only will public officials who accept bribes be brought to justice by my office, but also, those who seek to gain an advantage by bribing public officials will face serious consequences as well,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Mr. Awad and the former Mayor of Taylor unlawfully corrupted the City of Taylor’s real estate redevelopment program, meant to benefit the city and its residents, for their own private gain,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “FBI Michigan’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force remains committed to rigorously investigating public corruption, especially individuals who cheat the system by bribing public officials.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for Role in $6.9 Million Scheme to Bill Insurance for Medications Not DispensedRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A licensed pharmacist from Dearborn Heights was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for submitting claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for her role in a scheme to defraud health care insurers by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals that were not actually purchased, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds also ordered Zeinab Makki, 61, to pay $6.9 million in restitution imposed of a forfeiture judgment of $6.9 million.
According to court records, Makki was the pharmacist in charge from 2001 through 2021 at New Millennium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy. She admitted that she led a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals which New Millenium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy did not actually purchase.
“Fraud by health care professionals will be aggressively pursued by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “We hope that prosecutions like this one will deter health care professionals from stealing money from those who genuinely need it to order to line their own pockets.”
“This sentencing underscores our commitment to holding those who defraud Federal health care programs accountable,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate fraud allegations.”
“False medical claims divert much needed funding away from patients in need of life-saving services and Ms. Makki will serve her sentence for orchestrating and participating in this scheme,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners and pursue justice against medical professionals who defraud government healthcare programs.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the HHS and FBI, with cooperation and assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip A. Ross. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan is prosecuting the related asset forfeiture matters.
Former Taylor Mayor Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Prison for Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DETROIT –Richard Sollars was sentenced to 71 months in prison for conspiring to accept bribes and engaging in wire fraud while he was the Mayor of the City of Taylor, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Between 2016 and 2018, Sollars, 50, exercised his authority and influence as Mayor and recommended to the Taylor City Council that Realty Transition, a company owned by his co-defendant, Shady Awad, be awarded the vast majority of the tax-foreclosed properties that the City had or would acquire under its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. This was a program designed to allow Taylor to acquire tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County for redevelopment. Sollars recommended Realty Transition for the ROFR program, intending to be influenced and rewarded by the free home renovations and other items of value that Awad provided to Sollars for his personal residence, office, and lake house. After an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received bribes from Awad totaling $85,011.73 as part of this bribery scheme. The bribes included items such as home renovations, a humidor, kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, a Dyson vacuum cleaner, a camera, and cash.
In addition, as part of his election efforts, Sollars established a campaign account entitled, “Committee to Elect Richard Sollars, Jr.” Sollars engaged in a scheme to defraud his donors by fraudulently using donated funds for his personal benefit rather than for his political campaign. In furtherance of the fraudulent scheme, Sollars directed his campaign treasurer to provide him with signed blank checks from his campaign account. Sollars then made those checks payable to Dominick’s Market in various amounts, each purporting to represent payment for catering services provided to the campaign. As known to Sollars, the owner of Dominick’s Market, Hadir Altoon, prepared false invoices for catering services that were not actually provided. Instead, Altoon would provide Sollars with some or all of the proceeds from the cashed fraudulent checks for Sollars’s personal use. After an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received $70,362.98 from this, and other, wire fraud schemes related to his campaign account.
“Sollars, as the Mayor of the City of Taylor, pledged to represent the best interests of the citizens he represented and the voters who supported him. Instead, he used his elected office to award city contracts and spend campaign funds for his own personal financial enrichment,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Sollars’s conviction and sentence demonstrate my office’s commitment to ensuring that those elected officials who place their own greed above their duties to the citizens in the community will be held to answer for their breach of trust.”
"The diligent work of the FBI's Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, working in collaboration with the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, resulted in the conviction of Richard Sollars, the former mayor of the City of Taylor," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Gibson. "This betrayal of public trust is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in public office. We remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and transparency, ensuring that such actions do not go unpunished. Today's sentencing of Mr. Sollars brings closure to a lengthy and thorough investigation of the former mayor's administration."
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
Canadian on Homeland Security’s Most Wanted List Extradited and Convicted of Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges in the trial of a Canadian man dealing drugs in the United States, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit Field Division.
Following a six-day trial before United States District Judge Sean F. Cox, Khaophone Sychantha, 43, a dual citizen of Laos and Canada, was convicted of one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, ecstasy, and BZP, one count of possession of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and BZP with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of ecstasy and BZP with intent to distribute.
Evidence at trial showed that Sychantha led an organization that directed several couriers to transport hundreds of thousands of pills and tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds across the United States-Canada border over an eight-year span. His couriers—many of whom were caught and convicted themselves—traveled to multiple states to deliver the pills. David Sok, Sychantha’s right-hand man, was also extradited from Canada and pleaded guilty earlier in the proceedings.
Prior to Sychantha’s extradition to the United States, he fled house arrest in Canada and HSI Detroit added him to the Homeland Security Investigations’ Ten Most Wanted List. He was subsequently arrested in the Montreal, Canada area in 2017 following an assault on a police officer and a short pursuit.
“Drug dealers who think they can hide behind international borders and couriers they hire to take all the risks, should think again,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “Together with our agency partners, we remain committed to working up drug trafficking supply chains to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and hold their leaders accountable, and this case demonstrates the depth of that commitment.”
“Sychantha sought to flood our communities with illicit drugs, bringing violence and pain to both sides of the border,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “HSI special agents, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners worked diligently for more than a decade to seek justice and accountability for these crimes. This conviction is a testament to their perseverance.”
Sychantha is facing a mandatory 10-year prison sentence, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing will occur on February 19, 2024. Sychantha remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Norwood and T. Patrick Martin.
United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison Appoints Patrick Martin as District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
DETROIT - United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Patrick Martin will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Martin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Michigan, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Ison stated that: “Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Martin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313)226-9168.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313)965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Ison said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Novi Man Sentenced to 60 years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Novi man was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison today for sexually exploiting multiple children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Gershwin A. Drain sentenced Glenn Dennison, 33, of Novi, Michigan.
Dennison pleaded guilty to filming himself violently sexually assaulting three minor children who were all under the age of 10 years old on April 10, 2024. The youngest was just two years old when the abuse started. Dennison’s sexual assaults came to light in 2022 when he posted images of child sexual abuse material on a public website. During a search warrant at Dennison’s Novi home in July 2022, HSI agents found his cellphone, which contained multiple files of Dennison’s horrific sexual abuse of the three children.
“This defendant was caregiver and preyed on the vulnerable children in his care. Our commitment to protecting children in our community and bringing to justice those who abuse them is unwavering. This sentence underscores that commitment, ” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Child rapists can manipulate their way into children’s lives and this perpetrator was convicted for monstrous acts against children in his care,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will never stop protecting and serving our community and seeking justice for victims. That being said these cases that prey upon innocent children are among the most difficult to investigate. I am ever grateful to our team for the work they do and I want to bring attention to the fact that these crimes tend to be hidden in plain sight. If you have information on suspected child exploitation, please report it to our tipline at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.”
This case was investigated by HSI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Diane Princ.
Former FBI Agent Indicted in Foreign Currency Trading ScamRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal grand jury has indicted Jeffrey A. Royer, 61, of Montrose, Colorado, for defrauding investors in a foreign currency (“forex”) trading scheme, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges Royer with one count of commodities fraud and one count of wire fraud.
According to the indictment and other court records, Royer was a Special Agent with the FBI from approximately 1996 to 2001. In 2005, Royer was convicted of federal securities fraud, among other charges, and was released from federal prison in 2012 after serving his sentence of imprisonment. From early 2020 through June 2023, Royer executed an investment fraud scheme involving his personal forex trading account. As part of the scheme, Royer fraudulently solicited and accepted over $1 million from various investors in the Eastern District of Michigan and elsewhere. He then misappropriated the money or lost it trading forex. Royer did not disclose the misappropriation or the extent of his trading losses. Instead, Royer concealed the truth from investors, including by providing investors with false monthly account statements that showed investment gains rather than the trading losses that Royer actually incurred.
“Investment fraud is simply a sophisticated means to steal people’s money,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our office has an unwavering commitment to prosecuting any and all fraudsters who take advantage of the residents of this District.”
“I am grateful to our FBI Michigan team, alongside members from the FBI Grand Junction Resident Agency and the Montrose Police Department in Colorado, for their investigative work and arrest in this case,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Today’s indictment of former FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Royer is important to ensure the public, regardless of an individual’s current or former profession, if you engage in foreign currency trading schemes, the FBI will investigate and arrest you.”
Law enforcement has identified many investors from southeast Michigan. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The defendant faces up to twenty-five years in prison on the commodities fraud charge and up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trevor Broad and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Flint Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Importing and Selling Illegal MacHinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
FLINT – A Flint man was sentenced today to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for illegally importing and selling machinegun conversion devices, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Detroit Field Division.
United States District Court Judge Shalina D. Kumar sentenced Yusef D. Hairston, 31, following his guilty plea to illegal possession and transfer of a machinegun on June 5, 2024. A machinegun conversion device is a device that, when integrated with a semi-automatic firearm, converts the firearm into a fully automatic machinegun. Under federal law, a machinegun conversion device is itself a machinegun. Judge Kumar also sentenced Hairston to two years of federal supervised release following his release from incarceration.
According to court records, in late 2022 and continuing into 2023, undercover ATF agents purchased various narcotics, firearms, and machinegun conversion devices from Dequan Hawkins. Eventually, Hawkins introduced the undercover ATF agents to Hairston, whom Hawkins identified as his source-of-supply for the machinegun conversion devices. Over the course of the next several months, Hairston sold the undercover ATF agents over 60 machinegun conversion devices. During this same time, Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol interdicted two shipments from China containing over 100 machinegun conversion devices destined for Hairston. In total, Hairston was held responsible for possessing, importing, and selling over 200 machinegun conversion devices.
“Machinegun conversion devices serve one purpose—to turn semi-automatic firearms into machineguns. And machineguns are inherently dangerous firearms, designed solely to inflict maximum harm in minimal time. There is simply no place for these dangerous weapons in our community,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Machinegun conversion devices pose a serious threat to our community’s safety and security. To be clear, these devices are NOT firearm accessories and are machineguns under federal law.” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Hairston made a choice to possess and profit from illegally modified firearms. In the end, I urge every Michigander contemplating experimenting with a machinegun conversion device to think twice about the serious consequences associated with this choice. I know for a fact that Mr. Hairston will be pondering this exact thought while he spends a considerable amount of time in prison for choosing to possess a machinegun conversion device. These devices are a clear and present danger to public safety and will be investigated and prosecuted as such.”
This case was investigated by special agents of the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Vance.
Former Pharmaceutical Executive Sentenced for Falsifying Financial DocumentationRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Northville man was sentenced Tuesday to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for providing a financial institution with false documentation in connection with a bank loan, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division
Theodore Toloff, 65, entered his guilty plea in January before United States District Judge David M. Lawson.
According to court records, Toloff served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Frank W. Kerr Company (“Kerr”), a now-defunct pharmaceutical wholesaler that was based in Novi, Michigan. Kerr had a revolving credit agreement with two large financial institutions under which the company borrowed funds up to $60 million pursuant to a calculation dependent on the company’s eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Toloff admitted that he submitted false documentation to the financial institutions that included $18 million in ineligible accounts receivable and that Kerr borrowed additional funds after this false documentation was submitted. The Court found that Toloff’s criminal conduct caused Kerr’s lenders to sustain a loss of $1.3 million, which Toloff was also ordered to pay back to the lenders as restitution.
“Corporate executives should be held to the same standard of honesty as anyone else when they interact with lending institutions,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “When individuals lie to lenders, those lies cause loans to become more difficult and more expensive for honest consumers and businesses to access. My office is committed to ensuring that those who engage in dishonest financial crimes are held accountable.”
"The defendant admitted to providing false documents to a financial institution, undermining the laws and integrity of our financial systems, said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI in Michigan. "The FBI works tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and regulatory agencies to investigate those who commit financial crimes. If you believe you have information related to financial crimes, I urge the public to submit tips on alleged crimes such as those detailed in this case to 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of investigation.
Former Certified Public Accountant Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Walled Lake resident and former Certified Public Accountant pleaded guilty today to evading approximately $318,000 in federal income taxes, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Detroit Field Office.
Paul Kozowicz, 75, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Kozowicz’s guilty plea arose out a scheme that, according to court papers, resulted in his intentional failure to report over 1.1 million dollars in taxable income to the Internal Revenue Service over a nine-year period.
According to the plea agreement, between approximately 2002 and 2011, Kozowicz worked as a full-time salaried employee providing accounting and financial services for a law firm in Birmingham, Michigan. In 2011, that firm reorganized, and Kozowicz became a part-time employee of the firm, making approximately 20% of his previous salary. To replace his lost income, Kozowicz became an independent contractor and provided accounting and consulting services to several other businesses.
Kozowicz formed a corporation called “FACS, Inc.,” which purported to be the entity that provided these accounting and consulting services. Kozowicz opened a bank account in the name of FACS, and Kozowicz’s customers deposited their payments for Kozowicz’s services into that account. However, Kozowicz did not declare any of the income he earned using the name FACS on any individual or corporate tax return between 2011 and 2019. Moreover, Kozowicz did not maintain any corporate books or records for FACS, nor did he observe or respect any other corporate formalities such as the State of Michigan’s annual corporate filing requirements.
In addition, according to the plea agreement, Kozowicz treated the monies deposited in the FACS account as his own, and used those monies freely for personal expenses and needs. Yet on his personal federal income tax returns the only income Kozowicz declared was his reduced law-firm salary and certain taxable social security receipts. FACS never filed a corporate tax return. Kozowicz further admitted that between 2011 and 2019, he earned approximately $1.15 million in unreported income through FACS and evaded payment of approximately $318,243 in tax due and owing on that income.
“Paul Kozowicz chose to enrich himself at the expense of the public by willfully concealing over a million dollars in taxable income from the IRS. As a financial professional, Kozowicz knew better. My office takes seriously anyone who evades their obligation to pay taxes, and today’s conviction reflects our commitment to identify and prosecute such offenders,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison.
“The license to run a business is not a license to avoid paying taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller. “Paul Kozowicz's blatant fraud, hiding income, and having his shell business pay his purely personal expenses, cheated all Americans, since we all pay our fair share for the government services and protections that we enjoy. CI remains dedicated to holding those accountable that refuse to play by the rules.”
Sentencing is set for January 21, 2025 before United States District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III. Kozowicz faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. He will be obligated to pay restitution of $318,243 to the IRS after sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John K. Neal. The investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Office.
Holly Man Sentenced to 85 Years for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT –A Holly man was sentenced yesterday to 85 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit.
In addition to the 85-year sentence, United States District Court Kay F. Behm sentenced Jeremy McCallum, 48, to 15 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
According to court documents, on January 31, 2020, law enforcement searched McCallum’s home for child sexually abusive material. The search resulted in the recovery of hard copies and digital files depicting years-long, horrific sexual abuse of three minor children by McCallum. McCallum abused one minor female for the better part of a decade, documenting his abuse of her on VHS tape, on his cell phone, and in Polaroid pictures. He abused another minor female when she was an infant, recording his sexual abuse of her on VHS tape and on his cell phone. Finally, on a VHS tape, an FBI agent located an instance of sexual abuse that McCallum committed against a minor male.
Following years of litigation, McCallum pleaded guilty, on June 18, 2024, to all the charges in the indictment, including ten counts of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.
“This defendant committed monstrous crimes. This prosecution and sentence should send a strong message to child predators: you will suffer severe consequences if you harm our children,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
"The despicable acts of sexual exploitation, especially against children, are amongst the most horrific crimes investigated by our office," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The sentencing of Jeremy McCallum is a direct result of the collaborative efforts between the Michigan State Police and the FBI, Oakland County Resident Agency. This sentencing sends a clear and stern warning to those who believe they can prey on our most vulnerable population and evade justice. The successful prosecution by the United States Attorney's Office of Eastern Michigan is a crucial step in the healing process for those victimized by Mr. McCallum's deplorable and heinous actions."
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Michigan State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Tara Hindelang.
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison Alerts Public to Charity Scams in Wake of Hurricane HeleneRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the public should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “As we often see when natural disasters occur, criminals will target those impacted and concerned citizens ready to lend a helping hand. The Justice Department stands ready to hold those accountable who perpetrate this type of fraud.”
On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.
The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
- Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
- Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
- Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
- Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
- Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
- Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NH Learning Solutions Corporation Agrees to Pay $975,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Suit for Allegedly Inflating Post 9/11 GI-Bill Tuition BenefitsRead the Press Release
DETROIT –The Justice Department announced today that NH Learning Solutions Corp. (NHLS) has agreed to pay $975,000 to resolve allegations in a lawsuit that it submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for inflated educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill). The United States filed suit against NHLS under the False Claims Act (FCA) in December 2022, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Detroit-based NHLS provided technology-focused, non-college degree programs at locations across the Midwest and Northeast.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed to support the educational needs of our veterans, not to permit schools to illegally profit at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement shows that the Justice Department will hold schools accountable for violating program requirements and submitting inflated claims for payment.”
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are part of our Nation’s promise to the brave men and women who have served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “My office is committed to protecting the integrity of our federal programs to ensure the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.”
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA pays tuition and fees directly to qualifying schools on behalf of enrolled students. For veteran students properly enrolled in a course, the VA pays the actual net cost for tuition and fees charged by the school, after it has applied any scholarships, waivers, grants or other assistance designed to defray the cost of tuition and fees, which is known as the “Last Payer Rule.” The Rule ensures that the VA is the payer of last resort and receives the benefit of any tuition-based, financial support available to a student.
The government’s amended complaint alleged that NHLS knowingly submitted false claims for inflated tuition and fees, in violation of the Last Payer Rule, at five NHLS locations in Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. More specifically, the government alleged that NHLS repeatedly reported tuition and fees to the VA on student invoices, where it failed to deduct the tuition scholarships, grants, or waivers it provided to certain veterans, thereby causing the VA to overpay NHLS for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI-Bill for these veterans.
“Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority, and our investigators are working diligently in the field to ensure these programs are not exploited for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the Justice Department for its efforts in this investigation.”
The lawsuit is captioned United States v. NH Learning Solutions Corp., No. 2:22-cv-13045 (E.D. Mich.). The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with substantive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
The United States was represented in this matter by Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Wilson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Gentner of the Eastern District of Michigan.
The claims asserted against defendant are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Former President of Ypsilanti Steelworkers Union Pleads Guilty to Stealing $58,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The former President of Steelworkers, Local 2513, in Ypsilanti has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $58,000 in union funds, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement is Thomas Murray, District Director of the Detroit-Milwaukee District Office of the Department of Labor-Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Dilanjan Miller, 37, pleaded guilty to the one count of bank fraud charged in an information filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. United States District Judge Laurie Michelson accepted his guilty plea and set the matter for sentencing on February 6, 2025.
According to the facts alleged in the information and further developed at the plea hearing, USW Local 2513 represented machine operators, inspectors, stock chasers, and rackers at Marsh Plating in Ypsilanti. Miller was elected President of Local 2513 in April 2018. Miller also assumed all financial duties of Local 2513 as acting Financial Secretary and Treasurer. While President, Acting Financial Secretary, and Acting Treasurer of the union, Miller embezzled approximately $47,347 of union funds in the custody and control of the Bank of Ann Arbor by issuing approximately 38 unauthorized checks to himself and forging the signature of the second signatory on 20 of those checks; issuing approximately 4 unauthorized checks made payable to a family member; and making approximately 2 unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s bank account.
Miller also used the union’s Bank of Ann Arbor debit card as his own personal debit card. He made at least 184 unauthorized personal purchases, totaling approximately $11,259. His purchases with the union’s debit card included flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, and retail purchases. For example, Miller used the debit card to pay for five flights to Florida, Las Vegas, and Atlanta and for rental cars in Florida and Atlanta. Miller also used the debit card at a jewelry store and several footwear shops.
Miller is facing a maximum of 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge.
U.S. Attorney Ison commended the work of the Department of Labor in conducting this criminal investigation of a corrupt union officer and said, “Union officials are expected to serve with integrity. This prosecution demonstrates that we will not tolerate union officers who abuse their authority and line their own pockets at the expense of the union’s membership. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out corruption and fraud involving unions.”
“Dilanjan Miller violated the trust placed in him to be a good steward of union funds by embezzling over $58,000 from Steelworkers Local 2513 that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Thomas Murray, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “OLMS is committed to holding accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position in a union for personal gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen. The investigation of this case was conducted by the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards.
U. S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison Announces over $66 Million in Justice Department Grants to Address and Support the Needs of Residents of the Eastern District of MichiganRead the Press Release
DETROIT – U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison today announced awards of $66,443,451 in Department of Justice grants to help support a variety of victim assistance programs, emergency management programs, and tribal governments. The grants awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs also included tools to reduce violent crime in the Eastern District of Michigan.
United States Attorney Ison stated, “These awards reflect the many ways that the Department of Justice is engaged to improve the lives of the residents of this District. We are proud to support the work of our state, local, tribal, and community partners across our District and our whole state in a wide range of activities including reducing violent crime, assisting crime victims, supporting tribal governments, and protecting the rights of those who may have been wrongfully accused of crimes.”
Some of the recipients include:
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan received $899,993.00. The tribe is a federally recognized tribe located in central Michigan. With this funding the tribe will implement supports for permanent supportive housing for residents in substance use disorder recovery.
County of Washtenaw, the City of Saginaw, Alternatives for Girls, Sisters Against Abuse Society, Eleven24 Inc., Human Development Commission, Underground Railroad and Sasha Center, Inc. all received awards, totaling nearly $3.8 million, to support community-based programs assisting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
FORCE Detroit (Faithfully Organizing Resources for Community Empowerment). FORCE Detroit is a culmination of interfaith, grassroots, and public sector leaders committed to having hard conversations about complex community issues. FORCE Detroit received $1,999,998.00. Through this award, FORCE Detroit will implement The Keepers community violence intervention (CVI) program in Detroit. The purpose is to expand and enhance evidence-based and innovative practices that reduce and prevent gun violence in the city’s Warrendale Cody Rouge neighborhood.
Common Ground. Common Ground, nationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive crisis service agencies in the country, received $950,000.00. Through this award, Common Ground Assistance Program will implement the Multi-County Comprehensive Services for Human Trafficking Victims project. The purpose of this project is to sustain, expand, and strengthen victim services for adult and youth human trafficking victims of all genders.
Holocaust Memorial Center. The Holocaust Memorial Center received $1,100,000.00. The Center’s Security Sector and Law Enforcement Professional Education Program provides educational opportunities about the Holocaust and preventing atrocities to the specific needs of local and state security law enforcement agencies. Through this award, the Center’s program will increase outreach activities to develop new partnerships with security sector agencies resulting in at least 2,500 new participants from throughout the state.
County of Washtenaw. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office received funding to support the work of its Conviction Integrity and Expungement Unit, which investigates claims of actual innocence to determine whether new, credible, material evidence not previously addressed by any court supports those claims and supports expungement efforts in Washtenaw County.
University of Michigan. In receiving two awards totaling just under $2 million, the University of Michigan will 1) research and evaluate on firearm violence and mass shootings by conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Storage Campaign in schools across Michigan, and 2) conduct a study on community perception of safety in Detroit.
Michigan State University. MSU received over $2 million for research and development in forensic science for criminal justice purposes.
City of Detroit. The Detroit Police Department received $300,000 to expand its National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and Detroit Crime Gun Intelligence Center that has proven successful at establishing potential links between multiple crime scenes where the same firearm was used.
Michigan Health and Human Services (DHHS). With this award DHHS will improve engagement with youth and family members throughout the juvenile justice system.
Michigan State Police (MSP). This award will help law enforcement agencies undertake the Mid-Michigan Law Enforcement Modernization Plan by will allow to make critical upgrades to equipment, technology, patrol vehicles and vessels.
Genesee County. The Global Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) is a critical piece of law enforcement working to protect communities from the threat of sexual predators. Through this grant, GHOST will continue its efforts in combatting human trafficking and the opioid epidemic.
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
For the full list of organizations receiving funding please see attached.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN AWARDS
County of WashtenawEnhancing Investigation and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking (EIP) Initiative$497,630.00Ann ArborMICity of SaginawEnhancing Investigation and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking (EIP) Initiative$448,723.00SaginawMICommon GroundServices for Victims of Human Trafficking$950,000.00Bloomfield HillsMICommunity Health and Social Services Center, INCLegal Assistance for Victims$749,955.00DetroitMIAvalon Healing CenterExpanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations$500,000.00DetroitMISara's House PlaceMeeting Basic Needs of Underserved Crime Victims$199,988.00DetroitMICounty of MacombTraining and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Women Later in Life Program$750,000.00Mount ClemensMIAlternatives for GirlsGrants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$450,000.00DetroitMISisters Against Abuse SocietyGrants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$450,000.00WestlandMIEleven24 Inc.Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$475,000.00DetroitMIHuman Development CommissionTransitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$500,000.00CaroMIUnderground RailroadTransitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$460,005.00SaginawMISasha Center Inc.Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program$475,000.00DetroitMIHolocaust Memorial CenterProvide educational opportunities about the Holocaust$1,100,000.00Farmington HillsMICity Farmington HillsTraining in Emergency Vehicle Operations$65,000.00Farmington HillsMICity of UticaUpgrade current police camera systems, including body-cameras$153,000.00UticaMIVillage of MilfordEquip each officer with a body-worn camera, patrol vehicles with updated in-car cameras, establish a joint de-escalation and response to resistance program$161,000.00MilfordMIGenesee CountyCombatting human trafficking and the opioid epidemic$963,000.00FlintMISaginaw Chippewa Indian TribeImplement supports for permanent supportive housing residents in substance use disorder recovery$899,993.00Mount PleasantMIWayne CountyPostconviction Testing DNA Evidence$246,309.00DetroitMICounty of OaklandDNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)$436,925.00PontiacMICounty of WashtenawUpholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program$600,000.00Ann ArborMIForce DetroitOffice of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Site-Based$1,999,998.00DetroitMICity of Sterling HeightsCollaborative Crisis Response and Intervention Training Program$244,608.00Sterling HeightsMIUniversity of MichiganMeasurement of Community Perceptions$999,999.00Ann ArborMIUniversity of MichiganResearch and Evaluation on Firearm Violence and Mass Shootings$998,907.00Ann ArborMICity of JacksonProject Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program$336,940.00JacksonMICity of DetroitLocal Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Cetner Integration Initiative$300,000.00DetroitMICounty of WashtenawFamily Treatment Court Program$750,000.00Ann ArborMICounty of GeneseeAdult Treatment Court Program$763,185.00FlintMISTATEWIDE GRANTS
Michigan Health and Human ServicesVOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant$2,680,000.00LansingMIMichigan Health and Human ServicesVOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant$22,802,629.00LansingMIMichigan Health and Human ServicesSexual Assault Services Formula Program$1,077,536.00LansingMIMichigan Health and Human ServicesSTOP Formula Grant Program$4,615,493.00LansingMIMichigan Health and Human ServicesBuilding Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success$825,000.00LansingMIMichigan Health and Human ServicesJuvenile Justice System Reform and Reinvestment Initiative$1,323,816.00LansingMIMichigan Department of Attorney GeneralPostconviction Testing DNA Evidence$246,275.00LansingMIMichigan State UniversityState Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers$41,431.00East LansingMIMichigan State UniversityResearch and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes$2,062,069.00East LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganEmergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance (EFLEA)$83,625.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganResidential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program$839,464.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganIntellectual Property Enforcement Program: Protecting Public Health, Safety, and the Economy from Counterfeit Goods and Product Piracy$323,365.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganNational Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) Supplemental Funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act$1,987,245.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganDNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)$2,257,585.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganSupport for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program$238,061.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganMake critical upgrades to equipment, technology, patrol vehicles and vessels, to ensure the enduring efficacy of mid-Michigan’s law enforcement$963,000.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganProject Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program$188,638.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganPaul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program$608,161.00LansingMIDepartment of State Police MichiganByrne Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation$4,573,367.00LansingMIFinal Victory Inn Defendant Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Terry Pruitt, a conspirator in the sex and drug trafficking organization that operated out of the former Victory Inn hotel in Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison last week based on his conviction on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement was Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar.
This sentencing is the final in the eight-year case in which the following defendants were sentenced to over 116 years collectively.
Darrick Dernard Bell – 28 years
Shelvie Lewis Avery – 19 years
Janette Gaggo Tawfik – 10 years
Michael Anthony Randol – 15 years
Bryant Edward Daugherty – 7 years 3 months
Charles Thomas Ford – 12 years
Harold Lashawn Nero – 9 years 7 months
Terry Pruitt – 15 years 8 months
Pruitt pleaded guilty in March 2021 to charges stemming from the operation of a large-scale drug and prostitution business operating out of the Victory Inn, a motel formerly located next to the main drag for prostitution on Michigan Avenue. Specifically, Pruitt, a longtime drug dealer, helped satiate the demand of the vulnerable human-trafficking victims for crack cocaine and heroin at the Victory Inn. Pruitt engaged in both drug and human trafficking at the motel while co-defendant Darrick Bell’s drug trafficking conspiracy essentially ran the Victory Inn.
“This final sentencing brings to an end the years-long investigation and prosecution of this pernicious drug and sex trafficking organization,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of the agents and prosecutors who worked so diligently to bring these individuals to justice.”
“This case spanned 8 years, and thanks to our U.S. Attorney’s office we have the sentencing of the final defendant,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “Throughout this investigation our agents and law enforcement partners remained steadfast in their commitment to those impacted by this criminal organization. I commend our law enforcement team for their perseverance in the pursuit of justice and their dedication to protecting our communities.”
The investigation was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Roth, Jerome Gorgon, Blake Hatlem, and Lisandra Fernandez-SilberRa Medical Systems, Inc. & Physicians Pay over $8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Illegal KickbacksRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today a series of three civil settlements, totaling over $8 million, related to, among other allegations, kickbacks that medical device company Ra Medical Systems, Inc. (Ra Medical), paid to various physicians across the country related to Ra Medical’s DABRA laser.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.
Ra Medical was a medical device company that was formerly headquartered in Carlsbad, California. From 2017-2019, Ra Medical manufactured and sold a device known as the DABRA Laser. The settlement with Ra Medical resolves the following alleged violations of the False Claims Act:
- Ra Medical marketed the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomies, a procedure whereby plaque is mechanically removed from occluded blood vessels in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, had not approved the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomy procedures.
- Additionally, Ra Medical knowingly marketed the DABRA Laser despite product performance issues causing frequent calibration and overheating problems, which posed a risk to physicians and patients, and prompted a recall in August 2019.
- Ra Medical also knowingly offered and paid illegal remuneration to certain physicians to induce them to use the DABRA Laser in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States contends that the illegal remuneration consisted of cash payments and fees paid in connection with purported training events and consulting services. The United States further contends that RMS tracked utilization of its high-volume physician customers using an internal document titled “Who Deserve[] Love,” which was used to identify physicians that RMS should target with offers of improper remuneration. Two of the recipients of the alleged kickback payments were Elias Kassab, M.D. (Kassab), of Dearborn, Michigan, and David Allie, M.D. (Allie), of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that a medical provider’s judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives.
Under the terms of the agreement with Ra Medical, which was entered into pursuant to DOJ’s inability to pay settlement guidelines and was executed in December 2020, Ra Medical paid $2.5 million up front and would pay up to $28 million more if future financial contingencies were met. In January 2023, Ra Medical paid an additional $5 million, after its reverse merger with Catheter Precision, Inc., triggered one of the contingencies.
The settlement with Ra Medical remained under seal while the United States continued its investigation into Kassab and Allie, among others, who were alleged to have received improper kickbacks. In a separate settlement, Kassab and two of his companies agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve the allegations against them. In the third settlement, Allie and his consulting company agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the allegations against them.
“The United States will not allow doctors to hold out their hands expecting to be paid to use and promote a device,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “The millions of people who depend on our federal healthcare programs deserve and expect medical decisions untainted by kickbacks, and this settlement reflects our commitment to pursuing not just the companies that pay illegal kickbacks, but also the physicians who willingly extract and accept them.”
“The payment of kickbacks to induce referrals can undermine the trust in our nation’s providers and result in costly reductions to our federal health care programs," said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.”
“Healthcare services are being unlawfully influenced by medical providers engaging in criminal kickback schemes, significantly impacting programs such as Medicare and Medicaid," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Our office is fully committed to investigating and holding accountable those individuals and organizations involved in illegal profit-driven practices that harm our medical system.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of healthcare fraud.”
The civil settlements resolve the claims brought by Robert Gruber, under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Gruber v. Ra Medical Systems, Inc., et al., No. 19-12044 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive a combined $1,722,000 from the three settlements. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonny Zajac of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Former Inkster Mayor Pleads Guilty to Agreeing to Accept $100,000 in BribesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The former Mayor of the City of Inkster pleaded guilty to bribery, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Patrick Wimberly, 50, of Inkster, served as the Mayor of the City of Inkster, Michigan, from 2019 through 2023. In the spring of 2022, Wimberly demanded $100,000 in cash payments to facilitate the sale of property owned by the City to an outside party (referred to as “Person A”). Over several months, Person A provided Wimberly with monthly cash bribes to secure the purchase of this property. The monthly payments started at $5,000 but the parties agreed to eventually increase that amount. After the initial bribes, Wimberly explained that he was ready to increase the payments. Person A agreed. But when Person A later did not provide the amount Wimberly expected, Wimberly complained that he was due “10$ a month.” Person A then increased the monthly payments to $10,000. In total, Person A provided $50,000 in cash to Wimberly for the purpose of winning the bid for subject property. The Federal Bureau of Investigation intervened before the property could be transferred to Person A.
The bribery charge, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
“Public officials who act in their own best interests, motivated by greed, betray the trust of their communities and the general public,” United States Attorney Ison said. “ We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions.”
“Investigating public corruption is a primary concern and priority of the FBI in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The former City of Inkster mayor, Patrick Wimberly’s guilty plea is a step forward in reminding public officials that they will be held accountable for their actions and should always operate with the highest level of integrity. Members of the FBI’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force will continue to investigate any allegations of criminal misconduct from our public officials, in an effort to maintain the public’s trust.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
U.S. Department of Justice and Hartland Consolidated School District Extend Agreement to Protect Students from Racial HarassmentRead the Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice and Hartland Consolidated School District Extend Agreement to Protect Students from Racial Harassment
Today, the United States Department of Justice entered into a two-year agreement with Hartland Consolidated School District to strengthen Hartland’s ongoing response to allegations of student-on-student racial harassment.
In July 2022, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan entered into a letter of resolution with Hartland to resolve an investigation into student-on-student harassment. The underlying complaint alleged that Hartland failed to address pervasive race-based harassment of black students in the district. Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 authorizes the Department of Justice to address complaints that a school is depriving students of equal protection based on race, color, and other protected characteristics. Hartland cooperated fully with the investigation.
Through the July 2022 letter of resolution, Hartland voluntarily agreed to take several steps to address concerns raised during the investigation. As described in that letter, the Department of Justice reviewed Hartland’s compliance at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The Department of Justice determined that the compliance period should be extended for an additional two years to continue Hartland’s efforts. Under the new agreement, Hartland will also take additional steps during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
The extension agreement builds on Hartland’s previous efforts, adding more training for staff to identify and respond to racial harassment. Hartland also agreed to conduct age-appropriate, district-wide training programs for students, focused on preventing racial harassment and improving the school environment. Hartland further agreed to enhance its logging and response to allegations of racial harassment and to provide supportive measures to any affected students.
“I applaud the measures already taken by Hartland to address student-on-student racial harassment, but more needs to be done. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Hartland to strengthen their response to racial harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We commend Hartland Consolidated School District for its willingness to improve the learning environment for all students.”
“Our public schools have a duty to foster a safe and welcoming learning environment for students,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “No student should have to endure racial slurs, derogatory treatment, or threats in a school. Racial harassment undermines a student’s chance to succeed and has no place in our Nation’s schools.”
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunita Doddamani of the Civil Rights Unit of the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the Extension Agreement with the Hartland Consolidated School District, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights. Civil rights complaints may be emailed to [email protected] or by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office’s civil rights hotline at (313) 226-9151.
The Educational Opportunities Section of the Civil Rights Division leads enforcement of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additional information about the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement to Ensure Effective Communication at McLaren Health Care Corporation Facilities Throughout MichiganRead the Press Release
DETROIT – McLaren Health Care Corporation (McLaren) has agreed to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan to resolve its investigation under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. McLaren owns and operates multiple hospitals and outpatient health centers throughout the state of Michigan, including through its subsidiary, the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The U.S. Attorney’s Office opened the investigation into McLaren after receiving complaints about the provision at multiple facilities of auxiliary aids and services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. McLaren fully cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.
The settlement agreement requires McLaren to provide auxiliary aids and services free of charge to ensure effective communication with their patients and their companions, consistent with the ADA. Under the terms of the settlement, McLaren will provide a combined $220,000 in monetary relief to fourteen affected individuals. McLaren will also review its policies and, as necessary, revise its policies to be consistent with the ADA’s requirements regarding effective communication and the terms of the settlement agreement. McLaren will enhance existing notices within their facilities to clearly alert patients and their companions of the availability of ASL interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services free of charge. Furthermore, McLaren will contract with additional vendors to provide both virtual and in-person interpretive services as needed. McLaren will also train its staff on its updated policies and will report any future complaints from individuals who have disabilities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“It is critical that patients who are deaf or hard of hearing have the ability to communicate effectively with their health care providers,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said. “McLaren and its staff provide medical services to individuals throughout Michigan, including many rural areas with limited access to care. Therefore, I am especially proud of this resolution and what it means for equal access to health care.”
The investigation was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael El-Zein and Sunita Doddamani of the Civil Rights Unit.
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or visit www.ada.gov.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation can submit a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan by email at [email protected] or by phone at (313) 226-9151. Complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal.
Nine Individuals Indicted in $28 Million Illegal Opioid Distribution Conspiracy Three Doctors and A Clinic Owner Among Those IndictedRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging nine individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
U.S. Attorney Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
Charged in the indictment are:
Dr. Charles Wasson, 70, Orchard Lake, MI Dr. Maurice Potts, 65, Detroit, MI
Dr. Bruce Kaplan, 83, Commerce Township, MI
Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), 55, Detroit, MI Desiree King, 41, Sterling Heights, MI
Lanise Gortman, 53, Warren, MI Aaron Thomas, 42, Southfield, MI Valecia Logan, 33, Detroit, MI and Antoine Arnold, 38, Mt. Clemens, MIThe indictment alleges that from June 2021 through September 2024, Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), owner of P&A Aftercare, located in Southfield, Michigan, hired Drs. Charles Wasson, Maurice Potts, and Bruce Kaplan to issue controlled substance prescriptions for a cadre of “fake” patients, without medical necessity and outside the usual course of professional medical practice, in exchange for cash payments. According to the indictment, the “fake” patients were recruited by Lanise Gortman, Aaron Thomas, Valecia Logan, and Antoine Arnold. These recruiters would fill the prescription at area pharmacies and sell the controlled substances on the street. The indictment further alleges that Desiree King ran the front office at P&A Aftercare and worked closely with the recruiters to facilitate the issuance of the controlled substance prescriptions.
The primary prescription controlled substances illegally prescribed by the doctors named in the indictment included Schedule II controlled substances Oxycodone, Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet), and Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Norco). While most of the unlawful controlled substance prescriptions were paid for in cash, both controlled and non-controlled
“maintenance” medications were billed to health care benefit programs by pharmacies. It is also alleged that billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary prescription drug medications and maintenance medications during this conspiracy exceeded
$20 million.The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisandra Fernandez-Silber and Regina R. McCullough. The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative to combat the opioid epidemic.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Farmington Hills Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Stealing Cars from SilverdomeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Farmington Hills man was sentence to 8 years in prison for conspiring to steal Volkswagen and Audi vehicles from a lot in Pontiac yesterday, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County.
In April, after a 13-day trial, a jury convicted Romane Porter, 47, of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and transportation of stolen vehicles. The evidence presented during trial showed that for approximately six months in 2017, Porter and co-defendant Daniel Onorati conspired with each other and others to steal approximately 61 recalled Volkswagen and Audi cars that were parked at the site of the former Pontiac Silverdome.
“This defendant orchestrated a large-scale conspiracy to brazenly steal recalled vehicles and sell them across state lines,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “This sentence reflects the seriousness with which we address fraud, and the work done to achieve the result in this case further demonstrates the strong collaboration and coordination between our local and federal law enforcement partners.”
In addition to the 97-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood ordered Porter to pay
$683,080 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon release from prison.
"The sentencing of Romane Porter sends a stark reminder that those individuals who conspire to commit fraud and theft, will face the highest penalties under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The joint investigative work of the FBI's Detroit Fraud & Financial Crimes Task Force, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft unit, and the diligent prosecution from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan, disrupted an elaborate theft scheme orchestrated by this bad actor. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate and arrest individuals who engage in criminal acts.”
“I am grateful for the partnership between our Auto Theft Unit, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office who brought this organized auto theft activity to a close,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “These individuals were bold in their behavior in stealing such a large volume of vehicles from a well-known location. These criminals deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit. The team was also assisted by the Special Investigations Section, Office of Investigative Services of the Michigan Department of State, as well as the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trevor Broad and Louis Meizlish
One Detroit Partnership Releases Results of Enhanced Summer Enforcement EffortsRead the Press Release
ONE DETROIT PARTNERSHIP RELEASES RESULTS OF
ENHANCED SUMMER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
DETROIT – Today, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison, along with Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy and Detroit Police Chief James E. White reported on the ongoing violence reduction work being done by the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership and announced the results of that work as of Labor Day. One Detroit is a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime.
Joining in the announcement were the One Detroit Executive Team, which includes Alvin Stokes, President, Citywide Citizens Police Community Relations, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Bishop Edgar Vann, II, Second Ebenezer Church, Special Agent in Charge James Deir, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kenyatta Stephens, CEO Black Family Development, Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, Beverly Smith, Assistant Deputy Director, Operations Office, Michigan Department of Corrections, Bishop Daryl Harris, from Ceasefire Detroit, and Dr. Chris Melde from Michigan State University.
Results
The One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership continues to work year-round to lower the amount of violence in the city. This work is organized into three pillars: prevention, enforcement, and reentry.
As a result of the work done throughout the city, in 2023, Detroit finished the year with the lowest number of homicides since 1957. This year, as of Labor Day, the city of Detroit has had 20% fewer homicides than last year at this time. The reduction in non-fatal shootings is even more dramatic—an almost 25% drop in non-fatal shootings. In terms of lives impacted, this means that there have been 182 fewer victims of violence in Detroit than there were at this time a year ago.
Summer Initiative
The One Detroit partners again worked together to address violence during the summer months, focusing particularly on the 8th and 9th precincts and the city’s parks. The initiative began on Memorial Day and ended on Labor Day. One part of the effort was an enforcement strategy designed to prosecute the most violent individuals in federal court when that was possible. This effort resulted in 23 cases being accepted for prosecution in federal court. All of those cases involved the illegal possession of firearms. During the investigations of these offenses, 26 guns were seized. ATF has now analyzed those guns and determined that 14 of them were crime guns linked through ballistics to 42 other crimes including non-fatal shootings and a homicide.
The One Detroit partnership also engaged in preventing crime in the targeted areas through Peacenics, a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement where we shared in food, fellowship, and fun in the name of peace. The events featured 70 vendors offering a variety of resources, including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial, and career development. The Peacenics allowed residents to have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives. Thousands of Detroit residents attended the two Peacenics held in O’Hair Park and at Heilmann Recreation Center.
Finally, the One Detroit partnership also focused on reentry as a way of preventing recidivism by empowering returning citizens to become stable, contributing members of the Detroit community. So far, more than 170 returning citizens participated in community roundtables intended to provide motivation and insight about taking advantage of second chances after a criminal conviction. At the events, family members of probationers were also invited to participate in breakout sessions to discuss barriers to stability. One Detroit partners also assisted with employment needs and helped connect attendees with resources.
United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison stated, “Make no mistake, violent crime is down. It is down dramatically. This is great news and shows that we are moving in the right direction. But please don’t mistake this for a celebration. The amount of violence in this city is still unacceptable. And we will not stop this work until we can make every neighborhood in Detroit safe from violence.”
Deputy Mayor Bettison stated, “The One Detroit Partnership continues to be effective at bringing all stakeholders to the table. U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison has led this effort at bringing federal, state, local, community, and religious organizations to address violent crime on the east and west side of Detroit. After three years of this partnership, we continue to see violent crime decrease year after year. Violent crime in the City of Detroit is at historic lows, and the numbers haven’t been this low since the 1960’s.”
“I want to thank U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison and our One Detroit partners for their work to make Detroit safer this summer,” said Chief James E. White. “We continue to see results from addressing violence with multiple layers of strategy and community partnership, and look forward to future work together to improve on our success.”
“There will always be people who will criticize efforts to reduce crime in Detroit,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “We must be undeterred as we continue to drive down gun crime and other violent crimes. We will continue to work as partners with our local, state and federal agencies to protect our communities. We must also ensure that community prevention programs are continued and supported. This is an equally important part of what we are doing.”
The One Detroit Partnership will be holding Community Huddles to report these results to the residents in the 8th and 9th Precincts in the upcoming weeks. The dates of the Community Huddles are:
- 8th Precinct, September 30th, at 6:30 P.M.
- 9th Precinct, September 25th, at 6:00 P.M.
Kimball Township Men Sentenced to 50 Years for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Two Kimball Township men were each sentenced to 50 years for sexually exploiting children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Douglas Zloto, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service.
Austin Ray Sabb-Visga, 30, and Todd Allen Sabb-Visga, 48, both of Kimball Township, Michigan, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson, after having pleaded guilty in May 2024.
The Sabb-Visgas sexually exploited children entrusted to their care and videotaped their abuse. Austin Sabb-Visga also distributed videos of the abuse to Todd Sabb-Visga and others. In June 2023, Michigan State Police and the United States Secret Service were alerted to the Sabb-Visgas’ crimes after a tipster informed the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Austin Sabb-Visga sent an image of child pornography. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Sabb-Visgas’ home, seizing several cell phones. Forensic examination of the devices revealed the prolific abuse of one child over the course of at least a year and the exploitation of at least two other children.
In addition to their federal convictions, the Sabb-Visgas also pleaded guilty in St. Clair County to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. They were each sentenced to 50 years in prison for their state crimes.
“These sentences should send a strong message to these defendants and others like them who exploit our children behind closed doors and online,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “For those who refuse to heed this message, we will search high and low for you.”
“The Secret Service would like to recognize the dedicated personnel of the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their tenacity in identifying child predators and delivering justice for the victims of this case – which we know can never be enough,” stated Douglas Zloto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Detroit Field Office. “We are especially thankful for our partnership on the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and for the strong support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who work tirelessly
to deliver justice for the most vulnerable of victims – those who are defenseless against the worst among us. Hopefully, these sentences provide a clear deterrent to other who are thinking about committing crimes against children.”
This case was investigated by the Secret Service and the Michigan State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Hindelang and Doug Salzenstein.
Detroit Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl Causing Multiple Overdoses; Faces 20 years to LifeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal jury convicted a Detroit man of distributing fentanyl that caused the deaths of two individuals and seriously injured another, and other drug-related crimes yesterday, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.
Following a two-week trial before U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson, Melvin Lamar Triplett, 42, was convicted of distributing crack cocaine and fentanyl, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and causing serious bodily injury to another. He was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl. Evidence at trial showed that in November 2022, Triplett distributed fentanyl-laced crack cocaine that caused the overdoses. DEA investigators traced the lethal drugs back to Triplett, a previously convicted drug dealer.
“Our office will vigorously pursue drug traffickers who push dangerous drugs like fentanyl into our communities with indifference to the deadly harm it inflicts,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “This verdict is a result of outstanding teamwork between the Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple local police agencies from the start of their investigation through its finish.”
“The sentencing of Melvin Triplett, whose criminal activities led to the deaths of two individuals, is a clear example that this behavior will never be tolerated,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Greene. “Two people lost their lives and their families are suffering due to this poison being accessible. We will continue to investigate and hold these offenders accountable to keep our communities and residents safe.”
Triplett is facing a mandatory 20-year prison sentence, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Casey and Eaton Brown.
U.s. Attorney’s Office to Work with Local Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
U.S. Justice Department Designates Saginaw in the Eastern District of Michigan Under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act, Prioritizing Firearms Prosecutions of Domestic
Violence Offenders
BAY CITY – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.
“According to available National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, Saginaw has one of the highest rates of firearm violence against intimate partners in the state, and our office is committed to use all the tools in our toolbox to partner with local and federal law enforcement and community organizations to reduce firearm-related domestic violence in Saginaw and across the Eastern District of Michigan,” stated U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18
U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.
In the Eastern District of Michigan, Saginaw has been designated.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community
designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Contact with Inmate and Contraband SmugglingRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Cara Wozniak, a former Corrections Officer at the Milan, Michigan Federal Correctional Institution (FCI Milan), pleaded guilty today to sexual contact with an inmate and smuggling contraband into the prison, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by William J. Hannah, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General.
Wozniak, 33, entered pleas of guilty to one count of sexual contact with a ward and one count of providing contraband in prison. Federal law and prison rules prohibit all sexual interaction between staff members and inmates, as well as the introduction or possession of contraband in prison. Contraband is defined as prohibited materials which can reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or adversely affect the security, safety, or good order of the institution.
United States Attorney Ison stated “Corrections Officers are entrusted with the critical responsibility of managing the security of our federal prisons. Ms. Wozniak’s conduct in this case was an abuse of that trust and created a security risk for everyone at the institution. Sexual contact between inmates and Corrections Officers is never acceptable, nor is the smuggling of contraband into prison. My office takes such cases seriously and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
According to the plea agreement, Wozniak began working as a Corrections Officer at FCI Milan in November 2002. The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides comprehensive training for new Corrections Officers, during which is made abundantly clear that any type of sexual interaction between guards and inmates is absolutely prohibited, as is the smuggling of contraband into a prison.
Court documents state that on two occasions in the fall of 2023, Wozniak engaged in sexual intercourse with an inmate (identified as “Inmate-1” in the plea agreement) who was under her custody and control. Wozniak also purchased pouches of loose tobacco for Inmate-1 from a smoke shop in Milan and smuggled them into the prison for him. Inmate-1 requested these items from Wozniak so he could sell the tobacco in prison at a significant profit. Inmate-1 offered to pay Wozniak for the contraband she smuggled into the prison for him. In September 2023, Wozniak purchased a gold necklace which she secretly brought into the prison and gave to Inmate-1. Both the tobacco and the necklace are prohibited items within FCI Milan, and as such are classified as contraband under federal law.
Sentencing is set for February 5, 2025, before United States District Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey. Wozniak faces a statutory maximum term of 15 years imprisonment on the charge of sexual contact with a ward, and six months on the charge of providing contraband in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Eaton P. Brown. The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General.
Harper Woods Resident Arrested for Deadly Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Harper Woods resident was arrested today for distributing drugs laced with fentanyl that killed three Grosse Pointe Woods residents in June 2023, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and John G. Kosanke, Director of Public Safety, City of Grosse Pointe Woods.
Arrested was Aerian Porter-Craig, 32.
According to the complaint, Porter-Craig had regularly sold drugs to the three victims prior to the fatal incident. On the evening of June 9, 2023, Porter-Craig delivered drugs to Adult Victim 1 (AV-1) and AV-2 at AV-1’s house in Grosse Pointe Woods. Porter-Craig also made a separate delivery to AV-3 at her house in Grosse Pointe Woods. Outgoing communications from all three victims’ phones stopped shortly after Porter-Craig had been to each house. At AV-1’s house, police found a tray next to AV-2’s body with a rolled up twenty-dollar bill and white powder that tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. At AV-3’s house, police found a tray next to AV-3’s body with a straw and a white powder that contained fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine. Text messages indicate that the victims thought they were buying cocaine.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner determined that AV-1 and AV-2 died from fentanyl toxicity, and AV-3 had died from fentanyl and xylazine toxicity. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer unsafe for human consumption but is sometimes mixed with fentanyl by drug traffickers.
“Three young people lost their lives as fentanyl continues to ravage our communities,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “Fentanyl is everywhere, which means there is no such thing as safe use of illegal drugs. Along with our agency partners, we will continue to pursue these cases and hold drug dealers accountable for their crimes.”
“The arrest of Aerian Porter-Craig, an alleged drug dealer, marks the next step for law enforcement in combating the illegal distribution of drugs, such as Fentanyl,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The families of the three victims who tragically lost their lives can find some solace in knowing the FBI in Michigan, in collaboration with the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department, remains committed to investigating and delivering justice to those affected by such criminal activities.”
“I appreciate all of the hard work that went into this investigation. The collaborative effort between agencies demonstrates our strong commitment to hold accountable those who plague our communities with these deadly drugs,” said Director Kosanke.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Grosse Pointe Woods Detective Bureau. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Franzinger.
Former Birmingham Art Dealer Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Defrauding Elderly ClientsRead the Press Release
DETROIT - Wendy Halstead Beard, 59, of Birmingham, Michigan, was sentenced today to 5 years and 3 months in prison for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining in the announcement was Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Beard was sentenced before United States District Judge Judith E. Levy in Ann Arbor. Beard’s sentence follows her guilty plea to one count of wire fraud arising from a multi-year scheme in which she received millions of dollars’ worth of fine art photography prints on consignment, sold the artwork without the knowledge of the owners, kept the profits for her own personal gain, and continually deceived the owners about the status of their photographs. Judge Levy also ordered Beard to pay restitution in the amount of more than two million dollars.
According to court records, between March 2019 and October 2022, Beard engaged in an ongoing scheme to defraud dozens of her customers, many of whom were elderly. The primary purpose of the scheme was for Beard to convert to her own use multiple fine art photographs that had been provided to her on a consignment basis, in order to sell those photographs and keep the proceeds for herself (rather than turning over the proceeds to the consignors). She also took thousands of dollars in payments from other victims, for photographs which she then failed to deliver. On at least one occasion Beard victimized two individuals with one photograph—never providing the photograph to the purchaser while also failing to pay the original consigner following the sale.
When questioned by her victims about the whereabouts of their artwork (or their share of the proceeds), Beard repeatedly lied to them, inventing more and more ridiculous justifications for her delay in repayment or return of consigned property. These excuses consisted of, among other things, exaggerating the severity of her own health problems, including claiming (1) to have recently been in a coma and (2) to have received a double-lung transplant. Beard also created fake “employee” identities which she used to correspond with her victims in a further effort to delay detection and conceal her theft.
“My office stands ready to investigate and prosecute elder financial abuse in all its forms and will continue to hold perpetrators like Beard accountable for their actions,” said United States Attorney Ison. “Beard’s ongoing deception was of a level that we rarely see, even in fraud cases, lying to her customers repeatedly in an attempt to conceal her scheme. Today’s sentence will hopefully bring a measure of closure for the more than three-dozen victims who trusted Wendy Beard with their valuable artwork.”
"Preying on vulnerable individuals in any form is utterly deplorable and will not be tolerated," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Ms. Beard's calculated criminal acts displayed a complete disregard for the victims who placed their trust in who they believed to be a legitimate business owner. This collaborative investigation, involving the Birmingham Police Department, members of the FBI in Michigan, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, sends an unmistakable message that those who scheme to defraud innocent victims of their fine art will face the most severe penalties under the law. This sentencing represents a crucial step towards ensuring justice for those who fell victim to her criminal behavior."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Birmingham Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Particka and Adriana Dydell.
Former Michigan Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Violently Assaulting ArresteeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former Warren, Michigan, police officer was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility.
Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty in March to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, then-officer Rodriguez was fingerprinting and photographing an arrestee, J.S., who had recently been brought to the Warren Police Department’s jail for processing. During fingerprinting, Rodriguez and J.S. got into a verbal argument and began trading insults. In retaliation for one of J.S.’ remarks, Rodriguez struck J.S. multiple times and slammed J.S.’ head against the fingerprint room floor.
In connection with his plea, Rodriguez admitted to writing a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information in an attempt to cover up his crime.
“This defendant swore to protect and serve his community, but instead he abused his power by violently assaulting an arrestee,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence should serve as a reminder to all law enforcement that a badge is not a license to answer verbal insults with physical violence and excessive force. The Justice Department will continue to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate federal civil rights law.”
“Police officers have a duty to protect the civil rights of everyone in our community, including individuals in their custody,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Physical abuse of detainees is completely unacceptable and undermines public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement. My office is committed to accountability for all public servants who abuse the public trust, and today’s sentence is a powerful reflection of that commitment.”
“When it comes to the public’s trust, law enforcement officers are held to the highest ethical standards,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing of former police officer Matthew Rodriguez should serve as a stark reminder that the use of excessive force and deliberate false statements are not only criminal acts but also tarnishes the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officers who serve with integrity every day. This sentencing would not have been possible without the assistance of the Warren Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern Michigan and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.”
The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Warren Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Former Michigan Police Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Violently Assaulting ArresteeRead the Press Release
A former Warren, Michigan, police officer was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for using excessive force against an arrestee while fingerprinting and photographing him at a local detention facility.
Matthew Rodriguez, 49, pleaded guilty in March to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, then-officer Rodriguez was fingerprinting and photographing an arrestee, J.S., who had recently been brought to the Warren Police Department’s jail for processing. During fingerprinting, Rodriguez and J.S. got into a verbal argument and began trading insults. In retaliation for one of J.S.’ remarks, Rodriguez struck J.S. multiple times and slammed J.S.’ head against the fingerprint room floor.
In connection with his plea, Rodriguez admitted to writing a report in which he made false statements about the incident and omitted material information in an attempt to cover up his crime.
“This defendant swore to protect and serve his community, but instead he abused his power by violently assaulting an arrestee,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence should serve as a reminder to all law enforcement that a badge is not a license to answer verbal insults with physical violence and excessive force. The Justice Department will continue to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans and to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate federal civil rights law.”
“Police officers have a duty to protect the civil rights of everyone in our community, including individuals in their custody,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Physical abuse of detainees is completely unacceptable and undermines public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement. My office is committed to accountability for all public servants who abuse the public trust, and today’s sentence is a powerful reflection of that commitment.”
“When it comes to the public’s trust, law enforcement officers are held to the highest ethical standards,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing of former police officer Matthew Rodriguez should serve as a stark reminder that the use of excessive force and deliberate false statements are not only criminal acts but also tarnishes the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officers who serve with integrity every day. This sentencing would not have been possible without the assistance of the Warren Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern Michigan and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.”
The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Warren Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Home Health Care Company Operators Sentenced to Prison in $5.5 Million Kickback Scheme and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A married Macomb County couple, Noli and Isabel Tcruz, both 68, were sentenced today to 6 years in prison and 38 months in prison, respectively, on health care fraud kickback conspiracy, tax evasion, and fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. This follows the sentencings earlier this year of two doctors who had pled guilty to receiving kickbacks and bribes from the Tcruzes.
Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office.
The Tcruzes were convicted and sentenced for schemes related to their operation of several Macomb County home health care companies that purported to provide legitimate medical care to homebound Medicare beneficiaries, but in fact engaged in fraud.
The Tcruzes engaged in an approximately $5 million conspiracy to illegally pay kickbacks and bribes to acquire referrals for home health care for Medicare beneficiaries and refused to pay their income tax obligations for both -personal and business taxes. After their last home health company was shut down in February 2020, Noli Tcruz began engaging in Covid-19 program fraud, and used a family member’s identity and company to steal from and defraud the Small Business Administration and Health and Human Services out of more than $250,000 from pandemic assistance funds.
Two physicians, Dr. Terry Baul and Dr. David Calderone pleaded guilty to accepting kickbacks and bribes for referring Medicare beneficiaries to the Tcruzes. Under their respective plea agreements, the two physicians were required to pay more than three million in restitution and forfeiture judgments and are excluded from Medicare and other federal health care programs.
“My office will diligently investigate and prosecute all types of fraud, which is driven by greed. Noli and Isabel Tcruz’s fraud harmed taxpayers and the government programs our tax dollars fund, including Medicare and Covid-19 programs,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Health care professionals and providers have both an opportunity and a duty to lawfully help people, but we will not hesitate to pursue individuals like these defendants who breach those duties to line their own pockets.”
"Today's sentencing of Noli and Isabel Tcruz broadcasts that IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who use fraudulent scams in an attempt to steal from the hard-working taxpayers of America,” said Charles Miller, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office. "Not only was blatant stealing of funds, allotted for the healthcare of Americans, committed; but US Citizens were stolen from again when no tax was paid on any of the couple’s income.”
"Paying kickbacks to induce referrals for medical services in federal health care programs is illegal and can lead to the delivery of unnecessary services, wasting valuable taxpayer funds," said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG will continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in unlawful kickback schemes in our federal health care programs are held accountable."
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General.
Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 17.5 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DETROIT –For years, Quiyemabi Summerlin preyed on drug addicted women and lured them into his basement with false promises. Once there, he supplied them with heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and forced them to engage in endless commercial sex acts. At times, Summerlin used violence to ensure his victims’ compliance. He also raped several of his victims.
Summerlin, 45, of Detroit, was sentenced to 17.5 years for sex trafficking using force and coercion, maintaining a drug premises, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit.
“This defendant treated his victims like commodities,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “He targeted vulnerable women and exploited them for his own profit. He manipulated his victims’ drug addictions and provided them with a constant supply of heroin and crack cocaine. He built a business through violence and coercion without regard to the consequences for other human lives.”
"Sex trafficking, violent acts and coercion are never acceptable and will be meticulously investigated by members of FBI Michigan, including local law enforcement partners assigned to the FBI’s Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The sentencing of Quiyemabi Summerlin is a testament of the diligent work performed by the men and women of the FBI and the thorough prosecution from the United States Attorney’s Office of Eastern Michigan. Mr. Summerlin’s sentencing is an important next step in healing to those victimized by his heinous and deplorable actions.”
Summerlin pleaded guilty to trafficking three victims. During the investigation, the FBI identified 25 women that stayed in Summerlin’s home for some period of time, performing commercial sex acts at his direction.
The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara D. Woodward and Tara Hindelang.
Burton Man Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploitating ChildrenRead the Press Release
FLINT – Nicholas Dunn, 42, of Burton was sentenced yesterday to 40 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit.
United States District Court Judge F. Kay Behm imposed sentence on Dunn following his guilty plea to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Behm also sentenced Dunn to 5 years of federal supervised release following his release from incarceration.
According to court records, in December of 2022, an HSI special agent working online in an undercover capacity observed one of Dunn’s co-defendants, Preston Creed-Boehm, post an image of child pornography. Creed-Boehm also sent child pornography directly to the undercover agent and described how he sexually abused two minor victims. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrested Creed-Boehm, searched his cell phones, and discovered that Dunn had manufactured one of the images of child pornography found on Creed-Boehm’s cell phone. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at Dunn’s residence, which he shared with another co-defendant, Joshua Hippensteel. Further investigation revealed Dunn’s extended sexual abuse of five minor children, including grooming, sexual acts, and the production of additional child pornography. Witnesses also disclosed to law enforcement that Dunn had possessed and viewed substantial quantities of child pornography that he obtained over the internet.
Creed-Boehm and Hippensteel have also been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, Creed-Boehm has further been charged with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges against Creed-Boehm and Hippensteel are still pending.
“This defendant’s actions were heinous, and the sentence underscores our office’s commitment to bringing to justice those who sexually exploit and victimize children,” U.S. Attorney Ison said. “This conviction would not have been possible without the work of our dedicated law enforcement partners at HSI and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Protecting children in our communities across Michigan is a team effort from investigation to prosecution,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “HSI Detroit is proud to partner with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring accountability and justice to sexual predators while providing care and support to the victims. It is my hope that this 40-year sentence brings some measure of solace to the victims in this case so they can continue to heal from these terrible crimes.”
“This conviction demonstrates our unyielding determination to combat child abuse and sexual violence. The safety and well-being of our children is our highest priorities. We hope this case serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our communities,” said Detective Lieutenant Robert Nicklesen, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. “We urge anyone who suspects child abuse or has experienced it themselves to reach out to local authorities or organizations dedicated to child protection. You are not alone, and help is available.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Nee.
Seven Defendants Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Offenses for Obstructing Access to Reproductive Health Services in MichiganRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal jury convicted seven defendants today of federal civil rights offenses arising out of their blockade of a reproductive health care clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on Aug. 27, 2020. The defendants were each convicted of a felony conspiracy against rights and a Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offense. Two defendants were convicted of a second FACE Act offense arising out of a blockade of a reproductive health care clinic in Saginaw, Michigan.
“These defendants orchestrated an unlawful clinic blockade and physically obstructed patients seeking access to their doctors, without regard to the serious medical needs of the women they blocked from accessing reproductive health care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants intentionally broke the law. One woman’s fetus experienced fatal abnormalities and the defendant’s coordinated campaign of physical obstruction posed a grave and real threat to her health and fertility. Make no mistake: every American enjoys the right to obtain and provide reproductive health services free from physical obstruction, and the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those that oppress the free exercise of that right. We thank the jury for the time, attention, and careful consideration of the facts of this case.”
“My office is committed to protecting all of the legal rights of our district’s citizens, including the right to access reproductive health care,” said Dawn N. Ison, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “The defendants convicted today sought to interfere with that right by physically blocking the doors of clinics providing such services. These defendants are entitled to their views, but they are not entitled to prevent others from exercising the rights secured to them by the laws of the United States. This case is about the rule of law, and today’s verdict is a victory for that principle.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Calvin Zastrow, Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Caroline Davis, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, Eva Edl and Eva Zastrow engaged in a conspiracy to prevent clinic employees from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services, a civil right secured by the FACE Act. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants participated in the “Michigan Holiness Revival Tour,” a camping tour organized by Calvin Zastrow with the express purpose of blockading a reproductive health clinic during the second week of the tour.
During the blockade, the defendants sat or stood in front of the entrances to the clinic so that patients and employees could not enter. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendants blocked a patient, S.S., from entering. The evidence showed that S.S. and her husband had made an appointment at the clinic after learning that their fetus suffered fatal abnormalities, and that attempting to continue carrying the pregnancy carried serious risks to S.S.’s health and fertility. The defendants blocked S.S. from obtaining reproductive health care.
The evidence further proved that Calvin and Eva Zastrow followed a clinic employee around the building in order to prevent her from entering an emergency exit, and that Gallagher and Edl attempted to stall the Sterling Heights Police Department in order to prolong the blockade. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and patients because the clinic was providing, and patients were seeking, reproductive health services.
According to evidence presented at trial, Edl and Idoni physically obstructed access to a second clinic, in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 16, 2021. The evidence proved that Edl obstructed access by sitting in front of one entrance with a doorstop wedged under the door such that the door could not be opened from the inside, while Idoni used a bicycle lock to chain herself in front of a second door. The evidence proved that Edl and Idoni violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and patients because the clinic was providing, and patients were seeking, reproductive health services.
A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office and Bay City Resident Agency investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Sunita Doddamani for the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.
Seven Defendants Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Offenses for Obstructing Access to Reproductive Health Services in MichiganRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted seven defendants today of federal civil rights offenses arising out of their blockade of a reproductive health care clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on Aug. 27, 2020. The defendants were each convicted of a felony conspiracy against rights and a Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offense. Two defendants were convicted of a second FACE Act offense arising out of a blockade of a reproductive health care clinic in Saginaw, Michigan.
“These defendants orchestrated an unlawful clinic blockade and physically obstructed patients seeking access to their doctors, without regard to the serious medical needs of the women they blocked from accessing reproductive health care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants intentionally broke the law. One woman’s fetus experienced fatal abnormalities and the defendants' coordinated campaign of physical obstruction posed a grave and real threat to her health and fertility. Make no mistake: every American enjoys the right to obtain and provide reproductive health services free from physical obstruction, and the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those that oppress the free exercise of that right. We thank the jury for the time, attention, and careful consideration of the facts of this case.”
“My office is committed to protecting all of the legal rights of our district’s citizens, including the right to access reproductive health care,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “The defendants convicted today sought to interfere with that right by physically blocking the doors of clinics providing such services. These defendants are entitled to their views, but they are not entitled to prevent others from exercising the rights secured to them by the laws of the United States. This case is about the rule of law, and today’s verdict is a victory for that principle.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Calvin Zastrow, Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Caroline Davis, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, Eva Edl and Eva Zastrow engaged in a conspiracy to prevent clinic employees from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services, a civil right secured by the FACE Act. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants participated in the “Michigan Holiness Revival Tour,” a camping tour organized by Calvin Zastrow with the express purpose of blockading a reproductive health clinic during the second week of the tour.
During the blockade, the defendants sat or stood in front of the entrances to the clinic so that patients and employees could not enter. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendants blocked a patient, S.S., from entering. The evidence showed that S.S. and her husband had made an appointment at the clinic after learning that their fetus suffered fatal abnormalities, and that attempting to continue carrying the pregnancy carried serious risks to S.S.’s health and fertility. The defendants blocked S.S. from obtaining reproductive health care.
The evidence further proved that Calvin and Eva Zastrow followed a clinic employee around the building in order to prevent her from entering an emergency exit, and that Gallagher and Edl attempted to stall the Sterling Heights Police Department in order to prolong the blockade. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and patients because the clinic was providing, and patients were seeking, reproductive health services.
According to evidence presented at trial, Edl and Idoni physically obstructed access to a second clinic, in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 16, 2021. The evidence proved that Edl obstructed access by sitting in front of one entrance with a doorstop wedged under the door such that the door could not be opened from the inside, while Idoni used a bicycle lock to chain herself in front of a second door. The evidence proved that Edl and Idoni violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and patients because the clinic was providing, and patients were seeking, reproductive health services.
A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office and Bay City Resident Agency investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Sunita Doddamani for the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.
Two Men Convicted of Federal KidnappingRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Cortez Blake, 23, and Nasir Lewis, 24, both from Detroit, were convicted of kidnapping by a federal jury yesterday, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announced by Special Agent in Charge James M. Deir of the ATF in Michigan. The convictions followed an eight-day jury trial before United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that the defendants worked with others to kidnap and beat their victim. The kidnappers wrongly believed the victim took part in a carjacking and the kidnapping was to retaliate and extract information from the victim. According to the testimony, a group of armed men took the victim from Sinai-Grace Hospital. The kidnappers first drove the victim to an empty lot in Detroit where the victim was beaten. The kidnappers then took the victim to a residence controlled by Blake, where the victim was held at gunpoint and beaten intermittently for hours. Finally, the victim was abandoned miles away on the roadside.
Seven people were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping from this incident. With today’s verdicts, five people have been convicted. In addition to Blake and Lewis, Maijah Greene, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap; Shatonnia Kimbrough, 21, pleaded guilty to kidnapping; and Armond Williams, 22, pleaded guilty to kidnapping.
The trial of a sixth individual, Semaj Ayers, remains pending.
The final defendant, Karamoh Turner, was acquitted at trial. Turner still faces charges of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud in federal court.
Two additional people were convicted of the carjacking that precipitated the kidnapping. Jamar Lee-Stinson pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 141 months in prison in May 2024. Amiaya Bryant also pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 120 months in prison in June 2024
All of the defendants remain in custody. Each of the defendants convicted of kidnapping or conspiracy to kidnap face up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 5 years of supervised release.
“So often, one terrible crime spins into a cycle of violence and retribution. And too often, those cycles end tragically—with death, injury, and incarceration. We will continue to try to prevent violent crime in the first place, and my office is also committed to trying to interrupt cycles of violence before they spin out of control. So let me say clearly, if you are victimized, let us do our job and settle it in the courtroom. Because if you retaliate, these verdicts should make clear that we will use every tool we have to seek justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Cortez Blake and Nasir Lewis represent the “worst of the worst” offenders calling Detroit home. There is no excuse for what they did. They kidnapped and beat a citizen of Detroit with an illegal firearm. They are common-day thugs who put their gang membership and loyalty above everything else, including their humanity. In my experience, these folks represent the most deserving candidates for federal prosecution. ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent gang members who terrorize our community members accountable for gun violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir.
The United States Attorney’s Office and the ATF are focused on prosecuting those individuals who are using firearms to commit violent acts against people in the Eastern District of Michigan. The strategy is a part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN continues to be the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is an evidence-based program that focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to pursue lasting reductions in crime.
These charges are just some of the tangible results of this joint effort. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to reduce violence in our communities. Along with ATF, this case has been investigated with the assistance of the Office of Inspector General – U.S. Department of Labor, the United States Marshals Service, the Detroit Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan Engages Youth Through Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision-Making)Read the Press Release
DETROIT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan is committed to educating youth on the dangers and consequences of their actions. As part of our prevention outreach efforts, this past school year, the Office partnered with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) to introduce Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision-Making) to elementary school children. Project LEAD provides a curriculum that focuses on the legal and social consequences of juvenile crimes, such as truancy, illicit drug use, and shoplifting, and was introduced at two elementary schools in the city of Detroit this past school year. Additionally, the program focuses on teaching students techniques for resolving conflict, resisting peer pressure, promoting tolerance, respect for diversity, and achieving economic stability. The program concludes with students performing a mock trial and putting into practice what they have learned about the criminal justice system.
Bow Elementary School and Pulaski Elementary School, both in the city of Detroit, were selected as part of the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership’s prevention efforts. Each school is located in the 8th and 9th Precincts, respectively, which are focus areas for our violent crime initiative.
The 10-week program consisted of Assistant United States Attorneys serving as facilitators, going into classrooms, and providing lessons on topics such as the Rule of Law, Order in the Court, the Juvenile Justice System, and Conflict Resolution to name a few. The program ended with a mock trial being held at the United States District Court. The students played the role of judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, jurors, bailiff, and witnesses.
Project LEAD has been proven effective. A team of researchers conducted an evaluation of the program to gauge its impact on students’ knowledge and attitudes about the legal system, as well as Project LEAD’s capacity as a delinquency prevention model. The results of the study showed that Project LEAD students gain important “protective factors,” which are factors that buffer against the “risk factors” that increase or decrease the risk of youth experiencing or perpetrating violence and may lessen the likelihood of violence victimization and perpetration. Project LEAD gives students the skills and experience to evaluate challenging situations and make good decisions. The program also helps students gain an understanding of the legal system and the reasons behind laws.
“We are committed to balancing our investigative and prosecutive efforts with outreach strategies designed to prevent violent crime from happening, especially among our youth,”
stated U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We appreciate our partnership with DPSCD and the opportunity to bring this successful, evidence-based program to elementary schools in two Detroit communities with the highest rates of violence. We hope the life skills and tools provided in the Project LEAD curriculum, as well as the positive interactions with law enforcement, will equip students for success in the future. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with DPSCD and partnering with other school districts to bring Project LEAD to multiple elementary schools throughout the District in the new school year.”
“It was an honor to participate in Project LEAD this school year. I saw my students come alive and participate in a capacity that allowed them to connect school and real-life situations. They learned a lot about the justice system as they practiced reading and writing skills. The field trip to the courthouse was the ultimate prize, and one I know my students will probably never forget. I am looking forward to participating in Project LEAD next school year,” said Wilma Muhammad, 4th and 5th grade English and Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher at Pulaski Elementary.
St. Clair Shores Doctor Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Causing Patient’s Drug Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A St. Clair Shores doctor was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial of a patient’s overdose death that resulted from his unlawful prescribing. He was also convicted on twenty-one charges related to the unlawful distribution of Schedule II, III and IV prescription drug-controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Dr. Bernard Shelton, 67, was sentenced before United States District Judge Denise Page Hood in Detroit. He has not been allowed to prescribe controlled substances since 2017.
The evidence presented at trial established that Shelton ran a pill mill. He prescribed over 5.5 million doses of controlled substances between April 2013 and December 2016. Shelton prescribed over 2.7 million doses of Schedule II controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, usually prescribing the types and strengths of drugs most valuable on the street market. When an undercover patient made an initial visit to Shelton complaining of back stiffness, Shelton did not examine the patient’s back, but instead asked, “What can I give you today” before prescribing the requested narcotics. The jury found that Shelton issued twenty-one prescriptions to seven different patients outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose so he could charge for office visits and tests. Shelton received over $1.4 million from Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan during the same time period.
Shelton began prescribing opioid pain relievers in 2010 to a patient whose pain was previously treated by prescription strength Motrin. Shelton prescribed increasingly stronger controlled substances over the next six years, and the patient became addicted to the drugs. In January 2016, he prescribed an increased dosage of oxycodone to the 54-year-old patient without medical justification. The patient suffered an overdose two days later and survived. A second oxycodone overdose four days later was fatal. Shelton also contributed to the overdose deaths of two other patients.
U.S. Attorney Ison stated, “This defendant violated his oath to do no harm to his patients. He prescribed drugs without any medical justification in order to line his own pockets. His actions caused the death of at least one person and contributed to the deaths of two others. This sentence won’t bring back those patients who he harmed, but should serve as a warning to others of our resolve to aggressively prosecute physicians who choose to act as drug dealers and cause the death of patients. “
DEA Special Agent in Charge Greene stated, “This kind of reckless diversion of prescription medication has resulted in unimaginable suffering; the erosion of communities; and has paved a path to the emergence of fake prescription pills. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify those responsible for fueling opioid abuse and hold them accountable for their actions.”
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the St. Clair Shores Police Department and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The trial was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Wayne F. Pratt and Lisandra Fernandez-Silber.