District of Minnesota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Indicted for Armed Carjacking in MinneapolisRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man and a Mounds View woman have been indicted for carjacking and firearm violations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on October 6, 2023, Isis Martinaz Brent, 19, and Carvon Antonio Saine, 18, used violence and intimidation to steal a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in South Minneapolis. During the carjacking, Brent and Saine used a semiautomatic firearm with the intent to cause bodily harm.
The indictment charges Brent and Saine each with one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The defendants made their initial appearances today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Green is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mississippi Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for a Violent Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Mississippi man has been sentenced to 155 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for a violent Hobbs Act robbery and firearms violations, including possessing a stolen firearm and aiding and abetting false statements during the purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Ladarius Jaleel Snipes, 27, and his co-conspirators, Kendarrius Keshaun Willard, 27, and Anna Trameri Novacheck, 28, agreed to illegally acquire firearms through a straw purchasing conspiracy. On November 1, 2021, Snipes, Willard, and Novacheck went to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to purchase a firearm. At the direction of and with assistance from Snipes and Willard, Novacheck purchased an Alex Pro model Econo 5.56 caliber semiautomatic pistol. During the purchase, Novacheck signed the ATF Form 4473 stating that she was the actual buyer of the firearm when, in fact, she was buying it for Snipes and Willard. Willard has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. Snipes was later photographed holding the firearm with an attached large capacity magazine.
On January 5, 2022, Snipes burglarized a home in St. Paul. A doorbell camera captured Snipes breaking a window and entering the home. While inside, Snipes stole an Aero Precision model X15 multi-caliber semiautomatic pistol. During the burglary, Snipes used a firearm he acquired in the straw purchasing conspiracy to shoot and kill the homeowner’s golden retriever.
On August 7, 2021, Snipes entered a restaurant in Cleveland, Mississippi, armed with a semiautomatic pistol. Snipes showed the firearm and demanded that a store employee give him the money in the cash register. When one of the employees ran to the back of the kitchen, Snipes discharged the firearm to scare the employees. Snipes was charged in the Northern District of Mississippi with Hobbs Act robbery and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
On August 31, 2023, Snipes pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting false statement during the purchase of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, Hobbs Act Robbery, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Snipes was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Donovan W. Frank.
On May 30, 2023, Willard pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting false statement during the purchase of a firearm and was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On June 7, 2023, Novacheck pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of a firearm and was sentenced to three years of probation.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Paul Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Cleveland (Mississippi) Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez from the District of Minnesota and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims from the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Six Individuals Charged in Twin Cities Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Six individuals have been charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between August 2022 and December 2023, Cornell Montez Chandler, Jr., 24, Robiel Lee Williams, 23, Quijuan Hosea Bankhead, 30, Stardasha Christina Davenport-Mounger, 24, Fo’Tre Devine White, 26, and Shardai Rayshell Allen, 24, conspired to distribute fentanyl in Minnesota. Several defendants traveled to Phoenix to obtain fentanyl pills from suppliers, hid the pills inside stuffed animals, and mailed them to addresses in and around the Twin Cities. Law enforcement in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties became aware of the trafficking and initiated a joint investigation, which resulted in the seizure of six packages containing over 30,000 grams of fentanyl pills.
All six defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. White is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm as a felon and one count of possession of a machinegun.
All defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, the Washington County Drug Task Force, and the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ramsey Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Violent CarjackingsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Ramsey man has been sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $1,918.28 in restitution for his role in a string of carjacking and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on January 3, 2022, Jordan James Smith, 27, approached an individual who was sitting in a parked vehicle. Smith opened the driver’s door of the victim’s Nissan Juke and pushed a gun into the victim’s torso. Smith then stated, “I’ve got a [expletive] gun,” and directed the victim to “give me everything you have and get out of the car.” Smith pulled the victim from the car, got into the driver’s seat, and drove off. The victim’s phone and wallet were still in the car as Smith fled. On January 10, 2022, Smith and an associate used the victim’s Nissan Juke as collateral to test drive a black Maserati. Smith and his associate abandoned the Nissan Juke and stole the black Maserati before being apprehended by law enforcement.
On February 3, 2022, Smith and his co-defendant Carson Thomas McCoy, 22, of Blaine, along with other associates, broke into a local car dealership. The group stole several vehicles, including an unlicensed GMC Acadia. Later that morning, at 8:30 a.m., McCoy—who was driving the stolen GMC Acadia—ran a stop sign and struck another vehicle. McCoy abandoned the GMC Acadia and ran to another vehicle being driven by Smith. However, before leaving the area, Smith approached the vehicle McCoy hit, pointed a gun at the driver, and said “give me your purse or I’ll [expletive] kill you.” Smith then returned to his vehicle and fled the scene with the victim’s iPhone, housekeys, and a child’s backpack.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Smith noticed the driver of a silver Honda Accord parked in a nearby residential area. Smith and McCoy exited the blue Honda Accord and approached the silver Honda Accord. Smith tapped on the driver’s side window with his gun. The driver of the silver Honda Accord exited the vehicle and, as the driver attempted to retrieve a wallet, Smith threatened the driver with his gun. Smith and McCoy then drove off in the silver Honda Accord. Smith was apprehended later that same day on an unrelated warrant. Because Smith has prior felony convictions, he was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Smith pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023, to two counts of carjacking. He was sentenced earlier this week in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim. McCoy will be sentenced on January 3, 2024.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Blaine Police Department, the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
Brooklyn Park Man Pleads Guilty to $2.3M Romance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ST PAUL, Minn. – A Brooklyn Park man has pleaded guilty to facilitating a national romance fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2018 through June 2022, Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, 37, helped facilitate an online romance fraud scheme that targeted primarily elderly victims and lured them into sending money under false pretenses. The scheme relied on perpetrators impersonating a real or plausible but fictitious person, such as a senior U.S. diplomat or military official, that contacted the victims through online social media applications. The scheme participants then sought to forge a romantic connection with the victims. If successful, the scheme participants would then ask the victims for money purportedly to assist the false persona with some problem or need. Occasionally, the scheme participants would even introduce the victims to a purported third-party intermediary who would corroborate the false persona’s story and assist in defrauding the victims. The victims eventually were directed to send large sums of money by mail or other commercial means to a specified name and address.
In total, Kordorwu received over 90 victim packages containing approximately $2,231,998 in fraud proceeds throughout the scheme. Kordorwu kept some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and disbursed the remainder of the proceeds to other scheme participants.
Kordorwu pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of mail fraud in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and a Digital Forensic Investigator with Hennepin County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis are prosecuting the case.
Minneapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on January 24, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the South Minneapolis residence of Andre Garner, 42, and recovered almost 800 grams of fentanyl in a van registered to Garner. During their search, law enforcement also recovered over 1,000 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and $9,400 in cash. As a part of his guilty plea, Garner admitted that he told law enforcement that anything law enforcement found was his, including the money and the van.
Garner pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
Le Roy Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Committing a Felony Offense Involving a MinorRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Le Roy man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for committing a felony offense involving a minor while registered as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, Richard Dean Vandeweerd, 63, a registered sex offender, knowingly attempted to transfer obscene material to a minor, which is a federal offense. Using the web-based chat application Meet24, Vandeweerd contacted “Becca,” who claimed to be a l4-year-old female from Tennessee but was in fact an undercover FBI agent. Over the course of several days in February 2020, and again in November of the same year, Vandeweerd engaged in sexually explicit conversations with “Becca” and sent her pictures of his genitalia.
On April 17, 2023, Vandeweerd pleaded guilty to one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor while being required to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright on December 12, 2023.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso.
Extradited Bloomington Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography and Enticement ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Bloomington fugitive has pleaded guilty to attempted production and production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between October 2020 through March 2023, Ibrahim Ghassan Sleyman, 30, used Snapchat and other messaging apps to solicit sexually explicit material and sex acts from minors, some as young as nine-years-old. Additionally, Sleyman groomed and enticed a minor victim to produce child pornography and engage in sexual activity with Sleyman by providing the minor with drugs and gifts. Once Sleyman became aware of law enforcement’s investigation, he fled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on September 6, 2022. While Sleyman was a fugitive in the UAE, he continued to use Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit conversations with minors in the United States.
Sleyman was extradited by the UAE and upon his return to the United State, he was taken into federal custody by the FBI on September 15, 2023. To date, the United States has identified at least 22 minor victims who Sleyman solicited and used to produce and receive child pornography and attempted to entice to engage in unlawful sexual acts. If you believe you or your minor dependent(s) have been victimized by Ibrahim Sleyman, please contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
Sleyman pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank to one count of attempted production and production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of enticement of a minor. As a part of his plea, Sleyman admitted to criminal conduct relating to 22 minor victims.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Elk River Police Department, and the Pleasant Hill, Missouri Police Department, with assistance from the St. Paul Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the State Department, the Ministries of Justice and Interior of the United Arab Emirates, UAE Interpol, Abu Dhabi Airport Police and Abu Dhabi International Airport – Airport Security provided significant support and assistance in Sleyman’s extradition from the United Arab Emirates.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
St. Paul Felon Sentenced to over Three Years for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on March 7, 2023, officers with the St. Paul Police Department were conducting surveillance at an apartment looking for De’Voncea Lashoun Griffo, 24, a suspect in an ongoing investigation. Officers observed Griffo leave his apartment building wearing a cross-body bag across his chest and get into the driver’s seat of a Chevrolet Equinox. After Griffo pulled into a thrift store parking lot, officers activated emergency lights and conducted a felony stop. Griffo removed his cross-body bag and set it behind the center console of the car, and was placed under arrest. Officers later obtained a warrant to search Griffo’s vehicle and recovered the cross-body bag, which contained a .45 caliber Glock pistol with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition. The firearm had been modified with an auto sear, also known as a switch, which is a device used to convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.
Because Griffo has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On July 18, 2023, Griffo pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
St. Paul Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A South St. Paul felon has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s plea agreement and court documents, on December 4, 2022, Nicholas Neil Nikiforakis, 34, posted a photo on Facebook that showed him in possession of a black firearm with a tan-colored extended magazine. Based on his prior felony convictions, Nikiforakis was prohibited from possessing a firearm of any kind. Law enforcement officers successfully located Nikiforakis and conducted physical surveillance. When the defendant was spotted getting behind the wheel of a black Ford Explorer, officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Nikiforakis responded by ramming into a responding squad car and fled the area at a high rate of speed. He eventually crashed as he attempted a high-speed turn, hit a fire hydrant, and collided with a nearby building. The defendant fled on foot but was ultimately apprehended at the scene. A subsequent search of the black Ford Explorer revealed a black and dark green privately-made-firearm – PMF or “ghost gun” – with a tan-colored extended magazine in the center console with a large black bag that contained fentanyl pills, marijuana, and a digital scale. A subsequent review of Nikiforakis’s phone confirmed that he possessed the fentanyl for the express purpose of distributing the drugs to others.
Nikiforakis pleaded guilty on June 23, 2023, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case
Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to his role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, Ahmed Sharif Omar-Hashim, also known as Salah Donyale, 40, admitted that from April 2020 through January 2022, he knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud the federal child nutrition program, a program designed to provide free meals to children in need. Omar-Hashim and his co-conspirators obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to underprivileged children.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, in September 2020, the defendant created a company called Olive Management Inc., under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Olive Management purported to operate a federal child nutrition program site in St. Cloud, Minnesota that served meals to 3,000 children a day, seven days a week. From September 2020 to September 2021, the defendant and his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1.6 million meals to children at the Olive Management site. In support of these claims, the defendant prepared and submitted fake meal count sheets and invoices. Conspirators also submitted a fake attendance roster purporting to list the names of 2,040 children who attended the Olive Management site’s “after-school program.” Of the approximately 2,040 names on the list, only approximately 20 matched the names of children attending school in the St. Cloud Public School District. Based on these fraudulent claims, Omar-Hashim and his co-conspirators received approximately $7,490,711 in Federal Child Nutrition Program reimbursements for meals purportedly served to children at the Olive Management site.
Hashim-Omar pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Chelsea A. Walcker are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
Duluth Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Duluth man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, in March 2022, Gale Allen Rachuy, 73, defrauded Victim A (victim), by falsely representing that Rachuy was an attorney who could handle the victim’s legal proceedings. As part of the scheme, Rachuy told the victim that he would be able to get former federal and state court judges to work on the victim’s case. In order to retain the alleged judges, Rachuy would need the victim to pay a retainer fee of $10,000, with the first payment of $2,500 due on March 15, 2022. Rachuy and the victim each signed a retainer agreement, which specified that both judges would be assisting in the victim’s legal representation. On March 15, 2022, the victim paid the $2,500 retainer fee via wire from his account in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Rachuy’s bank account in Minneapolis. The victim was scheduled to wire another $2,500 installment to Rachuy on April 1, 2022, but became suspicious of Rachuy after not seeing any drafts or filings in his case. After the victim realized that Rachuy was fraudulently representing these services, he ceased making future payments. Despite assuring the victim that the funds would be returned, Rachuy never returned the funds.
Rachuy pleaded guilty on May 10, 2023, to one count of wire fraud. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Joan N. Ericksen.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea A. Walcker and Harry M. Jacobs prosecuted the case.
Michigan Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Traveling to Minnesota to Have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Michigan man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, required to pay restitution to the victim, and ordered to pay $5,000 to the Domestic Victim Trafficking Fund for interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to his plea agreement, in late 2022, Maxwell Winston Beardsley, 22, met a young teenager on Omegle, a free online chat website that does not require user registration. Although the minor immediately identified as such, Beardsley lied and said he was 16 years old and then proceeded to pursue a romantic relationship with the minor victim. Over the course of several months, Beardsley exchanged sexually explicit materials with the minor victim and engaged in sexually explicit conversations. On January 27, 2023, Beardsley drove from Michigan to Minnesota for the express purpose of meeting the minor victim to engage in sex.
On July 19, 2023, Beardsley pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. He was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel on December 11, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Lakeville Police Department in Minnesota, and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in Michigan. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Manitowoc, Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for producing images depicting his sexual abuse of a minor in Minnesota, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on or about June 7, 2019, Jason Lee, 28, used and coerced a prepubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
Lee pleaded guilty to one count of attempted production and production of child pornography on July 17, 2023. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Saint Paul Police Department, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin Police Department. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Finds Minneapolis Man Guilty of Receipt, Distribution, and Access with Intent to View Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Minneapolis man guilty of receipt, distribution, and access with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the evidence presented at trial, beginning on or about August 2, 2020, through January 25, 2022, Michael Francis Hamer, 56, knowingly and frequently obtained, distributed, and accessed child pornography online. On multiple occasions, he used Facebook and Gmail to directly message self-identified minor victims, some as young as 11 years old, to request and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. Hamer also joined Facebook Messenger group chats that were named “Boys sex video,” “Kids Video Sex,” and “#Good Boy?,” among others, to solicit and access child sexual abuse images.
Hamer was previously convicted in Minnesota state court for solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. Hamer admitted to possessing child pornography during his 2012 conviction.
Following a two-day trial before Judge Katherine M. Menendez in U.S. District Court, Hamer was found guilty yesterday on one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of access with intent to view child pornography. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary A. Taylor and Emily A. Polachek tried this case.
Rush City Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in $1.8 Million Scheme Involving Romance Fraud and Federal Pandemic ProgramsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Rush City woman has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution for her role in multiple schemes that defrauded individuals throughout the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, from 2017 through April 2022, Gayle Joyce Ferngren, 70, and others participated in a scheme to launder proceeds that were fraudulently obtained from victims throughout the United States, including the proceeds of romance fraud scams and schemes to defraud Federal Pandemic Assistance Programs. In total, Ferngren laundered at least $1.8 million in fraud proceeds.
According to her guilty plea, from approximately June 2020 through December 2020, Ferngren acknowledges that she received at least 68 debit cards containing approximately $1.3 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits from California and Nevada to which she was not entitled. After receiving the fraudulent proceeds, Ferngren kept a portion for herself and transmitted most of the funds to other scheme participants, including to individuals located overseas.
In addition, Ferngren participated in a “romance scam,” which is a type of fraud that targets persons looking for romantic partners or friendship on dating websites or other social media platforms. According to court documents, romance scammers create profiles using fictitious or fake names, locations, images, and personas, allowing the scammers to cultivate relationships with prospective scam victims. According to her guilty plea, Ferngren received funds from romance fraud victims under false and fraudulent pretenses after other scheme participants induced the victims to send money to Ferngren.
Ferngren was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim. On May 22, 2023, she pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Labor–Office of Inspector General, and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert prosecuted the case.
Brooklyn Park Felon Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms Violations Following Deadly Vehicle CrashRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Derrick John Thompson has been federally indicted for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm following a deadly vehicle crash that killed five victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“These federal charges underscore the seriousness of Mr. Thompson’s criminal actions. We will continue to take an aggressive stance against individuals who engage in armed fentanyl dealing and present grave danger to our community,” said U. S. Attorney Andrew Luger.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2023, a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol observed a black Cadillac SUV speeding north on I-35W, traveling at 95 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour speed zone. The trooper observed Thompson abruptly cut across four lanes of traffic to exit the freeway at the Lake Street exit. The trooper began following the SUV but did not initiate the emergency lights or attempt to make a traffic stop because the trooper did not want to cause the driver, later identified as Thompson, 28, to continue to drive recklessly on city streets. At the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and East Lake Street, Thompson sped through a red light at the intersection without stopping or slowing. The SUV struck at full speed the driver’s side of a Honda Civic that was traveling lawfully through the intersection. All five occupants of the Honda Civic, four adult females and one juvenile female, were killed. When law enforcement responded to the scene of the crash, witnesses told officers that Thompson had fled on foot through a nearby alley. Officers found Thompson sitting on the curb outside of a nearby restaurant. Officers detained Thompson, who was later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for evaluation.
According to court documents, an officer found at the scene a Hertz rental record for the Cadillac SUV indicating that Thompson rented the vehicle from a Hertz located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport approximately 30 minutes before the crash. After obtaining a warrant to search the SUV, officers found a black leather bag on the front passenger side floor that contained a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, as well as three baggies containing more than 2,000 blue “M-Box 30” fentanyl pills, a baggie containing an additional 14 grams of powder fentanyl, a baggie containing 13 MDMA pills, a baggie containing 35 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale.
Because Thompson has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.The indictment charges Thompson with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm as a felon, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before a Magistrate Judge at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport Police Department, in coordination with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Ruth S. Shnider are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Final Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Role in Murder and Assault on Red Lake Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Redby man was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a murder that took place in August 2019 on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on August 12, 2019, Daniel Charles Barrett, 32, together with codefendants Mia Faye Sumner, 22, Alexia Gah Gi Gay Mary Cutbank, 22, and armed with at least one handgun, entered the garage of a residence where Daniel Alan Johnson was known to reside. Once inside, Cutbank fired multiple gunshots, fatally wounding Johnson and seriously injuring a second victim, T.B.S. The three defendants returned to a waiting vehicle and left the scene. A fourth co-defendant, Rose Celeste Siewert, 51, drove Barrett, Cutbank, and Sumner off the reservation to help them avoid arrest.
Barrett was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Susan Richard Nelson. He pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022, but absconded during his pretrial release, and was ultimately arrested on November 2, 2023. Earlier this year, Cutbank was sentenced to 240 months in prison, Sumner was sentenced to 120 months in prison, and Siewert was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, the Duluth Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections, in collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino prosecuted the case.
St. Paul Felon Charged in Federal Complaint for Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted illegal possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2023, officers with the St. Paul Police Department (SPPD) responded to a 911 call regarding an unsolicited package containing what appeared to be cocaine. They field tested the substance, determined it was cocaine, and removed and replaced it with a GPS tracking device. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations later observed Paris Jackson, 38, picking up the package at the residence and attempted to stop him as he returned to a waiting vehicle with the package in hand. Instead, Jackson fled and was pursued by law enforcement. He ultimately crashed into an SPPD squad car at approximately 80 miles per hour, which resulted in life threatening injuries to his passenger and minor injuries to an SPPD officer. He fled from the scene and was ultimately apprehended.
The complaint charges Jackson with attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Jackson has a criminal history dating back to 2001, including multiple arrests for controlled substance offenses. He made his initial appearance on November 22, 2023, before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the St. Paul Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen A. Slaughter and Carla J. Baumel are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Burnsville Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of MachinegunsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Burnsville man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of machinegun conversion devices, or switches, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, in March 2023, federal agents received information that Benjamin Jehle Zwack, 29, an employee at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) business, was selling 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears.” These devices enable firearms to be fired as a fully automatic weapon by a single function of the trigger and qualify as machineguns under federal law.
According to court documents, on March 7, 2023, an undercover agent went to the FFL business and purchased from Zwack eleven 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices designed to convert a semiautomatic AR-Type weapon to shoot automatically. During the purchase, the undercover agent observed a firearm in Zwack’s waistband.
According to court documents, on March 30, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Zwack’s residence and vehicle. Officers recovered a Girsan-Regard, 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the center console of Zwack’s vehicle and a shotgun and ammunition from his residence. A search of Zwack’s storage locker revealed additional firearms, suspected homemade silencers, ammunition, and a suspected destructive device.
Zwack pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to one count of possession of a machinegun. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dakota County Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.
Five Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine from California to Southern MinnesotaRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Five individuals have been sentenced to prison for trafficking methamphetamine that was shipped through the mail from California to Austin, Minnesota, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between the fall of 2021 and the summer of 2022, Michael Anthony Ortiz, 44, of San Jose, California, Esteban Ambriz, Jr., 22, of Austin, Lori Beth Luna, 32, of Austin, Angela Dawn Martin, 26, of Austin, and Kyria Idarmis Bautista Roldan, 34, of Albert Lea, engaged in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine from California to Austin, Minnesota. Ortiz, who was based in California, would send packages of high purity methamphetamine to Ambriz, Luna, Martin, Roldan, and other members involved in the conspiracy, to distribute throughout the Austin area.
All five defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Roldan was sentenced on November 16, 2023, to 100 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Ortiz was sentenced on October 18, 2023, to 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Martin was sentenced on September 27, 2023, to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Ambriz and Luna were sentenced on August 22, 2023, to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and 108 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, respectively. U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery imposed the sentences.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team, South Central Drug Task Force, Cannon River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S Marshals Service, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Police Department, and San Jose Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst prosecuted the case.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to 14.5 Years in Prison for Multiple Armed Robberies of University Avenue Grocery StoresRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 175 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for three armed robberies of grocery stores located in St. Paul along University Avenue, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on three separate occasions between May 27 and June 5, 2022, Nicholas Antwain Dancy, 39, robbed three grocery stores located on University Avenue in St. Paul: Towfiq Grocery, Midway Grocery and Deli, and Global Food and Mid Market. During the robberies, Dancy used a firearm to threaten the employees and demand cash.
Dancy pleaded guilty on July 14, 2023, to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge John R. Tunheim.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by FBI and the St. Paul Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ruth S. Shnider and Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Finds Minneapolis Bloods Gang Member Guilty of Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Minneapolis felon and known Bloods gang member guilty of illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, in the early morning hours of October 16, 2022, Isaiah Lemuel Elisha Ferguson, 27, was involved in a fight at the Basement Bar in the North Loop Neighborhood of Minneapolis. The fight led to a confrontation outside the bar that quickly escalated into a shooting where Ferguson pulled and fired a gun. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) were nearby, heard the gunshots, and were able to quickly subdue and arrest Isaiah Ferguson. Officers found a FN Herstal 5.7 x 28 caliber semi-automatic pistol nearby.
Prior to this incident, on November 7, 2019, a hotel staff member found a firearm in a room registered to Ferguson and called the police. MPD officers discovered a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the room. In July 2020, MPD officers executed a search warrant at Ferguson’s residence and found several firearms and ammunition in his cars and residence.
Because Ferguson has prior felony convictions in Winona and Hennepin Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On November 15, following a three-day trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court, Ferguson was found guilty on one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. He will be sentenced at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Minnesota Department of Corrections, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Esther Soria Mignanelli and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez tried the case.
Coon Rapids Man Sentenced to Prison for $1.3M Romance Fraud Scheme that Targeted Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Coon Rapids man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and required to pay $1,356,995 in restitution for a romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, from at least in or about June 2020 through in or about March 2021, Solomon Eghosa Wilfred, 43, and other scheme participants knowingly and intentionally participated in and facilitated an online romance fraud scheme that targeted primarily elderly victims and lured them into sending money under false pretenses. The scheme relied on impersonating a real or plausible but fictitious person, such as a senior U.S. diplomat or military official, that contacted the victims through online social media applications. The scheme participants then sought to forge a romantic connection with the victims. If successful, the scheme participants would then ask the victims for money purportedly to assist the false persona with some problem or need. Occasionally, the scheme participants would even introduce the victims to a purported third-party intermediary who would corroborate the false persona’s story and assist in defrauding the victims. The victims eventually were directed to send large sums of money by mail or other commercial means to a specified name and address.
Wilfred primarily assisted with the collection and transfer of the fraudulently obtained funds. Wilfred opened at least six Post Office boxes in Minnesota and received hundreds of victims’ packages. He then collected the fraud proceeds and dispersed the money throughout the fraud network. Wilfred also directly communicated with some victims. For example, he sent some victims romantic cards containing trinkets, like wedding rings, and made it appear those mailing came from the false persona. This deepened the fictitious romantic connection and lured the victims into sending more money. In total, Wilfred received over 400 victim packages containing over $1.3 million in fraud proceeds during the scheme. Wilfred kept some of the proceeds for his personal benefit and disbursed the remainder of the proceeds to other scheme participants.
Wilfred pleaded guilty on June 15, 2023, to one count of mail fraud. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge Katherine M. Menendez.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Robert M. Lewis prosecuted the case.
Fourteen Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 14 additional members and associates of the Minneapolis Highs gang with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking. Additional charges include firearms violations, kidnapping, assault, and carjacking.
In addition to the previously charged conduct involving a years-long pattern of violence, the superseding indictment alleges an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation involving Arizona-based suppliers. Between the summer of 2020 and the spring of 2023, Highs members are alleged to have made numerous round-trip flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix, at times carrying large sums of U.S. currency, to obtain fentanyl pills for re-sale in Minneapolis. During the same time period, Highs members shipped numerous U.S. Postal Service parcels containing fentanyl pills to Minneapolis from Arizona. The superseding indictment alleges numerous instances of fentanyl possession and distribution in and around Highs territory in Minneapolis.
Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 11.6 kilograms of fentanyl, at least 36 firearms, and over $218,000 in U.S. currency.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota, Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Engelbert of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, Chief Brian O’Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Kuszynski of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chicago, Inspector in Charge Bryan S. Musgrove of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division, Chief Deputy Tracey Martin of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and Assistant Commissioner Eddie Miles of the Minnesota Department of Corrections made the announcement.
The ATF, FBI, MPD, IRS-CI, USPIS, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota BCA, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies also contributed to the investigation.
Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley, Albania Concepcion, and Jordan L. Sing for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Superseding IndictmentFourteen Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 14 additional members and associates of the Minneapolis Highs gang with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking. Additional charges include firearms violations, kidnapping, assault, and carjacking.
“Today’s charges against the Highs gang are focused on the criminal organization’s extensive fentanyl trafficking operations,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “Selling fentanyl in our communities is as dangerous and lethal as the brazen gun violence we’ve seen in our cities. Addressing the nexus between narcotics trafficking and violent crime is a critical piece of our Violent Crime Strategy, and I am grateful to my law enforcement partners who are equally focused on protecting the lives of Minnesotans, regardless of the threat.”
In addition to the previously charged conduct involving a years-long pattern of violence, the superseding indictment alleges an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation involving Arizona-based suppliers. Between the summer of 2020 and the spring of 2023, Highs members are alleged to have made numerous round-trip flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix, at times carrying large sums of U.S. currency, to obtain fentanyl pills for re-sale in Minneapolis. During the same time period, Highs members shipped numerous U.S. Postal Service parcels containing fentanyl pills to Minneapolis from Arizona. The superseding indictment alleges numerous instances of fentanyl possession and distribution in and around Highs territory in Minneapolis.
Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 11.6 kilos of fentanyl, at least 36 firearms, and over $218,000 in U.S. currency.
The following defendants are charged in the Highs superseding indictment, with all defendants being from Minneapolis, unless otherwise noted below.
- Gregory Brown, aka Lil’ G, aka Knowledge, 33, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Marques Walker, aka Q, aka Quez, 41, is charged with RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
- Deandre Poe, aka Squizzy, aka Fat Squad, 34, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Clinton Brown, aka CJ, 29, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Amarjah Lester, aka M-Thang, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Possession of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
- Christopher Lee Washington, aka Flock, aka David Hendricks, 29, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Ernest Ketter, aka Shakedown, 27, is charged with RICO conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Robert Lesure, aka Bibby Folks, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Avante Nix, aka Fat Folks, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Arron Davis, aka A-Boogie, 31, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Dashawn Jackson, aka D-Nice, 31, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Jadarius Wright, 29, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
- Carlos Serrano, 31, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
- Leneal Frazier, aka Baby Chop, aka Lil’ Chop, 22, who was previously indicted on September 6, 2023, is charged with Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering, Assault in Aid of Racketeering, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy.
The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley, Albania Concepcion, and Jordan L. Sing for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Paul Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty for the possession of a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents on July 23, 2021, Ember Shawndale White, 23, was found in possession of a Beretta APX 9x19mm pistol. Because White has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Dakota Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
White pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon in U.S. District Court before Judge Joan N. Ericksen.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
Apple Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and FirearmsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – An Apple Valley man has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on July 23, 2023, law enforcement attempted to arrest Timothy Allen Torell Wetzstein, 31, on outstanding warrants. Wetzstein fled from police officers but was arrested after a short foot chase. During the chase, Wetzstein threw away a Springfield Armory .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Police searched Wetzstein’s backpack and vehicle and recovered quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, more than $11,000 in cash, and three additional firearms. As part of his guilty plea, Wetzstein also admitted to possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms on multiple other occasions between October 2020 and July 2023.
Wetzstein pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to one count of possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Ramsey Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Drug Task Force, and Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.
Wisconsin Gymnastics Coach Sentenced to 25 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Superior, Wisconsin, man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for producing images depicting his sexual abuse of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, George Francis Deppa, 50, sexually abused a 15-year-old minor and produced visual depictions of the sexual abuse.
Deppa was federally charged in May of 2022 and entered a guilty plea on June 28, 2023, to one count of production of child pornography. Pursuant to the federal plea agreement, Deppa also agreed to enter guilty pleas in additional state felony charges involving sexual assaults against at least five other minors in St. Louis County and Douglas County. Deppa was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Kate M. Menendez. Aggravating factors noted during his federal sentencing included a pattern of isolating and, in some instances, drugging his victims.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Duluth Police Department, with assistance from the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office and the Douglas County (Wisconsin) Attorney’s Office. Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI Minneapolis Division at (218) 722-3341.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children in crimes involving child pornography, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Waseca Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic Assault on Bois Forte ReservationRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Waseca man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for assaulting an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2021, David Alvarez, Jr., 33, assaulted his domestic partner at their residence on the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. At the time of the assault, Alvarez had two prior domestic assault convictions in Steele County.
Alvarez pleaded guilty on July 25, 2023, to one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender. Alvarez was sentenced on October 31, 2023, in U.S. District Court by Judge Joan N. Ericksen.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Bois Forte Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Red Lake Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Drunk-Driving ManslaughterRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Red Lake man has been sentenced to 64 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for involuntary manslaughter resulting from a drunk-driving crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on the early morning of November 6, 2021, Gerald Wayne Johnson, 27, was driving his vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger in the front seat. Johnson was driving well over 90 miles per hour on a public road within the Red Lake Indian Reservation with a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. While speeding and driving recklessly, Johnson failed to handle a curve, jumped the curb, and crashed his vehicle into a tree, severely damaging the entire right side of his vehicle. Johnson’s passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died from her injuries caused by the crash. Investigators recovered several bottles of alcohol from inside and outside of Johnson’s totaled vehicle. Johnson’s blood draw after the crash revealed a blood alcohol content of .224.
Johnson was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of involuntary manslaughter.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Red Lake Police Department, FBI, and Minnesota State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic Assault as Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Red Lake man has pleaded guilty to violently assaulting another individual as a habitual offender, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, in the late evening of April 9, 2023, Shawn Rene Lussier, 55, physically assaulted another individual in a hotel room at the Seven Clans Casino on the Red Lake Indian Reservation by repeatedly punching and kicking the individual. The assault caused serious bodily injury to the victim, including a bloody lip, a one-inch laceration to the scalp that required stitches and left a scar, and other body bruises, and caused over $450.00 in property damage to the hotel room. According to court documents, Lussier has several Tribal Court convictions for Criminal Domestic Violence involving domestic assaults committed on separate occasions between May 2017 and December 2021.
Lussier pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Police Department and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar is prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Finds Three Defendants Guilty in $300 Million Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury has found three defendants guilty in a $300 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to evidence presented at trial, Amondo Antoine Miller, 47, of Littleton, Colorado, Tashena Laverna Crump, 39, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ballam Hazeakiah Dudley, 37, of Plymouth, Minnesota, knowingly conspired with at least 40 other defendants to carry out a telemarketing scheme that began in at least 2000 and victimized numerous individuals across the United States, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable.
“This was one of the largest elder fraud schemes in our nation, with over 150,000 elderly victims across the country,” said United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “We are pleased with the verdict. Combating elder fraud and abuse is one of the Justice Department’s top priorities, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to combat systemic fraud of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Miller, Crump, and Dudley accomplished their scheme by calling victim-consumers who had one or more existing magazine subscriptions and offering to "renew" the existing magazine subscriptions, often at a reduced cost. In reality, the defendants tricked the victim-consumers into signing up for entirely new magazine subscriptions, which they did not want and often could not afford. Some victim-consumers were fraudulently billed by as many as ten companies at a time and received more than $1,000 in monthly magazine subscription charges. Over the course of the scheme, the co-conspirators defrauded more than $300 million from over 150,000 victims nationwide.
Following a month-long trial before Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Dudley, Crump, and Miller, were found guilty of multiple counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.
“The perpetrators of this reprehensible scam exhibited a ruthless level of deception and manipulation by targeting vulnerable victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. “This verdict sends a strong message that those who seek to exploit vulnerable Americans will be brought to justice.”
“Yesterday’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes and in ensuring that the nation’s U.S. Mail stream is not used by criminals to prey upon our citizens,” said Denver Division Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove. “The bold egregious nature in which these fraudsters victimized our elders and stripped them of their hard-earned money illustrates their callous disregard for human decency and overall greed. This investigation is a tremendous example of how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our FBI law enforcement partners can work side by side in an effort to bring these fraudsters to justice.”
The case was the first in Minnesota charged under the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994, which ensures enhanced penalties for persons convicted of mail or wire fraud in connection with the conduct of telemarketing. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Report suspected fraudulent activity to [email protected].
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, Garrett S. Fields, and Melinda A. Williams tried the case.
Federal Jury Finds Brooklyn Center Felon Guilty of Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Brooklyn Center felon guilty of illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to evidence presented at trial, on August 28, 2022, a Bloomington police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Damien Kent Hallmon, 40, for multiple traffic violations and noticed several indicators of marijuana use. The occupants of the vehicle were asked to step out of the vehicle so it could be searched, and officers found a 9mm firearm with a loaded magazine and no serial number in Hallmon’s girlfriend’s purse.
Following a three-day trial before Judge Kate M. Menendez in U.S. District Court, Hallmon was found guilty on one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Because Hallmon has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The firearm seized in this case, a Polymer 80, is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” or a “privately made firearm” (PMF).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bloomington Police Department, the Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office Forensic Science Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso and Ruth S. Shnider tried the case.
Former Medical Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A former medical doctor has been sentenced to four months in federal prison, a six-month term of home confinement, two years supervised release, and a requirement to pay full restitution following an extensive tax-evasion scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, from at least 2000 until 2018, Joseph David Meyer, 62, of Roseau, Minnesota, earned significant taxable income as a licensed medical doctor as well as income and interest from his ownership of rental properties. Meyer repeatedly challenged his tax obligations in court, concealed his taxable income, and even sued his rental tenants for complying with legitimate IRS levies. Meyer’s evasion resulted in a total tax loss of $484,164.
Meyer pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022, to one count of tax evasion. Meyer was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Donovan W. Frank.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by IRS – Criminal Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Sing prosecuted the case.
Four Men Charged for Their Roles in $21 Million Catalytic Converter Theft RingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Four Minnesota men have been indicted for their roles in a multi-million dollar scheme to transport stolen catalytic converters across state lines, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, from May 2020 through October 2022, John Charles Kotten, 41, of Hutchinson, Justin Tyme Johnson, 32, of St. Paul, Soe Nye Moo, 31, of St. Paul, and James Dillon Jensen, 34, of Minneapolis, and others knowingly participated in a lucrative scheme in which they acquired stolen catalytic converters and transported them across state lines to buyers who paid large sums of money for the stolen car parts. Catalytic converters are emission control devices that contain valuable, precious metals—including palladium, platinum, and rhodium—in their center or “core” to reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s engine and filter them into safer emissions.
As part of the conspiracy, individuals who operated as street-level cutters stole catalytic converters from vehicles throughout the state of Minnesota and transferred them to Kotten or Johnson. At times, Kotten and Johnson met with cutters directly to buy stolen catalytic converters, other times they instructed cutters to transfer the catalytic converters to intermediary buyers acting on their behalf, such as Jensen and Moo. After receiving stolen catalytic converters, the defendants concealed and stored the inventory in preparation for shipment across state lines. After sorting, categorizing, and pricing out the anticipated loads, the defendants transported the stolen catalytic converters across state lines using rented U-Haul trailers and personal vehicles. Payments for the stolen catalytic converters were typically in the form of wire transfer, cash, check, or a combination thereof.
In order to conceal their scheme, Kotten and others purchased scrap or junk cars from individual sellers or at auction to make it appear as though they were involved in a legitimate automotive scrapping and recycling business in the event they were audited or investigated.
In total, the conspiracy yielded approximately $21 million in payments to the defendants, most of which came from a small number of high-volume buyers based in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New York.
The indictment charges Kotten, Johnson, Moo, and Jensen with conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate. Kotten and Johnson are charged with interstate transportation of stolen property, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and false statements to a financial institution. Johnson was also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering – concealment, and Moo was charged with possession of a machinegun. All four defendants made their initial appearances earlier today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright.
This case is the result of a joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigations, Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, St. Paul Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Blaine Police Department, Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Carver County Sheriff’s Office, Coon Rapids Police Department, Eagan Police Department, Fridley Police Department, McLeod County Sheriff’s Office, Montevideo Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Roseville Police Department, and Sleepy Eye Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Middlecamp and Emily A. Polachek are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Baune and Quinn Askew are handling the forfeiture of assets.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Registered Nurse Charged with Stealing Pain MedicationsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A registered nurse has been indicted for fraudulently obtaining prescription opioid pain medications from a hospice clinic, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Cambie Elizabeth Broker, 33, was a registered nurse case manager at a hospice clinic in Baxter, Minnesota. Broker entered false prescription requests into the clinic’s e-prescribing software to fraudulently obtain oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl for illegal sale and personal use.
Broker made her initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Micko.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA and the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Shakopee Man Sentenced to Prison for $3.1 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Shakopee man has been sentenced to 51 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3.1 million in restitution for operating a fraudulent investment scheme, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents and his guilty plea, between 2014 and 2021, Jason Dodd Bullard, 59, and others working at his direction solicited funds from individuals, entities, and trusts purportedly to invest in a foreign currency investment program. In reality, Bullard was operating a Ponzi scheme. The funds collected from investors over time were used to fund other entities owned or controlled by Bullard, which were not part of the purported investment plan, and to make payments back to investors to falsely portray the appearance of actual returns. Bullard also used investor funds to support his and his family’s lifestyle. Bullard lied to investors in reports and statements sent to investors that purposed to describe the balances and activity in investors’ accounts. These statements were meant to encourage further investment and to keep investors from learning the truth and to allow Bullard to continue the fraudulent scheme. In total, Bullard defrauded approximately 100 victims in several states, including Minnesota, out of $3,108,312.24 over the course of the scheme.
Bullard pleaded guilty on April 25, 2023, to one count of wire fraud. Bullard was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Katherine M. Menendez.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Lewis prosecuted the case.
Associate of Minneapolis Highs Gang Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – An associate of the Highs, a Minneapolis street gang, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, Deon Necole Williams, aka Ghost, 28, was in possession of a Smith & Wesson model M9 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Because Williams has prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and firearms violations, he is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms or ammunition.
Williams pleaded guilty on June 5, 2023, to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. Williams was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF, FBI, St. Cloud Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley and Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
Pine City Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Victim Child Exploitation and Child Pornography SchemeRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Pine City man has pleaded guilty to five counts of producing, receiving, and distributing images of child pornography, and coercing and enticing minors to engage in illegal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, beginning in or about January 2019, Caleb Vincent McLaughlin, 26, created and used multiple social media accounts and communications applications to solicit and direct at least 14 minor girls between the ages of 11 and 16 years old in Minnesota, and a number of girls as yet to be identified in Minnesota, North Dakota, and elsewhere, to create sexually explicit images and videos to send to him. McLaughlin used a variety of aliases and Snapchat IDs including “Jake Benson,” “Lift11” or “Tech4cm,” in his scheme, and sometimes purported to be 17 years old to prey on minor girls he met online in order to entice and coerce them to create sexually explicit images and videos. In addition to producing child sexual abuse material, McLaughlin offered the minors drugs, alcohol, cash, and gift cards in exchange for sex acts.
On July 17, 2023, McLaughlin was charged in a federal criminal complaint with soliciting, producing, receiving, and distributing images of child pornography, and enticing a child to engage in illegal sexual activity. McLaughlin pleaded guilty today before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schlitz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Law enforcement officials are still working to identify and confirm the identity of many of the minor victims involved. If you believe you or your minor dependent(s) have been victimized by Caleb McLaughlin, please contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, with substantial assistance from the St. Paul Police Department, Pine County Sheriff's Office, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary A. Taylor and Rachel L. Kraker are prosecuting the case.
Anoka County Felon Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – An Anoka County man has been sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on December 29, 2022, officers with the Coon Rapids Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Lewis Edward Byrd III, 46. Byrd, a felon with a prior sexual assault conviction, was arrested for violations related to his status as a predatory offender. After the arrest, officers searched Byrd’s vehicle and found a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun in a pillowcase behind the driver’s seat. Further investigation revealed that Byrd purchased the firearm from a private seller earlier in December 2022. Law enforcement contacted the seller who confirmed the sale of the firearm and said that Byrd stated he was not a felon.
Because Byrd has prior felony convictions, including first degree criminal sexual conduct, stalking, and false imprisonment, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Byrd pleaded guilty on May 8, 2023, to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. Byrd was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Coon Rapids Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Chanhassen Psychologist Sentenced to Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Chanhassen psychologist has been sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for fraudulently billing for counseling services never actually rendered, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Charles Howard Jorenby, 57, was a licensed psychologist and owner of Life Dynamics, Inc., a counseling center located in Prior Lake. From at least January 2013 through February 2020, Jorenby orchestrated a scheme to defraud the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), which is responsible for funding its own tribal members’ health care costs. In order to administer its own self-funded costs, SMSC contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota (BCBS) as its health care administrator and processor for provider billing. Jorenby realized that, within the relationship between SMSC and BCBS, billed services were fully covered, and no individuals received any mailings or “explanation of benefits” paperwork, and that he could therefore submit fraudulent bills for counseling services he claimed to have provided to dozens of SMSC members without any notice to the individuals. In reality, Jorenby never provided counseling services to those individuals, and he used their names and dates of birth without their knowledge or permission. As a result of his false billing practices, SMSC suffered a loss of at least $819,020.83.
According to court documents, in 2017, Jorenby also submitted an additional fraudulent insurance claim to State Farm Insurance following a fire at his business office. In that claim, Jorenby knowingly provided false information regarding lost income, inflating his claimed income to include earnings associated with his fraudulent billings. Jorenby received a settlement of $104,930 as a result of his misrepresentation. In sentencing Mr. Jorenby, the District Court ordered him to pay SMSC $819,020.83, and State Farm Insurance $104,930, as restitution.
“When criminals commit health care fraud it can negatively affect the health care system in the form of increased fees and lower wages,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Secretary Investigations (HSI) Saint Paul Jamie Holt. “These crimes are further exacerbated when they are committed by individuals, like Jorenby, who hold positions of trust throughout a community, particularly for those who relied upon him for their, or their family members’ mental well-being.”
On November 29, 2022, Jorenby pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. He was sentenced on September 22, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Blaine Business Owner Pleads Guilty in $600,000 Scheme to Defraud Hundreds of JobseekersRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Blaine man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after devising an employment opportunity scheme to defraud hundreds of jobseekers out of approximately $600,000, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Charles Edward Fields, 44, was the owner and operator of a series of companies through which he pitched employment opportunities to prospective workers throughout the United States. The employment opportunities that Fields purported to provide were through his businesses, some of which included HOMESoft Systems Incorporated, WaterTek Marketing Corporation, Water Innovations Group, Inc., W I G Holdings Corporation, Mile High H20 Corporation, and the NEW H20. Fields, claimed that, after job applicants paid him an upfront deposit of approximately $3,000 to $5,000, he would hire them as sales contractors to sell products nationwide to the public, primarily home security or water filtration systems. As part of the scheme, Fields also misrepresented his affiliation with, and his authority to act on behalf of, Company A, a long-standing international company that designs and distributes various models of water machines and filtration systems.
According to court documents, Fields routinely posted nationwide online employment advertisements promising job seekers training, sales leads, and $6,000 in guaranteed monthly profit. Despite paying Fields the required upfront deposit, many of his victims never received the product or the training that they paid for as a condition of their employment. In reality, the employment opportunities never materialized as promised by Fields. In addition, Fields misrepresented to job applicants that their deposits would be securely held in escrow and subsequently refunded to them upon request. However, rather than provide victims with the promised equipment or employment opportunities, Fields instead used much of the victims’ funds for his own personal use and benefit or to refund some victims using other victims’ money. In order to conceal his fraud and stave off scrutiny, Fields lulled his victims with bogus excuses as to why he was unable to fulfill his promises or return their funds. In total, Fields defrauded at least 250 victims of at least $600,000.
Fields pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge David S. Doty. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.
St. Louis Park Man Sentenced to Prison in Cyberstalking CaseRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A St. Louis Park man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for cyberstalking two victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, between September 2020 through December 2021, Julyen Alonzo Martin, 30, cyberstalked and threatened to kill, injure, and harass his victims. In violation of orders of protection issued against him, Martin sent numerous threats and unwanted messages via text message and social media applications directed at the victims and their families. Martin stated in one series of threats, “I will [expletive] up your life as long as I live. Someone better come kill me right now. Before I kill somebody. You know what I wanna do.” As a part of his cyberstalking scheme, Martin created social media accounts posing as one of the victims online and posted harmful allegations about both victims. According to court documents, Martin also contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”), falsely alleging that one of the victims was using their work computer to view child pornography. Martin emailed and called the victim’s employer several times claiming the victim was a pedophile being investigated for child endangerment. Martin also posed as a federal agent in furtherance of his cyberstalking scheme and claimed to be an FBI Special Agent intending to search the victim’s place of work for evidence.
Martin was sentenced on September 22, 2023, in U.S. District Court before Judge Susan Richard Nelson on two counts of cyberstalking. Judge Nelson described the case as “one of the most vicious and cruel cyberstalking cases” she’s ever encountered. Judge Nelson reflected on the impact of Martin’s actions on the victims, stating that Martin committed acts “capable of destroying the lives” of his victims.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting EldersRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Georgia woman has pleaded guilty to her role in a $300 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, from 2016 through February 2020, Rita Antoinette Albritton, 59, of Stockbridge, Georgia, knowingly conspired with others to devise a telemarketing scheme that victimized numerous individuals across the United States, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable. Albritton worked as a telemarketer for World Wide Publication Inc., a Georgia-based company involved in fraudulent magazine sales. The company, owned by co-defendant Ronald Coleman, used fraudulent sales scripts to defraud victim-consumers, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable, out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The fraudulent sales scripts were designed to induce consumers, through a series of lies and misrepresentations, into making large or repeat payments. When acting as a telemarketer, Albritton at times used the alias of “Cynthia Alvarez.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, among other misrepresentations she made as directed by the scripts, Albritton falsely claimed that the victim-consumers owed a large outstanding balance for existing magazine subscriptions and fraudulently offered to pay off that balance in exchange for a one-time payment of $199.99. In reality, the victim-consumers did not have any existing subscriptions with World Wide Publication, they did not owe the company any outstanding balance, and the company did not have the ability to cancel the victim-consumers’ ongoing magazine subscriptions. In the course of the scheme, Albritton, Coleman, and their co-conspirators defrauded thousands of victims of approximately $1,749,959.
Albritton pleaded guilty yesterday before Judge John R. Tunheim to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 23, 2024.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Additional assistance was provided by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, Garrett S. Fields, and Melinda A. Williams are prosecuting the case.
Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Duluth man has pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2021, Jason Lamount Burns, 38, possessed a magazine loaded with 9mm ammunition that Duluth Police Department officers found stored on a shelf in Burns’ bedroom closet while executing a search warrant at his home.
Because Burns has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Burns pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge John R. Tunheim to one count of felon in possession of ammunition. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Duluth Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution for receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, law enforcement received a CyberTip from Kik that a Duluth resident had uploaded over 20 separate images and videos between February 23 and March 3, 2020 on the Kik app. They investigated and obtained a search warrant for the residence and vehicles of Eric Scott Sherman, 37, and discovered multiple images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A Motorola cell phone seized during the search confirmed the association between Sherman and the phone number and social media account usernames that started the investigation.
In his plea agreement, Sherman acknowledged that he was charged with and pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a four-year-old child in St. Louis County in 2011. In 2012, he was sentenced to 90 months in custody and 10 years of conditional release. Sherman was still under supervision when he received and possessed the child pornography in this case.
On May 16, 2023, Sherman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Kate M. Menendez.
This case was the result of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Duluth Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Finds Richfield Felon Guilty in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury found a Richfield man guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Following a five-day trial before Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court, Andrew Jerome Bigbee, 57, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
The defendant conspired to distribute methamphetamine between approximately September 2019 and October 2021. On September 4, 2019, law enforcement searched the defendant’s house in Richfield, Minnesota, on a warrant. Law enforcement found more than 520 grams of methamphetamine in the defendant’s house. Law enforcement also found numerous trappings of drug trafficking, including a digital scale, more than $8,000 in cash, a money counting machine, drug packaging materials, and two firearms.
On October 16, 2020, law enforcement searched the defendant’s RV in Bloomington, Minnesota. Law enforcement found more than 5,000 grams of methamphetamine throughout the RV as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a vacuum sealer machine, plastic bags, digital scales, a money counting machine, and more than $300,000 in cash.
On May 6, 2021, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence in Elko, Minnesota. Law enforcement found almost 8,000 grams of methamphetamine in the residence. Law enforcement also found drug trafficking tools, including a digital scale, a money counter machine, almost $18,000 in cash, and a firearm.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Bloomington Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Edina Police Department, Richfield Police Department, Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force, and the Springerville Police Department in Arizona.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan H. Nelson and Chelsea A. Walcker prosecuted the case.
Two Nigerian Nationals Sentenced in Online Romance Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison, probation, and and ordered to pay $356,671 in restitution for their involvement in the theft of thousands of dollars from victims in romance fraud schemes, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, beginning in 2016 through 2019, Charles Emeka Obije, 40, served as a “money mule” for a group of individuals who used fictitious identities to contact victims throughout the United States via email, social media, and online dating applications. The group pursued these romantic relationships online with the intent of using the relationships to defraud his victims.
Obije’s sister-in-law and co-conspirator, Ijeoma Miriam Chanthavong, 36, helped launder the financial proceeds of these schemes. Together, they conspired to transfer the proceeds of the online romance fraud scams to bank accounts under the group's control in Nigeria. In total, Obije and Chanthavong pleaded guilty to defrauding victims out of $356,671.
Obije, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit international money laundering, was sentenced on September 13, 2023, by Senior Judge Donovan W. Frank to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $356,671.00 in restitution. Chanthavong also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit international money laundering and was sentenced on April 19, 2023, to three years of probation and ordered to pay $148,500.00 in restitution.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.
Two Minneapolis Men Sentenced for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST PAUL, Minn. – Two Minneapolis men have been sentenced for carjacking, kidnapping, and holding a victim at gunpoint for several hours, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on the evening of February 14, 2023, T’Shawn Teon Palton, then 20, Jamal Timothy Funchess, 18, and a then-juvenile at the time of the offence posted an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace to purportedly sell an iPhone. The victim responded and made arrangements to buy the phone. The victim and the purported seller agreed to meet at a location in Columbia Heights. When the victim arrived at the location and was still in the car, Palton and the juvenile approached. The juvenile had a gun and hit the victim in the face with the firearm. The men ordered the victim to the backseat of the car. The men then got into the victim’s car, drove a short distance, and picked up Funchess.
For several hours, the three men drove the victim’s car around the Twin Cities, holding the victim at gunpoint in the backseat. Each of the three men at some point held the firearm and pointed it at the victim. During this time, they demanded that the victim surrender his cell phone, wallet, credit cards, and banking information. They drove to several gas stations around the Twin Cities in an attempt to use the victim’s cards to withdraw money. Toward the end of the ordeal, the three men discussed what to do with the victim and openly talked about murdering him. Eventually, they dropped the victim on a road in St. Paul and drove away in the victim’s car. The victim ran to a nearby gas station and borrowed an employee’s cell phone to call 911. Officers were able to use the location of the victim’s stolen cell phone to find Palton, Funchess, and the juvenile, along with the victim’s stolen car and possessions.
Palton and Funchess pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on May 22, 2023, to one count each of carjacking.
On September 15, 2023, Palton and Funchess were sentenced by Senior Judge Susan Richard Nelson. Palton received 108 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Funchess received 100 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes prosecuted the case.